Since this is the season of "Best of ...", I thought I'd chime in with my choices for best Dragon covers of 2005. Since I'm not an art critic, just someone who knows what he likes and doesn't like, I'd love to hear what others think on this subject.
1st. August. "We're Gonna Need A Bigger Boat." Peter Bergting
Comment: You can't call yourself an adventurer till you faced this situation -- grasping tentacles from the deep sea seeking to drag you down to the depths. Peter captures that beautifully in hues of blue.
2nd. October. "Mummy I'd Like To Flank." James Ryman.
Comment: Ryman's covers rarely need an explanation, and this is no exception. The mummy is literally busting, er, bursting, forth from the page, bandages and all.
3rd. May. "Well-Provisioned Explorer." Steve Prescott.
Comment: Who wouldn't want to be this guy? Alone against the dark, depending only on the gear he can carry into the dungeon.
4th. March. "Medusa's Stony Gaze." Scott Fischer.
Comment. This cover was both provacative and controversial, sparking a boards discussion on what's appropriate material for cover art. The more I look at this one, the more I like it. (Plus, Medesha adopted it as her avatar, so it must be good.)
Honorable mention: September. "Dishonored Moonblade." Matt Dixon.
Comment: I've got a soft spot for Elaith Craulnober, and this piece captures the Waterdeep scoundrel perfectly.
1st. August. "We're Gonna Need A Bigger Boat." Peter Bergting
I'm right there with you, Troy. The first time I saw this cover I declared it the best cover I'd ever seen on a Dragon magazine.
334 had amazing use of colour, and 332 great perspective.
I agree, 332 had a great sense of perspective. You certainly get a sense of what it's like to be a dragon hunter.