Best science fiction & fantasy art books according to redditors

Source for those curious:

"The Madness of Avacyn" (Page 48) in The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Innistrad.

https://www.amazon.com/Petersens-Field-Guide-Lovecraftian-Horrors/dp/1568820836

is there a gallery of ALL of these? i remember seeing galleries of these through the first initial batch, then through the subsequent few months. is there a trade collecting them all? i'd buy that.


asked and answered.

https://www.amazon.com/Marvel-Hip-Hop-Covers-Vol-1/dp/1302902334

cheaper here: https://www.dcbservice.com/product/mar160927/marvel-hip-hop-covers-hc-vol-01

though there have been still more since.

There is another one (about artworks and illustrations) coming in February

https://www.amazon.com/Legend-Zelda-Art-Artifacts/dp/1506703356/

And a third one has been announced for Japan

http://nintendoeverything.com/hyrule-encyclopedia-revealed-as-second-zelda-30th-anniversary-book/

In case you needed ideas for next Christmas ;-)

I haven't had a chance to look at it myself, but The World of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time was released a number of years ago. It sounds like it might be the sort of thing you are looking for.

I agree though that it would be nice to have more books to build on the lore.

The "Bebop Crew Edition" has the coolest design and the most useless add-ons:

Digipak cases suck and PVC Bookends are useless

But $500 is reasonable, right? Just to know how bad Funimation is trying to fuck you:

• Vinyl costs like $15/per to make, so worth $30 for retail
  
• PVC bookends retail for like $30
  
• Blueray set is like $35 + The movie for $10, plus Digipak cases suck, hard
  
• Litho prints are cheap and easy
  
• The art book is worth somewhere from $25-$45, maximum, especially if it's only 200 pages
  
  That shit should actually cost ~$150-$200, tops.
  

>I just want illustrations

Petersen's Field Guide to Lovecraftian Horrors

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1568820836

It's more or less a coffee table book but you're going to need to get over your weird 'no names' restriction.

The Strike at Shayol Ghul details Lews Therins attempt to shut the bore.

Speaking of the Strike at Shayol Ghul, there is The World of Robert Jordan's a Wheel of Time also known affectionetly as the Big White Book (BWB) or Big Book of Bad Art (BBBA). It delves into a lot about cultures, features write ups of each forsaken, pokes fun at the covers and includes the entire text of Strike.

There was a short story called New Spring included in Robert Silverberg's Legends, this was later expanded into the novella New Spring

The short story about Bao is not considered connanical and is included in the short story collection Unfettered

Eye of the world was re-released for a YA market in two parts with a new prologue Ravens

The Interview Database, just click a topic that looks intresting and prepare to lose a day or two

The Wheel of Time FAQ back in the mists of time (late 90's early aughts) this was the best resource for all things WoT related. It hasn't been significantly updated since about book 10 (i mean, yes there were updates, but nothing on the scale and detail that it used to get). Gives great insight into what the fandom was pulling its hair out about during the two years+ between books. Also, some of the info is evergreen like historical references etc.

There was a terrible video game that has almost zero to do with the series.

There was a d20 based D&D rule set released and a adventure that explained how Taim got to Rand in time to rescue himat Dumai's Wells. RJ later came out and said that this was completely made up by the authors of the module and had nothing to do with the series, which was a BIG clue about Taim's allegiance.

I feel like im missing something, but I can't put my finger on it, so I will leave you with a random fact that you should know

Tar Valon is a vagina

It looks like the cover of this https://www.amazon.com/Halo-Building-Worlds-Titan-Books/dp/0857685627

I hope you picked up the art book! (Available in physical or digital on Amazon, ComiXology and iBooks.)

The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Zendikar https://www.amazon.com/dp/142158249X/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_-ssKxb3VABSP3

Quick info:

The deluxe edition costs $77 and will include:

• It's (sic) own unique matte cover art.
  
  
• A Ribbon bookmark.
  
  
• Your book will fit effortlessly into glossy, die-cut slipcase designed to resemble your favorite arcade game.
  
  
• A high quality folded sleeve will contain:
  
• 3 Street Fighter Art Prints (details to follow)
  
  
• 1 Papercraft folded model (details to follow)
  
  A non-deluxe edition will cost $37.35 and is due on the 7th of November. Its description says:
  
  "Undisputed Street Fighter™ features in-depth interviews and exclusive, behind-the-scenes looks into the making of the Street Fighter games, and the iconic art, design, and imagery from across the Street Fighter universe."
  
  edit: stuff.

Congratulations! Check out The Wheel of Time Companion, The World of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time, and the canonical (and non-canonical) short stories! And if you haven't already, peruse http://www.encyclopaedia-wot.org/ - it has good chapter synopses and links between parts of the story.

4th by my count

1. Hyrule Historia
   
   
2. Art & Artifacts
   
   
3. Zelda Encyclopedia
   
   
4. Creating a Champion

I think the same thing on Amazon is cheaper ($17.18.)

If you like the art, consider the official [Kaladesh Art Book] (https://www.amazon.com/Art-Magic-Gathering-Kaladesh/dp/1421590506). Also encourages Wizards to continue making them if they sell well.

Didn't Nintendo just release that book?...

The one that came with the release with Oath and part of the new series of lore/art books they're doing.

That's actually an artbook! It was released fairly recently, as far as I understand. If you're a fan, it's definitely worth it

Keep in mind that the regular hardcover is currently $25 on Amazon US.

The Legend of Zelda: Art & Artifacts https://www.amazon.com/dp/1506703356/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fpuIyb7S947NK

To anyone who can't justify the price, there's the regular edition for Pre-Order too. (link for Amazon US)

Magic art books looks nice, im temped to buy this one.
https://www.amazon.com/Art-Magic-Gathering-Innistrad/dp/1421587807

3 Main Sources.

1. There's a weekly column called "Magic Story" (Formerly known as Uncharted Realms). It comes out on Wednesdays.
   
   
2. The cards themselves often tell the story. There are cards known as Pivotal Events which represent particularly important story moments.
   
   
3. Since Battle for Zendikar, each new block has had an Art/Worldbuilding Book come out that summarizes the storyline in the last section.
   
   Also, just to clarify, Chandra did not kill Emrakul. She did use Zendikar's life force to kill Ulamog and Kozilek. Emrakul was trapped in Innistrad's silver moon by Nissa and Tamiyo. Nahiri was in the Helvault in the past, but she was released by Liliana when Liliana destroyed the Helvault as part of her plans to kill Griselbrand in Avacyn Restored. After being released, Nahiri worked to lure Emrakul to Innistrad to take revenge on Sorin.

Art of Path of Exile https://www.amazon.com/dp/1524102644/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_2EDaAb4360QAR

It's not coming out until January, but check out the Kaladesh artbook: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Magic-Gathering-Kaladesh/dp/1421590506.

You can also find information on the plane here.

> Marvel is for the culture

Marvel is for the money. This was a good idea that they immediately ran into the ground as soon as a new audience started buying comics.

I don't know if any of the writers or artists involved even know anything about any of the albums on which the new covers are based, it seems like someone's just picking them at random, slapping a new cover on the front and then overcharging for what is otherwise recycled content.

By the way, my "local" comic shop is a half hour away and they immediately mark each book up to more than two times the cover price for every single issue. Check prices if you want one of these, they might be cheaper online (shipping included.)

I stopped buying these after buying 20-30 or so. I'll wait for the hardcover collections from now on, they're cheaper and the comics are all reprints anyway.

if youre doing a setting you might also enjoy the innistrad art book. i picked one up a few years ago and its great
https://www.amazon.com/Art-Magic-Gathering-Innistrad/dp/1421587807

There you go!

If you still wanna support your shop you can pick up a copy of this when it drops. That's what I'm gonna do.

The second book has been released and is called The Legend of Zelda: Art & Artifacts.

Can I reccomend this? https://www.amazon.com/Undisputed-Street-Fighter-Anniversary-Retrospective/dp/1524104663/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535760729&sr=8-1&keywords=street+fighter+book

it's really great, goes into the history of Street Fighter and covers SFV a bit also

There is a lot of lore and worldbuilding in The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Zendikar. There is also a corresponding book coming out for kaladesh soon, as shown by this thread. If you are looking for something Pre-Eldrazi, there is also A Planeswalker's Guide to Zendikar.

I hope this helps and good luck!

Ravnica has a number of novels, starting with "Ravnica: City of Guilds," then Guildpact, then Dissension, and then "The Secretist" ebook.

Innistrad has an art book that's full of lore.

How about some cool dice? Do a search for 'custom dice' on ebay or etsy and pick something with his favorite colours or theme.

Something more expensive but very cool is the "Art of Innistrad" artbook https://www.amazon.com/Art-Magic-Gathering-Innistrad/dp/1421587807

Good news, you don't even need to wait

If you're into the art of magic, another thing you might want to get is the art books, such as this one. These feature full page spreads of art art as well as great descriptions of the lore of the world.

Amazon! :)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1785655620/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

https://www.mtgpics.com/sets

look for the Ravnica Sets.

-Ravnica

-Guildpact

-Dissension

-Return to Ravnica

-Gatecrash

-Dragon's Maze

-Guilds of Ravnica

-Ravnica Allegiance

-War of the Spark

​

If you like analog resources

https://www.amazon.com/Art-Magic-Gathering-Ravnica/dp/1974705528

Amazon. I preordered back in August.

https://www.amazon.com/Art-Path-Exile-Various-Artists/dp/1524102644

Pre order the book here. Will probably worth it.

https://www.amazon.com/Art-Magic-Gathering-Kaladesh/dp/1421590506/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473867877&sr=8-1&keywords=art+of+kaladesh

https://www.amazon.com/World-Robert-Jordans-Wheel-Time/dp/0312869363

Dubbed the "Big White Book of Bad Art" because, well, it's a big white book with a lot of bad art in it.

I don't think that exact product exists, but there are some Magic art books available, as well as this book by Rob Alexander (who painted some of the most iconic land cards in the game) that features a bunch of art from Magic lands among other pieces.

Obviously, reading the entire series several times isn't a practical idea. And, there's far too much breadth and depth to the world to give you a useful crash course in a reddit comment or two. So, here are a few suggestions:

• Ask your friend about the characters they want to play, when relative to the main story, and what part(s) of the world they're most interested in exploring. This will give you some areas to focus on in more detail.
  
• Consider reading a couple of the books if you can make the time. The natural place to start would be The Eye of the World which is full of detail and world-building. However, the plot is very tightly focused and you might not get enough of the big picture to construct a good campaign experience.
  
  • Another option would be to jump ahead to books 3, 4, and 5 (The Dragon Reborn, Shadow Rising, and The Fires of Heaven). The scope is substantially wider and you'll see a lot more of the world, cultures, and different regions. Crucially, you'll get some time in the White Tower, which is the single most important political institution. These earlier books are more accessible, Jordan does more recapping in the narration, and there are fewer minor POV characters than later in the series. Plus, reading some of these will give you a much more nuanced feel for the world than reading synopses and Wiki entries.
    
  • I would also consider reading the New Spring novella. It's considerably shorter than any of the other works and gives you a unique view on the world outside of the context of the main story line. If any of the players is playing an Aes Sedai or a character connected to the White Tower (a warder, expelled novice, etc.) this book is a must read for you.
    
• The audiobooks are truly EXCELLENT. Getting all 15 (induing New Spring) could be somewhat costly, but if you can find some at local libraries and pick up others on audible, it would be a good way to immerse yourself in the world. If I were in your shoes, I would listen to them frequently as you run the campaign, dipping in and out of different books after you finish the series on the first go.
  
  Some other resources for you to consider:
  
  
• The Wiki is OK. It's somewhat mixed in its detail and seems to be more detailed on the individual characters, which is likely less useful for your needs.
  
• Leigh Butler's ReRead of the series on Tor.com is good. She does a brief chapter-by-chapter synopsis of each book, so you'll get all the main plot and character points, although you'll of course miss out on the details of the world building and texture. Plus, it's written for someone who's read the series. Nonetheless, it might be worth checking out for you.
  
• The two published reference books might also be worth getting your hands on.
  
  • I highly recommend reading The World of Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time (aka the White Book or the big book of bad art). It's organized thematically and will cover a lot of background detail of the world: Nations, history, some politics, etc. Unfortunately, it's not comprehensive as it was written part way through the series.
    
  • The Wheel of Time Companion was published after the series was finished. It's organized alphabetically and draws from Jordan's notes as well as the published works. You might well find it a good reference for different places, ideas, and items, but for learning about the world overall, I think you'll be better served by starting with the white book.
    
    Hope this helps!
    

mute_proxy is referring to this.

https://www.amazon.com/Rick-Morty-Official-Coloring-Book/dp/1785655620

Buy yourself one!

INVESTIGATING...

1. With newbies, I make it ultra obvious until they get used to looking around. First I make sure to be clear in my descriptions. I also really push passive perception. I will share that they notice things around them. Whatever makes sense in context that might give an indication they should look around more closely. If that doesn't get them biting them I simply ask "Do you want to look around more carefully?" Then if they say yes I ask them to roll an investigation check. Newbies frequently need to be given more obvious prompts until they get used to operating more independently.
   
2. If they are veteran players I usually don't have to do the above. I let them make their choices but I make sure I am really clearly describing the area.
   
   MAPS...
   
   
3. I do not rely heavily on actual maps unless there is a tactical reason they need one. I use Theater of the Mind. As long as I am describing things well, it can actually enhance play since everyone has a clear picture in their head of a 3 dimensional space instead of a flat map.
   
4. I rarely ever draw a map while in game. It takes too much time. When I do need a map, if the space is complicated enough that I actually feel the players need a map, then I need time to draw it accurately anyway. If the space is something like a 20x20 room with nothing in it but the PCs and the bad guys then I don't usually need a map.
   
5. I also hate spending hours and hours on maps when my players may never even go to the whatever I am mapping. Therefore I use a hybrid of things to provide a map when it is necessary, but almost always prepped ahead of time.I don't always draw the map, though. I sometimes rely on other resources. Examples below:
   
   

• I sometimes use these: https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Tactical-Reincarnated-Accessory/dp/0786966793/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=grids+dnd&qid=1571626033&sr=8-6
  
• and these https://www.amazon.com/DUNGEON-TILES-REINCARNATED-WILDERNESS/dp/0786966319/ref=sr_1_11?keywords=grids+dnd&qid=1571626069&sr=8-11 upon occasion.
  
• I also bought this and use this for larger maps. I create them then save them for reuse/retasking later. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RGYL979/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I only buy it when it is on sale.
  
• I do have erasable battle grids but I ended up rarely using them. If I am putting in the effort to create the map I would like it to be in a format for reuse/retasking later on. And what if the players come back through the area? Having to draw the thing again seems a waste of energy. That's just my preference.
  
• There are also generic maps available for all kinds of settings for very little cost on the Dungeon Master's Guild website. Tons of options. Many look quite professional. Sometimes I use those if they fit with my needs. Example selected at random: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/190205/A-Dozen-Maps
  
• Along with the above, frequently there are really nice looking maps available for specific official modules. I don't believe there are any for Dragon of Ice Spire peak but I know there are many offerings for other modules. Some are really, really good.

Miniatures, PHB (Playershandbook), DMG (Dungeon Masters Guide), MM (Monster Manual), and VGM (Volo's Guide to Monsters). SCA if you want Forgotten Realms setting things.

You want to print out character sheets and there should be 'cheat sheets' in the subreddit here for character information meanings so the new players aren't left behind.

As far as mats/grids go (you may want this to help the new players picture combat and to explain how areas/sets interact) there are tile sets like this in Wilderness, City, and Dungeon settings.

Found them.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1302902334/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_ZuG9AbHQMBWSN

https://www.amazon.com/dp/130290843X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_xvG9Ab0C13HN9

£23 in the UK

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/1524102644/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1510415498&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=art+of+exile

25€ in Germany

https://www.amazon.de/gp/aw/d/1524102644/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?__mk_de_DE=ÅMÅZÕÑ&qid=1510415583&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=art+of+exile&dpPl=1&dpID=51GxXbuNUbL&ref=plSrch

Nice! I went with this book to get into Zelda prior to playing the new game...

https://www.amazon.com/Legend-Zelda-Art-Artifacts/dp/1506703356

Yea they're on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Legend-Zelda-Art-Artifacts/dp/1506703356/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485030292&sr=8-1&keywords=arts+and+artifacts

That's the Art Book which is the first. The second book will be an encyclopedia of sorts and isn't up for preorder yet. And we don't know what the third book will be, but should be out this year.

I missed the whole two souls thing on my first read through as well. Slayer was a very confusing character.

As for a “history” there is the Wheel of Time Companion book which has a loooot of really cool info. It’s basically an encyclopedia but it has stuff like all the old tongue words translated and it mentions the power levels of every Aes Sedai.

There’s also the World of Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time which might be closer to what you’re looking for. It doesn’t include as much info, and it came out before the series was finished I think. But it gives a really good overview of Randland and the past. It breaks down the different nations, factions, age of legends, etc. i highly recommend both if you love WoT (though the artwork in the latter book is... questionable. I do like some of it, but some is horrendous imo).

Edit: I have both btw so feel free to ask any questions or if you want a little sneak peak I can pm you some pics of them.

There are also new art books that might be something you're interested in too: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Magic-Gathering-Innistrad/dp/1421587807/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1466891518&sr=8-2&keywords=art+of+magic+the+gathering

I like my Chessex wet erase, but I am old school that way.

This set provides a nice set of printed maps you can use in a variety of situations https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Tactical-Reincarnated-Accessory/dp/0786966793/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2K4MRCP2E6OJX&keywords=tactical+maps+reincarnated&qid=1562638140&s=gateway&sprefix=tactical+maps+re%2Cprime-instant-video%2C149&sr=8-1

For cheap mini's, there are several companies making flat printable mini's you can stick in bases. The other option would be to head to a LFGS that sells pre-painted singles or buy them online. The more common ones can be pretty cheap. Just be sure that you get some with large (2') bases. Many of the baddies are large sized.

To be fair, Twixt is correct on Hawkwing. The information about Hawkwing's history, the Consolidation (capital C because it is an event in WoT history), his treatment of commoners, and his interaction with Aes Sedai exists in The Big White Book.

In this case, the speculation is fueled by facts and it is not that difficult to extrapolate what Hawkwing might have said to Tuon. The Seanchan have run the empire near the direct opposite direction a younger Hawkwing and also the bound Hero did/would. Some if not all of the harshness with which the older Hawkwing ran the empire and thus the empire that would have sent the colonizers who would become Seanchan, like the hatred of Aes Sedai, is attributed too Ishamael/Ba'alzamon's manipulation posing as Jalwin Moerad. An action Ishamael takes credit for the first time Rand is summoned to Tel'aran'rhiod.

so...start with this to build the lore and the feel

and combine with this to sell the visual

Wizards came out with several of these for the different worlds. nothing super crazy but a hell of a starting point for you

Sadly from what I'm personally aware of, there's a very limited amount of pure, coffee table-like art books out there.

There's this one, that's been around since 2006

https://www.amazon.com/Art-H-P-Lovecrafts-Cthulhu-Mythos/dp/1589943074/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1494041674&sr=1-1&keywords=lovecraft+art

I haven't gotten it yet but I hear it's pretty good.

And there's this one that...isn't really purely an art book, but does feature fantastic pieces of art for each Lovecraftian creature(as well as some info about them)

https://www.amazon.com/Petersens-Field-Guide-Lovecraftian-Horrors/dp/1568820836/ref=pd_sim_14_4?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1568820836&pd_rd_r=D7TH7P13RG5ZKPJ8KY7G&pd_rd_w=1hb6t&pd_rd_wg=YY4p0&psc=1&refRID=D7TH7P13RG5ZKPJ8KY7G

There's also a handful of very well designed adult coloring books out there, if you're so inclined. The newest one from Chaosium looks pretty great.

From what I remember, the World of WoT was not spoiler-full. It's the book that was everything pre-WH or something and contains what you're looking for, imo.

This one

> The continent we refer to as Randland is called "Westland" by RJ

"The Westlands," actually. It says so explicitly in the encyclopedia.

Something like this that they did for LoZ BotW would be sweet to have along the way, more like you were saying with concert art, interviews with the creators, storyboards, side stories, behind the scenes, world building, lore, history, mythology, and the like. Then after the show is done, a thick compilation of those books together would be amazing! Kinda like the Goddess Collection for LoZ, lore and history and plot and making of, art and artifacts, everything else you could’ve ever dreamed of

Dope post! This made me interested in picking up the Marvel Hip Hop Covers, Vol. 1 book, too.

Here's the Amazon link for it.

https://www.amazon.com/Art-Path-Exile-Various-Artists/dp/1524102644

You’re most welcome. 😀 Like you, I have an interest in writing science fiction and, years and years ago, I discovered that book, which is part of a series of books for writers. There’s one on time travel as well, written by Paul Nahin, that’s also very good:

Time Travel: A Writer's Guide to the Real Science of Plausible Time Travel

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Time-Travel-Writers-Science-Plausible/dp/1421400820/

Edit: oh, and one on alien civilisations. Let me find a reference.

Here:

Aliens and Alien Societies

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00B2B8FOO/

This one focuses on biology and how to create believable aliens from a physiological point of view.

[The World of Wheel of Time] (https://www.amazon.com/World-Robert-Jordans-Wheel-Time-ebook/dp/B06Y5LK6B7). It's like the companion but written by someone in that world, so it's not always accurate.

EDIT
No wait, there it is. It's in a differen't form than mine. :)

Does he enjoy Zelda? Then I highly recommend these two books (unless he already bought them):

https://www.amazon.com/Legend-Zelda-Art-Artifacts/dp/1506703356/

https://www.amazon.com/Legend-Zelda-Hyrule-Historia/dp/1616550414/

Both hardcovers, one gives a detailed history/timeline of most of the Zelda games. The other covers rare artwork of the Zelda series. Any Nintendo or Zelda fan would love these!! The ultimate gift!

> The World of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time

Sorry, should have linked it for you. The World of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time . Published in 1997, has a lot of nice background material on the age of legends, Seanchan, etc. Also known as The Big White Book of Bad Art.

Rick and Morty Official Coloring Book https://www.amazon.com/dp/1785655620/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_DE6Pzb3XPEB9B

Awesome! Zendikar is an amazing campaign setting if you ask me. My personal notes are kind of a big mess, mainly because this is my first homebrew. But I can definitely give you some good places to start and I would be more than happy to share with you what I've done and learned in my campaign so far. We are currently 12 sessions in and having a great time. (PM for a discord link if you would like to chat)

• For starters, I would absolutely get the Zendikar art book from MTG. This really functions as a like a campaign setting book and will give you tons of ideas about how the world of Zendikar works.
  
  
• Wizards made a Planeshift for Zendikar. This is great for PC race options and some other tid bits (monster reskin ideas).
  
  
• Maps. Oh boy. Zendikar is a bit of a mess when it comes to maps. The reason? Roil likes to change the landscape constantly and there are only vague locations of things, so there are no proper maps. You can do as you like with this. I probably fret way more than I should about the actual location of each continent relative to the others. After a ton of research, I liked this map the best.
  
  
• If you want to go down the rabbit hole of Zendikar lore, read the archive trap.
  
  That should give you a good starting point. Again, I am happy to chat on Disc if you have questions or would like suggestions.

They stopped doing the novels awhile ago I believe. Now they post a story of the newest set every week which can be found on the official website (and will be posted here and on the frontpage generally). Though there's still the booklet in the fatpacks and they've brought out and starting with something new, a sort of Art-book/Lore-book for the new sets :

• (Info) http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/arcana/announcing-art-magic-gathering-zendikar-2015-08-31
  
  
• (Amazon) http://www.amazon.com/The-Art-Magic-Gathering-Zendikar/dp/142158249X

If you are looking for D&D books, I think that "Volo's Guide to Monsters" is your next best bet. It has alot of additional creatures not in the MM, and more indepth art on specific races. But it's not as thick as the MM though.

If however, you are purely just looking for artwork, I would probably suggest you check out the "Art of Magic the Gathering". Unlike the D&D books, this seems to be specifically for art. And while it isn't D&D, Magic is of similar fantasy-vein, and it is done by the same company (WotC), and I have heard that they "share" artists (most artists are freelancers, and some have been known to work on both properties iirc).

https://www.amazon.com/Marvel-Hip-Hop-Covers-Vol-1/dp/1302902334

Great work. It's a really wonderful, beautiful map.

Can I use this to vent for a moment and maybe I am looking in the wrong spots and maybe a fine person in this subreddit can help but the biggest trouble I find is finding generic ass battle maps for use in roll20. I google for maps and, just google battlemaps yourself and they are all pretty bad. But then I find one I like... and it costs like $5. I can't shell out $5 every time I need a map for roll20. That's going to add up. I've used tools to build my own maps but it can take upwards of 2-3 hours for me to build out a pretty shitty looking map. I mean, you know how long it takes I am sure since you built this quality map that I will never use.

These maps are great for people who have the time to build an encounter around the map but I do the opposite since I run modules. I can find nice digital versions of the maps used in the modules but they never provide, for example, "A forest map." for combat in a forest. Or "Bridge Map." Or "mountain pass map." I am basically looking for the digital equivalent to something like these.

Spending a little money on a nice collection of digital maps is perfectly reasonable to me but all the maps I see on this subreddit or online are way, way, way to specific and I just want a nice collection of nice looking generic battle mats.

It’s part of the series with hyrule hystoria and arts and artifacts, by dark horse, and it’s releasing next month, also has a special edition themed around the Zelda 1 NES cartridge. [Normal] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Legend-Zelda-Encyclopedia-Nintendo/dp/150670638X) | [Limited] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Legend-Zelda-Encyclopedia-Limited-Nintendo/dp/1506707408)

It really depends. Here is a ten minute map. Charcoal and conte crayon on graph paper. Thrown together last minute because due to absences, we couldn't play the current campaign.

I don't have a picture of it, but one of my other last minute maps was just a trail with some squares to symbolize buildings, forests, landmarks, on a piece of notebook paper. For actual gameplay, I set up game tiles.

For Ravenloft, I spent weeks working on maps that had a decent amount of detail. Admittedly, the color pencil work was not what took so long, it was figuring out the floor plan based on the 3/4 view of the castle that came with the PDF.

I find that the players really spaz out (in a good way) when I make really nice maps. Also, it leads to less questions about their environment, because they can see it on the paper.

Think out the essentials. If a town only has a population of 45, it's probably not on the map, but might have a sign walking into town. A large populous is definitely going to be on the map, especially if it's old. Mountain ranges, forests, bodies of water all need to go on your map. They can be really simple or very elaborate. It's all up to you.

As for gameplay maps, same thing: think of essentials. If there is rough terrain, make sure you put those objects or terrain on the ground! Doors should be clearly marked. Secret doors and traps should be on your reference map, not the players map.

Right now I'm working on a really detailed map of our world, but that's because I like drawing and I'll probably hang it up in my art room when we're done.

The first volume is coming out in book form https://www.amazon.com/Marvel-Hip-Hop-Covers-Vol-1/dp/1302902334/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

OH! I absolutely adore art books ( specially fantasy/concept art ). That does seem like the perfect place to start!
Link for the curious - http://www.amazon.com/Art-Magic-Gathering-Zendikar/dp/142158249X

Look at this one. Has some customer images in the comments as a first impression.

Huge MtG art fan and thought about getting my fingers on one of these as well. :)

Not that expensive actually!

Kirby: Art & Style Collection https://www.amazon.com/dp/197471179X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_GvHqDbEWJY4RH

I'd love to get Galaxy hair but it's expensive and I'd have to bleach my hair and I don't want to do that.

The Wilderness Dungeon Tile Set is a great product to use for improvising a battle location. You can pretty much throw the tiles down at random and it will make a good enough wilderness scene for a combat encounter. https://www.amazon.com/Dungeon-Tiles-Master-Set-Wilderness/dp/0786956127

You could purchase the art book they produced for some inspiration as well. Amazon Link

Hmm. It was never in a Magic Story chapter, and we've got nothing on the MTG Wiki. Unless there's a mention in the Innistrad art book, I doubt there's anything at all.

https://mtg.gamepedia.com/The_Art_of_Magic:_The_Gathering_-_Innistrad

https://www.amazon.com/Art-Magic-Gathering-Innistrad/dp/1421587807

The Art of Path of Exile maybe?

I... Amazon says 20 bucks.
https://www.amazon.com/Marvel-Hip-Hop-Covers-Vol-1/dp/1302902334

I should have checked, had it at my store a while but keep forgetting to check the price. Anyway, it's really neat if you're into the covers!

Yes https://www.amazon.com/Art-Magic-Gathering-Ravnica/dp/1974705528

But the artwork will most likely focus on the current ravnica set and maybe some art from first return.
Dominaria artbook focus mostly on art from the last set.

Marvel: The Hip-Hop Covers Vol. 1

Release date of July 5 according to Amazon.

The Magic Art books seem to have lore interspersed but I think my wife would hit me if I brought them home. If only they were available via PDF.

https://www.amazon.com/Aliens-Alien-Societies-Extraterrestrial-Life-Forms-ebook/dp/B00B2B8FOO?SubscriptionId=AKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q&tag=duckduckgo-ffsb-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00B2B8FOO

http://www.scifiideas.com/writing-2/writing-advice/how-to-create-an-alien-species-in-3-stages/

Link - https://www.amazon.com/Art-Path-Exile-Various-Artists/dp/1524102644/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503008533&sr=8-1&keywords=path+of+exile+art+book

Your best bet would be to pick up The Art of Magic: Zendikar book when it's released next month: http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/arcana/announcing-art-magic-gathering-zendikar-2015-08-31 and http://www.amazon.com/The-Art-Magic-Gathering-Zendikar/dp/142158249X

Amazon has them.

http://www.amazon.com/Art-Magic-Gathering-Zendikar/dp/142158249X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453452403&sr=8-1&keywords=art+of+zendikar

You don't always get more fun out of illustrations. Sometimes you wish the illustrations never existed at all.

Though their selection of characters is pretty limited, I'm a big fan of World Works' stuff: http://www.worldworksgames.com/store/index.php?view=catalog&cat_id=2

Their terrain is just fantastic though.

In addition, Wizards has a pretty nice selection of tiles and tokens that tend to be cheaper and more reusable than maps and miniatures. Here's a few of my favorite sets:

-Dungeon tiles

-Forest tiles

-Massive set of monster and character tokens

-The Red Box contains a decent mix of everything for a pretty affordable price

Hope this helps.

You are missing This and This

Heres the link: https://www.amazon.com/Kirby-Art-Style-Collection-Various/dp/197471179X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=kirby+book&qid=1574830100&sr=8-1

There is one coming out of corners, travelling through dimensions called Hounds of Tindalos, maybe that's the one.

That said, i recently bought a book of lovecraftian creatures on amazon made for the 7th edition of call of chtulu (kind of ?). It was printed for that but there is no stat sheet whatsoever. What it has though is some really neat art, size comparison, trivia on the monster, description, life habits and even some things you don't usually see like a symbol people could draw in lore books or legends. It is one of the greatest thing i bought recently for around 30$ so for a monster of the week thing, you reaaaaaaaaally have a lot to work with, I highly recommend it

https://www.amazon.ca/Petersens-Field-Guide-Lovecraftian-Horrors/dp/1568820836/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1504493699&sr=8-1&keywords=lovecraftian+horrors

look for pictures of the book, and see for yourself ;)

https://www.amazon.de/dp/1524102644/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=path+of+exile&qid=1571493401&sr=8-1

these are pretty cool. https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Tactical-Reincarnated-Accessory/dp/0786966793/ref=pd_sim_14_3/133-6169401-0140663?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0786966793&pd_rd_r=613aa1fe-6124-11e9-bd66-f3c4fc150285&pd_rd_w=De8gs&pd_rd_wg=iVqXd&pf_rd_p=90485860-83e9-4fd9-b838-b28a9b7fda30&pf_rd_r=H6TDT5RM9X9Q37TT87HA&psc=1&refRID=H6TDT5RM9X9Q37TT87HA

also Paizo has a lot of flip maps. and chessex battle mats are good.

Here is the mobile version of your link

I completely agree.

Also, the BOTW concept art from the upcoming Art & Artifacts book looks like it was based on WW. With those eyes, Link almost looks almost like a grown up WW Link…

Amazon. It's where I got my hat, among other LoZ items.

I guess you can say I'm a bit of a fan. If I had more money, I would buy from Gametee as well.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0857685627 hers a link to amazon.

Not sure but you can buy it of amazon. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0857685627/ref=mp_s_a_1?pi=SL75&qid=1347948820&sr=8-1-spell

Might be dumb but... is this what you all are on about? https://www.amazon.com/Legend-Zelda-Art-Artifacts/dp/1506703356/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1506703356&pd_rd_r=FAN8888WT0D1TJBHZ8CD&pd_rd_w=WFiMG&pd_rd_wg=Lzi8Q&psc=1&refRID=FAN8888WT0D1TJBHZ8CD

Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!

Here are your smile-ified links:

Zendikar art book from MTG.

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^^i'm ^^a ^^friendly bot

I own about a thousand books for my personal library, this is utter bullshit.

The artbooks are NOT large, whatsoever, I own all the XIV Boxset artbooks and they're TINY, they're about 1/6th to 1/8th in terms of thickness compared to the actual Artbooks.

Here's a hardcover artbook. Currently retails at $20. It has 280 pages. That's FIVE TIMES the content the flimsy box set Artbook offers.

https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Art-Fullmetal-Alchemist/dp/1974703797/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1549452782&sr=8-1&keywords=Full+Metal+Alchemist+artbook

You seem to have absolutely no comparison to actual hardbound artbooks, and how much they cost, as well as any sort of comparison to scale figures, and how well they're usually made for the price range SE is trying to sell at.

Not to mention that the "Quality" of the Ultima figure they're selling at 240 fucking bucks, has been obvious from all these videos, there's a crapton of unshaded paint applications and underdetailed sections for the price range they're selling at. Look at other Japanese PVC figures retailing at that level and dare tell me again that they're offering the same value.