Warriors & Warlocks Design Journal #1

For the cover to Warriors & Warlocks, we wanted something in the style of the great sword & sorcery comics. Fortunately, we had the assistance of well-known comic artist Tom Mandrake, who has had some experience in that area!

Cover Concept

The cover concept captures the essential elements: the barbarian hero fighting off a horde of Serpent People (signature baddies in both Freeport and the fantastic sword & sorcery past of Freedom City). In the background a sorceress works her spell, but is she the barbarian’s ally or enemy...?

Work in Progress

We can see more detail in the second cover sketch, now that the concept is approved: the hero’s posture and weaponry have changed slightly, the Serpent People attackers are clearer, as is the figure of the sorceress.

Inked Art

Now we’re seeing some detail! This is the final, inked, piece of art, showing all the fine lines and shadows. It reminds me of the style of the black & white Conan comic book art, which is exactly the feel we’re looking for. But we’re nowhere near done yet!

Colored Art

Now there’s the finished color art, which really gives the image texture and depth. Note the swirls of mystic power for the sorceress, along with her flaming red hair, the gleam of light off the barbarian’s bloodied sword. By Krom, I think we’ve got it!

Completed Cover

Now Art Director Hal Mangold works his magic, adding in the graphic elements for our finished cover: the logo colors offer some contrast with the warm colors of the cover to make them pop, while matching with the Green Ronin logo colors. This is a cover that should jump out from the game store shelf!

In some upcoming Design Journals we’ll take a look inside the covers of Warriors & Warlocks and see how sword & sorcery melds with Mutants & Masterminds and Freeport, the City of Adventure!