Join Rediscovered Realms this week as we explore “The Art of Lone Wolf” and Gary Chalk’s distinctive illustrations from the epic 1980s solo fantasy gamebooks!
I’ve been a big fan of Gary Chalk’s for a long time … seeing his armies in White Dwarf (you can tell by his amazing banners), Talisman and the amazing Lone Wolf books and especially covers. It was sad Joe and Gary split as a team, and obviously Joe went on to many more Lone Wolf books but to me Magnamund was Chalks art.
I'll be honest, the artwork in Lone Wolf was my least favourite thing about the series. I found it quite amaturish compared with, say D&D artwork of the 1980s (D&D artwork took a terrible turn in the 2000s from which it never recovered).
But opinions on art are subjective of course, so I'm happy if you like it.
I always liked turning to a selection and seeing an illustration waiting! Mr. Chalk's art work made the story come alive. Sometimes it was a fabulous battle scene while other times it was an old man complaining of how badly I smelled like in Shadows on the Sand. LOL
Dude - I LOVED the illustrations in Talisman. I gave it to my nephews and brother a decade or more ago - but need to get it back! It's somehow ... precious to me.
the Lone Wolf artwork was cool, these came out after I would have read these particular bookstyles. I never played Battle Cars, but we played the hell put of some SJ Car Wars, back in the day. There was a Roman chariot type game as well...Circus Circus, or Circus Maximus, not too dissimilar, and alot of fun.
I remember Car Wars! The 3rd party miniatures for those car games seemed so cool. I don't think I've seen the Roman chariot game, but now you've got me curious!
Spiked wheels on the chariots, could use your whip on opposing drivers, they could try and snatch your whip. Lighter chariots moved faster, heavier ones had more endurance, trample drivers who fell out of the chariots...was big fun
I’ve been a big fan of Gary Chalk’s for a long time … seeing his armies in White Dwarf (you can tell by his amazing banners), Talisman and the amazing Lone Wolf books and especially covers. It was sad Joe and Gary split as a team, and obviously Joe went on to many more Lone Wolf books but to me Magnamund was Chalks art.
Well said, Mark - and good call on White Dwarf!
Loved these books. The art is amazing
Right on, Troy! I remember loving (and still do) the extra embellished drawings of weapons, skulls, etc. It added so much to the imagination.
I'll be honest, the artwork in Lone Wolf was my least favourite thing about the series. I found it quite amaturish compared with, say D&D artwork of the 1980s (D&D artwork took a terrible turn in the 2000s from which it never recovered).
But opinions on art are subjective of course, so I'm happy if you like it.
No problem, Kveto. I definitely liked the classic D&D artwork better, but this style also holds a place in my heart.
I always liked turning to a selection and seeing an illustration waiting! Mr. Chalk's art work made the story come alive. Sometimes it was a fabulous battle scene while other times it was an old man complaining of how badly I smelled like in Shadows on the Sand. LOL
LOL, Jim! That's so true. Often, it was the more "mundane" illustrated scenes that surprised and stuck with you (like your stench 😁)
Such a unique style. Love Gary Chalk's work. The illustrations he did for the original Talisman were so immersive!
Dude - I LOVED the illustrations in Talisman. I gave it to my nephews and brother a decade or more ago - but need to get it back! It's somehow ... precious to me.
the Lone Wolf artwork was cool, these came out after I would have read these particular bookstyles. I never played Battle Cars, but we played the hell put of some SJ Car Wars, back in the day. There was a Roman chariot type game as well...Circus Circus, or Circus Maximus, not too dissimilar, and alot of fun.
I remember Car Wars! The 3rd party miniatures for those car games seemed so cool. I don't think I've seen the Roman chariot game, but now you've got me curious!
Spiked wheels on the chariots, could use your whip on opposing drivers, they could try and snatch your whip. Lighter chariots moved faster, heavier ones had more endurance, trample drivers who fell out of the chariots...was big fun
No way! It's like Spartacus + Ben Hurr + Death Race 2000 all at the same time!!!
when we were waiting to game either D&D or RaF3rdR we would drop these games in...15-20 minutes a race