In 1981 and 1982, prior to publishing dedicated comic books based on Dungeons & Dragons, TSR created a series of comics as advertisements for the Basic and Expert sets. These ads, written by Stephen D. Sullivan; their illustrators included Jeff Dee and Bill Willingham, were divided into two sets. One ran in various Marvel Comics titles; the other in Epic Illustrated and Heavy Metal.[1]
In 1987, following the successful launch of the Dragonlance campaign setting, TSR began a series of graphic novels adapting the setting's successful novels by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman. The company's limited familiarity with comic book distribution led them to negotiate a licensing arrangement with DC Comics. DC produced Dungeons & Dragons comics under this license from 1988 until 1991, when conflicts over licensing led DC to not renew the agreement. A number of advertised comics were cancelled as a result, including an intended series written by James Lowder and set in Ravenloft.[1]
Few licensed comics were produced over the next several years, a period of time that included the acquisition of TSR by Wizards of the Coast. In 2001, an agreement was reached with Kenzer and Company to produce Dungeons & Dragons comics, which lasted until 2004 when the property was licensed to Devil's Due Publishing. Devil's Due lost the license in 2008 amidst financial difficulties the company attributed to book store returns.[2]
From 2010 to 2024, the Dungeons & Dragons comic book license was held by IDW Publications. They have published several new ongoing and limited series along with reprints of earlier series, including some DC and Devil's Due comics.[2] In 2021, HarperCollins Children's Books obtained exclusive rights to publish Dungeons & Dragons middle grade books, which include graphic novels.[3] Dark Horse Comics will acquire the comic book license in 2025.[4][5]
1980s and 1990s
editSeries | Publisher | Dates | Issues | Notes | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dragones y Mazmorras [Dungeons and Dragons] | Planeta DeAgostini | 1985–1986 | 27 | Spanish-language adaptation of the Dungeons & Dragons animated television series. | [6] |
The Dragonlance Saga | TSR / DC Comics | 1987–1991 | 5 | First comic book featuring the Dragonlance campaign setting. Written by Roy Thomas, adapting Dragons of Autumn Twilight and Dragons of Winter Night. Published in graphic novel format. The first three volumes were published exclusively by TSR; the last two were in partnership with DC Comics. | [1] |
Advanced Dungeons & Dragons | DC Comics | 1988–1991 | 36 | First comic book featuring the Forgotten Realms campaign setting. Writers include Michael Fleisher, Jeff Grubb, and Dan Mishkin. | [1] |
Dragonlance | DC Comics | 1988–1991 | 34 | Most issues written by Dan Mishkin. | [1] |
Forgotten Realms | DC Comics | 1989–1991 | 25 | Written by Jeff Grubb. | [1] |
Spelljammer | DC Comics | 1990–1991 | 15 | First comic book featuring the Spelljammer campaign setting. Written by Barbara Kesel. | [1] |
Avatar: War of the Gods | DC Comics | 1991 | 3 | Written by Barbara Kesel as an adaptation of the first three books of The Avatar Series. | [1] |
Dragon Strike | Marvel Comics | 1994 | 1 | Written by Jeff Grubb, based on the DragonStrike board game. | [2] |
TSR Limited Edition | TSR | 1996 | 4 | Given away as promotional products. The four issues are Forgotten Realms: The Grand Tour (by Jeff Grubb), Birthright: The Serpent's Eye (by Ed Stark), Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Labyrinth of Madness (by Mike Barron), and Dragonlance: The Fifth Age (by Tom and Mary Bierbaum).[a] | [2] |
Baldur's Gate | Interplay Entertainment | 1998 | 1 | Free promotional comic for the Baldur's Gate video game. | [2] |
2000s
editSeries | Publisher | Dates | Issues | Notes | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Forbidden Sands of Anauroch | 21st Century Games | 2000 | 2 | Graphic novels released in hardcover. Advertised as a six-issue series, but cancelled by 21st Century after the first two. | [2] |
In the Shadow of Dragons | Kenzer & Company | 2001–2002 | 8 | First comic book featuring the Greyhawk campaign setting. | [2] |
Tempest's Gate | Kenzer & Company | 2001–2002 | 4 | [2] | |
Black & White | Kenzer & Company | 2002–2003 | 6 | [2] | |
Vecna: Hand of the Revenant | Iron Hammer Graphics | 2002 | 1 | Graphic novel. Intended as part one of a series that was never produced. | [2] |
Where Shadows Fall | Kenzer & Company | 2003–2004 | 5 | [2] | |
Crisis in Raimiton | Wizards of the Coast | 2004 | 1 | Produced for Free Comic Book Day in 2004. | [2] |
Dragonlance: The Legend of Huma | Devil's Due Publishing | 2004–2005 | 6 | Adapted from the novel of the same name. Due in part to licensing complications, the sixth issue was printed as part of a graphic novel compilation before being printed in stand-alone comic book form. | [2] |
The Legend of Drizzt | Devil's Due Publishing | 2005–2008 | 22 | Adapted from R. A. Salvatore's Dark Elf trilogy, Icewind Dale trilogy, and The Legacy. | [2] |
Dragonlance Chronicles | Devil's Due Publishing | 2005–2006 | 24 | Adapted from Dragons of Autumn Twilight, Dragons of Winter Night, and Dragons of Spring Dawning. | [2] |
Eberron: Eye of the Wolf | Devil's Due Publishing | 2006 | 1 | First comic book featuring the Eberron campaign setting. Written by Keith Baker. | [2] |
The Worlds of Dungeons & Dragons | Devil's Due Publishing | 2008 | 7 | Various writers and settings, including the first comic book featuring the Ravenloft campaign setting, written by James Lowder. | [2] |
Dragonlance Legends | Devil's Due Publishing | 2008 | 3 | Adapted from Time of the Twins. | [2] |
2010s
editSeries | Publisher | Dates | Issues | Notes | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dungeons & Dragons | IDW Publishing | 2010–2012 | 16 | Written by John Rogers and illustrated by Andrea Di Vito, Denis Medri, Horacio Domingues and Juanan. | [2][7] |
Dark Sun: Ianto's Tomb | IDW Publishing | 2011 | 5 | Written by Alex Irvine with art by Peter Bergting. | [2][8] |
The Legend of Drizzt: Neverwinter Tales | IDW Publishing | 2011 | 5 | Written by R. A. Salvatore. | [2][9] |
Forgotten Realms | IDW Publishing | 2012 | 5 | Written by Ed Greenwood, creator of the Forgotten Realms setting, with art by Lee Ferguson and Sal Buscema. | [10][11] |
Forgotten Realms: Cutter | IDW Publishing | 2013 | 5 | Written by R. A. Salvatore and Geno Salvatore with art by David Baldeon and Steve Ellis. | [12][13] |
Legends of Baldur's Gate | IDW Publishing | 2014–2015 | 5 | Written by Jim Zub with art by Max Dunbar and Sarah Stone. Four sequel limited series have been published. | [14] |
Abraxis Wren of Eberron | IDW Publishing | 2015 | 2 | Written by Paul Crilley with art by Valerio Schiti, Livio Ramondelli and Menton J. Matthews III (credited as menton3). | [15][16] |
Shadows of the Vampire | IDW Publishing | 2016 | 5 | Written by Jim Zub with art by Nelson Daniel and Max Dunbar. Follows Legends of Baldur's Gate. | [17][18] |
Frost Giant's Fury | IDW Publishing | 2017 | 5 | Written by Jim Zub with art by Netho Diaz. Follows Shadows of the Vampire. | [17][19] |
Evil at Baldur's Gate | IDW Publishing | 2018 | 5 | Written by Jim Zub and Steven Cummings with art by Dean Kotz, John Wycough, Harvey Tolibao, Jim Zub and Francesco Mortarino. Follows Frost Giant's Fury. | [20][21] |
Rick and Morty vs. Dungeons & Dragons | IDW Publishing, Oni Press | 2018–2019 | 4 | Co-written by Jim Zub and Patrick Rothfuss with art by Troy Little. Crossover with Rick and Morty. | [22][23] |
A Darkened Wish | IDW Publishing | 2019 | 5 | Written by B. Dave Walters with art by Tess Fowler. | [24] |
Rick and Morty vs. Dungeons & Dragons II: Painscape | IDW Publishing, Oni Press | 2019 | 4 | Written by Jim Zub and Sarah Stern with art by Troy Little. Crossover with Rick and Morty. | [25] |
Infernal Tides | IDW Publishing | 2019–2020 | 5 | Written by Jim Zub with art by Max Dunbar. Follows Evil at Baldur's Gate. | [26][27] |
2020s
editSeries | Publisher | Dates | Issues | Notes | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Released | |||||
Stranger Things and Dungeons & Dragons | IDW Publishing, Dark Horse Comics | 2020 | 5 | Co-written by Jim Zub and Jody Houser with art by Diego Galindo, colors by Michele Assarasakorn, and letters by Nate Piekos. Crossover with Stranger Things. | [28] |
At the Spine of the World | IDW Publishing | 2020–2021 | 4 | Written by AJ Mendez and Aimee Garcia with art by Martin Coccolo and colors by Katrina Mae Hao. | [29] |
Mindbreaker | IDW Publishing | 2021–2022 | 5 | Written by Jim Zub with art by Eduardo Mello. Follows Infernal Tides and acts as a prelude to the video game Baldur's Gate III. | [30][31] |
Dungeons & Dragons Annual 2022 | IDW Publishing | 2022 | 1 | Written by Jim Zub & Ryan Cady with art by Eduardo Mello & Kyler Clodfelter. | [3] |
Dungeons & Dragons: Dungeon Club: Roll Call: 1 | HarperCollins Children's Books | 2022 | 1 | Written by Molly Ostertag with art by Xanthe Bouma. | [32] |
Dungeons & Dragons: Ravenloft – Orphan of Agony Isle | IDW Publishing | 2022 | 4 | Written by Casey Gilly with art by Bayleigh Underwood and Corin Howell | |
Dungeons & Dragons: Saturday Morning Adventures | IDW Publishing | 2023 | 4 | Written by David M. Booher & Sam Maggs with art by George Kambadais. | [33] |
Dungeons & Dragons: Saturday Morning Adventures II | IDW Publishing | 2024 | 4 | Written by David M. Booher with art by George Kambadais. | [34] |
Upcoming | |||||
Brie and the Borrowed Blade | Webtoon | 2024 | Written by Purpah with art by Ryan LeCount; R.A. Salvatore is also involved in the creation of the webtoon. It follows Brie, the daughter of Drizzt and Cattie-Brie. | [35][36] |
Notes
edit- ^ A fifth comic, titled Planescape: The Unity of the Rings, was advertised but not distributed.[2] It was released as a digital comic by Wizards of the Coast in 2003.[37]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h Appelcline, Shannon (December 8, 2011). "Designers & Dragons: The Column #5: Dungeons, Dragons, and Comics, Part One: 1979–1991". RPG.net. Retrieved 2019-10-31.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v Appelcline, Shannon (February 8, 2012). "Designers & Dragons: The Column #13: Dungeons, Dragons, and Comics, Part Two: 1992–Present". RPG.net. Retrieved 2019-10-31.
- ^ a b "Dungeons & Dragons Annual 2022: Prepare Your Next Campaign". August 10, 2022.
- ^ Alverson, Brigid (July 25, 2024). "Dark Horse Nabs 'Dungeons & Dragons,' 'Magic: The Gathering' Licenses". ICv2. Retrieved July 25, 2024.
- ^ Johnston, Rich (July 25, 2024). "Dark Horse Takes Magic: The Gathering & D&D Licences From Boom And IDW". Bleeding Cool. Retrieved July 25, 2024.
- ^ "Dragones y Mazmorras". Grand Comics Database. Retrieved 2019-11-01.
- ^ "Dungeons & Dragons: Fell's Five by John Rogers: 9781684058044 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books". PenguinRandomhouse.com. Retrieved 2021-04-01.
- ^ Dungeons and Dragons: Dark Sun Vol. 1: Ianto's Tomb | IDW Publishing. www.idwpublishing.com. Retrieved 2021-04-01.
- ^ Manning, Shaun (October 27, 2010). "John Rogers Plays Dungeons & Dragons". CBR. Retrieved 2019-10-31.
- ^ "Forgotten Realms Creator to Script New Ongoing Dungeons & Dragons®: Forgotten Realms® Comic Book Series". Archived from the original on 2012-02-14. Retrieved 2012-01-21.
- ^ "Top 300 Comics Actual--November 2012". ICv2. December 10, 2012. Retrieved 2021-04-01.
- ^ "IDW Announces New DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Miniseries!". Archived from the original on 2013-05-18. Retrieved 2013-05-03.
- ^ "Dungeons & Dragons: Cutter | IDW Publishing". www.idwpublishing.com. Retrieved 2019-06-14.
- ^ Dungeons & Dragons Legends of Baldur's Gate | IDW Publishing. www.idwpublishing.com. Archived from the original on 2018-12-24. Retrieved 2019-06-14.
- ^ Infestation 2: Dungeons & Dragons #1 (of 2) | IDW Publishing. IDW Publishing. Retrieved 2020-08-14.
- ^ Infestation 2: Dungeons & Dragons #2 (of 2) | IDW Publishing. IDW Publishing. Retrieved 2020-08-14.
- ^ a b Sheehan, Gavin (May 10, 2020). "We Review Dungeons & Dragons: Days Of Endless Adventure". bleedingcool.com. Retrieved 2021-04-01.
- ^ Dungeons & Dragons: Shadows of the Vampire | IDW Publishing. www.idwpublishing.com. Retrieved 2019-06-14.
- ^ Dungeons & Dragons: Frost Giant's Fury TPB | IDW Publishing. www.idwpublishing.com. Retrieved 2019-06-14.
- ^ "Dungeons & Dragons: Evil At Baldur's Gate (Volume)". Comic Vine. Retrieved 2021-07-06.
- ^ Dungeons & Dragons: Evil at Baldur's Gate #1 | IDW Publishing. www.idwpublishing.com. Retrieved 2021-07-06.
- ^ Mufson, Beckett (July 31, 2018). "Rick and Morty vs. Dungeons and Dragons is Basically Nerd Heaven". Vice. Retrieved 2019-10-31.
- ^ Pereira, Sergio (August 29, 2018). "Rick and Morty vs. Dungeons and Dragons Says What We've All Thought About the Game". CBR. Retrieved 2019-10-31.
- ^ Terror, Jude (25 October 2018). "B. Dave Walters and Tess Fowler Launch a Dungeons & Dragons Campaign at IDW in February". Bleeding Cool. Retrieved 2019-10-31.
- ^ Estrella, Ernie (May 29, 2019). "Exclusive Covers: Experience the Pain of the Rick and Morty vs Dungeons and Dragons Sequel". Syfy Wire. Retrieved 2019-10-31.
- ^ Sheehan, Gavin (May 17, 2019). "IDW Announces Dungeons & Dragons: Infernal Tide at D&D Live 2019". Bleeding Cool. Retrieved 2019-10-31.
- ^ Sheehan, Gavin (2019-05-17). "IDW Announces Dungeons & Dragons: Infernal Tide at D&D Live 2019". Bleeding Cool News And Rumors. Retrieved 2021-07-06.
- ^ "Stranger Things Gets An Official Dungeons & Dragons Comic Crossover". ScreenRant. 2020-09-04. Retrieved 2020-12-31.
- ^ "Dungeons & Dragons at the Spine of the World Returns to the Icewind Dale". CBR. 2020-11-11. Retrieved 2021-03-31.
- ^ "IDW to Publish 'Baldur's Gate III' Prequel Comics". ICv2. August 4, 2021. Retrieved 2022-02-05.
- ^ "Comic Book Reviews for This Week: 1/19/2022". ComicBook.com. January 19, 2022. Retrieved 2022-02-05.
- ^ "Dungeons & Dragons Teams Up With HarperCollins for Young Adult Novels and Graphic Novels". ComicBook.com. July 6, 2021. Retrieved 2021-07-06.
- ^ "After 40 Years, Dungeons & Dragons Saturday Morning Adventures Returns". December 15, 2022.
- ^ "Dungeons & Dragons Saturday Morning Adventures II #1 Review: Mixed-Up Nostalgia". ComicBook.com. January 24, 2024. Retrieved January 25, 2024.
- ^ Alverson, Brigid (July 24, 2023). "Webtoon to Run Original 'Dungeons & Dragons' Comic". ICv2. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
- ^ "Dungeons & Dragons Is Getting a Webtoon". ComicBook.com. August 28, 2022. Retrieved August 28, 2022.
- ^ "The Unity of the Rings". Wizards of the Coast. 2003. Archived from the original on September 1, 2000. Retrieved 2019-10-31.