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Royal Mail has today revealed its brand new Dungeon & Dragons stamp collection to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the ‘world’s greatest roleplaying game’.
In total, 14 special stamps have been issued for D&D, which is often cited as the first modern role-playing game. It is currently estimated there are over 64 million fans worldwide. It is hugely popular in the UK.
British artist Wayne Reynolds has illustrated all of the stamps in the set – with 11 images being specially commissioned. Mr Reynolds has previously produced illustrations for various D&D games, handbooks and guides for more than 20 years.
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The main set of eight stunning stamps features a selection of iconic monsters from the game: Red Dragon, Owlbear, Vecna, Gelatinous Cube, Mind Flayer, Mimic, Displacer Beast and Beholder. When an ultraviolet light is shone over the stamps in the main set, a special surprise will be revealed.
Four stamps show the D&D ampersand logo. The other four show a graphic that is relevant to the monster featured on the stamp Red Dragon (dragon head), Vecna (skull), Mimic, and the Beholder. Each of these four fluorescent graphics was created for the 50th anniversary.
A further six stamps, presented in a miniature sheet, depict dynamic images of a party of adventuring heroes that might be played in the game, including: Tiefling Rogue, Human Bard, Halfling Cleric, Elf Fighter, Dwarf Paladin and Dragonborn Wizard.
David Gold, director of external affairs and policy said: “For fifty years, Dungeons & Dragons has enabled millions of fans across the world to enjoy using their imaginations and immersing themselves in a magical world. We are delighted that this creative and exciting role-playing game is celebrated using Britain’s Wayne Reynolds’ unique illustrations.”
Dan Rawson, global play lead, Dungeons & Dragons at Wizards of the Coast: said; “Building on Hasbro’s existing work with Royal Mail, we’re honoured to release this beautiful collection of stamps, officially approved by HM King Charles III, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the World’s Greatest Roleplaying Game.
“With stunning art from long-time Dungeons & Dragons artist Wayne Reynolds showcasing our adventuring heroes and fearsome creatures, we’re sure these items will be treasured by D&D fans and stamp collectors alike.”
Artist, Mr Reynolds, said: “Being asked to design the Dungeons & Dragons stamps for Royal Mail was a massive honour for me. As a British artist it was a wonderful opportunity to be able to contribute artwork that I’d created as a long-running D&D fantasy artist to something I consider to be an iconic institution. I get the opportunity to see my artwork on stamp!”
First published in 1974, D&D was originally designed by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson in Wisconsin, USA. Introduced to the UK in 1975, it has since become the World’s Greatest Roleplaying Game.
The worlds, monsters and gameplay of D&D have influenced popular fantasy tropes in film, television, video games and beyond.
The stamps, and a range of collectible products, are available to pre-order from today (11 July) at www.royalmail.com/dnd and by telephone on 03457 641 641. A Presentation Pack including all 14 stamps is priced at £24.40. The stamps go on general sale on 25 July.
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