Long before memes and “dad jokes”, the Dungeon Masters Guide hid a different kind of treasure between its rules and tables … small black-and-white fantasy comics scattered like secret loot. Join Rediscovered Realms as we dust off the 1E DMG and spotlight these seven hysterical panels that poke fun at classic D&D tropes & prove that not all dungeon delving is serious business!
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When’s the last time you cracked open your 1e Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Dungeon Masters Guide?
You probably remember the epic illustrations . . . maybe not as jewel-studded as the Monster Manual or Player’s Handbook, but still filled with memorable, moody artwork.
What I had forgotten, though, were the little fantasy comics tucked between the charts and tables!
Anyone who loved “Dragon Mirth” in Dragon Magazine will recognize the style instantly - the kind of wry, geeky humor we lived for (and loved to share with friends).
Those comics are a big part of what made the early TSR books feel like they came from pals huddled over a game night - not from some faceless corporation.
So grab your DMG, blow the dust off the cover, and flip through with me as we rediscover the seven rib-tickling RPG-humor little comics hiding inside!
Your next piece of fantasy fun is calling.
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If you like fantasy comics, then you HAVE TO check out these other Rediscovered Realms editions:
These seven little comics may be diminutive ink sketches, but they speak volumes about the spirit of early D&D - playful, unpolished, and made by gamers for gamers.
Here’s to the smiles tucked between the rules, and to remembering that even in the deepest dungeon, there’s always room for a laugh.
Did you notice these comics when you first read the 1E Dungeon Masters Guide - or are they news to you?
Which old-school D&D joke or cartoon always makes you smile?
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Definitely remember the comics in the 1E DMG, they certainly stood out in something that at times felt like a big encyclopedia. My favorite was probably the "Bigby's/Backscratcher Wand", though I did also distinctly remember the "Barbarian/drink" quote specifically.
I especially enjoyed the music this week. I am an online history teacher so I have music playing softly in the background all day long. Will add this to my repertoire. Great reminiscing with the humor this morning!
Definitely remember the comics in the 1E DMG, they certainly stood out in something that at times felt like a big encyclopedia. My favorite was probably the "Bigby's/Backscratcher Wand", though I did also distinctly remember the "Barbarian/drink" quote specifically.
I especially enjoyed the music this week. I am an online history teacher so I have music playing softly in the background all day long. Will add this to my repertoire. Great reminiscing with the humor this morning!