I love the art in the Spellcraft and Swordplay and would love to have something very much like that in EW. I also am a fan of Larry Elmore and since for as long as I can remember (or at least since 1986) I have wanted to do a witch book with Elmore art. It's a thing.
I know that the original version of S&S that had Elmore art was criticized and the new art is a lot better, but Elmore and witches have such a close relationship in my mind that I would not be doing myself justice if I didn't include at least one piece.
I know many in the OSR equate the advent of certain artists to be indicative of "the end of the Golden Era" (mini rant here: Yeah like the art in the LBBs was so excellent it could never have been improved on!) Which I have to say is not very fair to the artists in question.
But at the same time I do respect the feelings the OSR has. After all if it were not for that passion 90% of the old-school/retro-clone games would have never been made and I would not have had the chance to even do this book.
So Old Schoolers, what do you say?
looks good use it
ReplyDeleteSpeaking only for myself, I don't think Elmore art is necessarily bad or inappropriate for an old school product BUT it largely depends on what Elmore art you're talking about. Is it stuff from his early period or his later? If the former, it might be appropriate. If the latter, it's probably not. Whether you use it or not is up to you. However, for many old schoolers, Elmore is strongly associated with Dragonlance and the 2e era, neither of which finds much favor with them. If that's an association you wish to make, go for it, but it will turn off some potential buyers.
ReplyDeleteI'm not really "old school" but I love Elmore art too. I say go for it!
ReplyDeleteElmore rocks! I mean just look at that picture - it just screams Dungeons & Dragons to me!
ReplyDeleteI am considering only a couple of pieces to be honest.
ReplyDeleteAnd then it would be his early drawings like the witch pictured here (but not that picture in particular).
I see both sides of the argument, but of course in the end I want to use what fits the book the best.
I'll echo David and the Flea on this one. I love Elmore. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm one of the guys who said nasty things about the Elmore art in 1st edition S&S. I tend to hold to that, but, like James, I'm not dogmatic. My problem with it in S&S was more context than anything else.
ReplyDeleteThanks all!
ReplyDeleteI think I found a way to have my cake and eat it as well.
More soon!