D&D General D&D Red Box: Who Is The Warrior?

The Dungeons & Dragons Red Box, famously illustrated by Larry Elmore in 1983, featured cover art of a warrior fighting a red dragon. The piece is an iconic part of D&D's history.

WizKids is creating a 50th Anniversary D&D miniatures set for the D&D Icons of the Realms line which includes models based on classic art from the game, such as the AD&D Player's Handbook's famous 'A Paladin In Hell' piece by David Sutherland in 1978, along with various monsters and other iconic images. The set will be available in July 2024.

Amongst the collection is Elmore's dragon-fighting warrior. This character has only ever been seen from behind, and has never been named or identified. However, WizKids’ miniature gives us our first look at them from the front. The warrior is a woman; the view from behind is identical to the original art, while the view from the front--the first time the character's face has ever been seen--is, as WizKids told ComicBook.com, "purposefully and clearly" a woman. This will be one of 10 secret rare miniatures included in the D&D Icons of the Realms: 50th Anniversary booster boxes.

The original artist, Larry Elmore, says otherwise. (Update—the linked post has since been edited).

It's a man!

Gary didn't know what he wanted, all he wanted was something simple that would jump out at you. He wanted a male warrior. If it was a woman, you would know it for I'm pretty famous for painting women.

There was never a question in all these years about the male warrior.

No one thought it was a female warrior. "Whoever thought it was a female warrior is quite crazy and do not know what they are talking about."

This is stupid. I painted it, I should know.

- Larry Elmore​

Whether or not Elmore's intent was for the character to be a man, it seems that officially she's a woman. Either way, it's an awesome miniature. And for those who love the art, you can buy a print from Larry Elmore's official website.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

I'm sure if they released an action figure of the Mona Lisa that was male no would care right?

You do know that is an actual theory?

Also, look up Leo's David.

 

[UVAtom]

Let’s just split the difference and say it’s a drag queen.

 

[AnotherGuy]

I hope every incel in the RPG world just had a coronary.

Out of interest how many groups of ppl do you wish death on?

 

[Michael Linke]

I actually think the opposite, some maybe feel the original creator was disrespected by not only not being consulted, not even warned. This product was targeted at old school fans and treating Larry so rudely may cause a backlash with canceled orders.

I mean the dude has done countless women warriors, women mages, maybe women clerics, ect..., I mean they could have done a whole set of minis based on his art (OMGs that would do so well).

They should apologize.

God forbid

So what's your opinion of AI art?
This is the same thing really, it's copying an existing work (the back pose figure) and reconfiguring it to a new form.

The original artist should still be acknowledged even if his original art was sold

they did acknowledge him.

 

[Jadeite]

This whole debate will become moot once Wizkids releases the mini far less detailed than the render.

Spoiler: Render

Spoiler: Final Mini

[\SPOILER]

 

[teitan]

I must say Larry seems about out of touch and sexist in that reply. A bit disappointing

So are you saying that he has no say in his artistic intent and expression? To an extent there is interpretation but also understanding the intent behind a piece of art is actually extremely important to the interpretation. He is allowed to express that intent and disagree with a major change to his artistic work, whether you think it is sexist is essentially meaningless because it is erasure of his legacy, his self expression, even if it is a commercial piece under an art director. To suddenly tell him his art, that he owns a piece of the rights to, is something wholly different is, and I am not directing this at you, is not what he intended is arrogance. We need to respect the artist even if we develop our own ideas behind an image.

One thing I think is forgotten here is that the warrior on the cover has been depicted from the front and not just from behind. I will note I think the mini looks amazing.

 

[teitan]

Well, I disagreed with your assessment, do we even even know this was WOTC at work and not WizKid?

Yeah a lot of folks think they are the same company but WOTC would have needed to sign off on it.

 

[teitan]

Well that explains the fabulous boots

Personally I thought it was the same Adventurer in the intro adventure, maybe somewhat later in his career

I believe that was the intent.

 

[teitan]

I actually think the opposite, some maybe feel the original creator was disrespected by not only not being consulted, not even warned. This product was targeted at old school fans and treating Larry so rudely may cause a backlash with canceled orders.

I mean the dude has done countless women warriors, women mages, maybe women clerics, ect..., I mean they could have done a whole set of minis based on his art (OMGs that would do so well).

They should apologize.

Dark Sword Miniatures does just that, an Elmore series that also evokes the old Partha Elmore minis

 

[teitan]

Side note - Darksword minis have some fantastic Elmore mini in their line up.

Another side side note - I think I may get this art on the displate metal poster website.

why not just buy a print directly from him and he will get more of the money and it bypasses WOTC.