Process Video: 2009

A step-by-step process video of the cartoon homage from Episode 39, exclusively for paid subscribers

What’s in the chest? Is it a whole lot of ultra-shiny gold coins reflecting the torchlight? Is is a long sought after item—a major goal of the campaign—whose glow is only metaphorical? Is it a powerful artifact radiating magical energy? Is it the soul of Marsellus Wallace?

One of the things that makes me consider the cover for the 2009 Adventurer’s Vault 2 a D&D classic is that it DOESN’T MATTER what’s in the chest. It’s something that’s so important to these adventurers that even in a room literally full of MOUNDS of treasure, THIS is what they’re looking for. That’s why this painting by Wayne Reynolds represents a collective truth, a universal moment in which D&D players from any era can picture themselves and their characters.

Subscribers to this newsletter got to see this drawing early, whereas the general public are only just getting their first glimpses of it today. But there’s still something left that’s JUST for the paid subscribers—a process video showing the step-by-step creation of this cartoon homage. (If you’re currently a free subscriber, now would be a great time to upgrade.)