# **Dungeons & Dragons: The Fallbacks – An Exclusive First Look at Art and Character Details from the New Forgotten Realms Comic**

Dive into the captivating world of **Dungeons & Dragons** with an exclusive peek at **The Fallbacks**, a brand-new comic miniseries set in the iconic **Forgotten Realms**. Co-created by **Dark Horse Comics** and **Hasbro's Wizards of the Coast**, this four-issue adventure promises a thrilling blend of action, humor, and classic D&D lore. This comprehensive preview unveils never-before-seen character sketches, details, and a complete view of the interconnected back cover art, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the quirky band of adventurers known as **The Fallbacks**.

## **Unveiling the Art of The Fallbacks: Julie Dillon's Homage and Wilton Santos' Character Sketches**

Before the release of **Dungeons & Dragons: The Fallbacks #1** this October, we're excited to bring you an exclusive first look at the stunning artwork that will grace this series. The series boasts a stellar team: written by **Greg Pak**, penciled by **Wilton Santos**, inked by **Advan Alves**, colored by **Raul Angulo**, and lettered by **Nate Piekos**. The series additionally features art by **Marguerite Sauvage, Uzuri, Stephen Segovia, and Dan Panosian**. Most excitingly, we can now fully unveil the interconnected back cover art by **Julie Dillon**, and showcase the character sketches by **Wilton Santos**.

### **Julie Dillon's Interconnected Back Cover Art: A Leyendecker Tribute**

Each issue of **The Fallbacks** will feature a unique back cover illustration by **Julie Dillon**. However, when all four issues are placed side-by-side, these individual pieces combine to form a larger, breathtaking image. This interconnected design serves as an homage to the legendary artist **J.C. Leyendecker**, known for his iconic illustrations and captivating storytelling. Here, we present the complete, connected artwork for the first time, allowing you to fully appreciate Dillon's artistry and the narrative threads woven throughout the series.

[Insert Image of Julie Dillon's Connected Back Cover Art Here]

The artwork exudes a sense of classic adventure, capturing the spirit of **Dungeons & Dragons** while showcasing Dillon's distinct artistic style. The characters are rendered with incredible detail, and the scene hints at the exciting escapades that await within the pages of **The Fallbacks**. Each illustration offers a unique piece of a grander narrative, encouraging collectors to seek out all four issues to complete the full picture. The color palette is vibrant, invoking the spirit of high fantasy while lending itself to Dillon's distinct artistic take.

### **Wilton Santos' Character Sketches: Bringing The Fallbacks to Life**

Artist **Wilton Santos**'s character sketches offer an intimate glimpse into the design and development of **The Fallbacks** themselves. These sketches reveal the visual inspiration behind each character, showcasing their distinct personalities and roles within the group. From the roguish charm of Tessalynde to the steadfast determination of Anson, each sketch provides valuable insight into the heroes who will be making a splash in Loudwater.

#### **Tessalynde (Tess) Halendria: The Rogue – Elf**

Tessalynde, or "Tess" as she prefers, is the party's resident rogue, an elven infiltrator with a knack for planning and a penchant for getting into trouble. Her past is a tapestry woven with mischief and mayhem. Recognizing her talents, her parents dispatched her to the city, where she was apprenticed to an elderly halfling rogue with a reputation for good deeds. Tess emerged from this tutelage with the skills of a master burglar. She now employs her skills for high-stakes jobs, always striving to safeguard her party while lining her pockets.

[Insert Image of Tessalynde's Character Sketch Here]

Santos' sketch captures Tess's sly demeanor and agile build. Her outfit suggests practicality and stealth, with multiple pouches and concealed blades. Her elven features are accentuated by a mischievous glint in her eyes, hinting at her quick wit and resourcefulness.

#### **Anson Iro: The Fighter – Human**

Anson Iro, the party's stalwart fighter, embodies resilience and unwavering determination. Orphaned at a young age, Anson's life has been marked by hardship, but he has chosen a path of righteousness and justice. While his brother embraced a life of crime, Anson remains steadfast in his belief in the possibility of redemption, refusing to abandon his only surviving family member. Having already lost so much, Anson clings fiercely to what remains, even if it is broken.

[Insert Image of Anson's Character Sketch Here]

The sketch depicts Anson as a battle-hardened warrior, his posture reflecting his readiness for combat. His armor is functional and worn, bearing testament to numerous battles. His expression is determined, reflecting his unwavering commitment to his ideals and his brother.

#### **Cazrin Varaith: The Wizard – Human**

Cazrin Varaith is the walking encyclopedia of the group, a human wizard with an insatiable thirst for knowledge and an eagerness to share it, whether you like it or not. Her lineage is intertwined with a controversial chapter of magical history: her ancestress was a wizard who vehemently advocated for universal access to magic and launched devastating attacks on elite institutions of magical learning. This has led the Varaith family to abstain from using magic until Cazrin decided to teach herself the fundamentals of spellcasting by piecing together fragments of her ancestress's knowledge. Driven by an insatiable curiosity, she fearlessly experiments with magic, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

[Insert Image of Cazrin's Character Sketch Here]

Santos' sketch portrays Cazrin as an intelligent and inquisitive scholar. Her attire is adorned with magical symbols, reflecting her deep connection to the arcane arts. Her eyes gleam with excitement, conveying her boundless enthusiasm for learning and experimentation.

#### **Lark Silverstring: The Bard – Tiefling**

Lark Silverstring is the charismatic tiefling bard, a natural performer who effortlessly draws both attention and trouble. He lives for the stage and the thrill of entertaining an audience. Unfortunately, Lark's passion for performance often leads to unforeseen consequences as he is hounded by dangerous bounty hunters and a small, dedicated fanbase. Despite the risks, he continues to seek the spotlight, routinely blowing his own cover and forcing him to scramble to evade pursuers.

[Insert Image of Lark's Character Sketch Here]

The sketch captures Lark's flamboyance and showmanship. His elaborate clothing and musical instrument showcase his artistic flair, while his mischievous grin suggests his penchant for attracting chaos.

#### **Baldric Goodhand: The Cleric – Dwarf**

Baldric Goodhand, the party's smooth-talking dwarf cleric, has an unconventional relationship with the divine. Rather than pledging allegiance to a single deity, he prefers to negotiate for spells and favors from the entire pantheon. His freewheeling confidence and silver tongue enable him to navigate the complex world of divine politics. He is certain he can talk his way out of anything. While he may be jaded with the divine, his faith in fellow mortals remains unwavering.

[Insert Image of Baldric's Character Sketch Here]

The sketch depicts Baldric as a jovial and confident negotiator. His clerical garb is complemented by a jovial expression, reflecting his optimistic outlook on life.

## **The Fallbacks: A D&D Adventure in Loudwater**

According to the official press release, **The Fallbacks** are a band of "daring, dubious, and dysfunctional adventurers" who arrive in the city of Loudwater seeking fortune and fame. However, their quest takes an unexpected turn when they encounter a group of kobold thieves and find themselves in the crosshairs of a rival team of "deeply annoying local heroes". The series explores themes of camaraderie, redemption, and the challenges of living up to the mantle of heroism.

### **Plot and Story Themes**

Will **The Fallbacks** succeed in pulling off a heist for the ages, or will they sacrifice it all to put their rivals in their place? **The Fallbacks** promises a blend of classic D&D adventure, humor, and intriguing characters, offering a fresh perspective on the **Forgotten Realms**. The miniseries is poised to become a must-read for D&D enthusiasts and comic book fans alike.

## **Issue #1 Covers: A Glimpse into the World of The Fallbacks**

Ahead of the release of **Dungeons & Dragons: The Fallbacks #1** in October, we can share a look at the various covers planned for the premiere issue. These covers offer a glimpse into the characters, setting, and tone of the series, whetting the appetite of fans eager to embark on this new adventure.

[Insert Images of Issue #1 Covers Here]

## **Conclusion: Will You Join The Fallbacks?**

**Dungeons & Dragons: The Fallbacks** promises to be an exciting addition to the world of **Forgotten Realms** comics. With its unique characters, captivating storyline, and stunning artwork, this miniseries is sure to resonate with D&D fans and comic book enthusiasts alike. Are you planning to check out **Dungeons & Dragons: The Fallbacks** when it hits shelves this October? Let us know in the comments below! And be sure to stay tuned to **Gaming News** for more updates and exclusive content on **Dungeons & Dragons** and the world of gaming.