Those of a certain age will no doubt remember the Fighting Fantasy books. Before the advent of Game Boys and smartphones, it was the choose-your-own-adventure books written by Ian Livingstone and Steve Jackson that we'd smuggle into school.
Indeed, so taken was I with the books that I wrote my English Literature O Level essay on Deathrap Dungeon (albeit in part because I knew it wouldn't require me to read an entire proper book). I got a C.
For many of us, part of the series' appeal was the covers. At least initially; the later Fighting Fantasy artwork lacked the gorgeous, painted, detail of the early ones - which we are right celebrating today.
Or you can just skip ahead to the crap ones.
Indeed, so taken was I with the books that I wrote my English Literature O Level essay on Deathrap Dungeon (albeit in part because I knew it wouldn't require me to read an entire proper book). I got a C.
For many of us, part of the series' appeal was the covers. At least initially; the later Fighting Fantasy artwork lacked the gorgeous, painted, detail of the early ones - which we are right celebrating today.
Or you can just skip ahead to the crap ones.
THE WARLOCK OF FIRETOP MOUNTAIN
The first Fighting Fantasy book, and arguably the most memorable title in the series. The cover isn't the best - sheer Tolkien-ism (ho ho) - but it's still compelling. I was always intrigued by the lilt of the Warlock's head, and the way he was pointing to his smouldering globe, as if he was unsure about answering a Geography teacher who'd just asked him to indicate where Venezuela is.
"Here?"
"Here?"
FREEWAY FIGHTER
For some reason, most of the sci-fi books in the Fighting Fantasy range had appalling covers. Freeway Fighter's Mad Max-lite was the exception. I used to be obsessed with trying to replicate the chrome effect of the airbrushing on this cover - and the retro 50s-inspired design of the vehicle.
Also: good on that leather-clad couple for keeping their car clean in a radioactive desert. Take it from me, that's no easy job. After a couple of months of winter, my Vauxhall Zafira looks like it's been living as a Victorian street urchin.
Also: good on that leather-clad couple for keeping their car clean in a radioactive desert. Take it from me, that's no easy job. After a couple of months of winter, my Vauxhall Zafira looks like it's been living as a Victorian street urchin.
THE FOREST OF DOOM
Ironically, Fighting Fantasy was as memorable for its forgettable, generic, titles as it was its early covers. As a title, Forest of Doom was as generic as it got, but the cover stayed with me. It was always about that titular forest - with the shafts of sunlight filtering through - and the way the reptile guy is bursting out of his clothing. Also: no fewer than four forks in his tongue... one for each cranny.
ISLAND OF THE LIZARD KING
Sadly, not a book about a private Caribbean getaway owned by Jim Morrison of The Doors, Island of the Lizard King ranks among my favourite Fighting Fantasy covers. It's incredibly simple, but there's some real craftsmanship at work. The foreshortening on the arm, the choice of colours. It feels dangerous, without hitting you over the head with what it's trying to achieve. Also: he's not wearing any pants, which is always a plus.
CITY OF THIEVES
The cover of this book suggests that its so-called city of "thieves" is more a city of skull-faced skeleton dudes. Furthermore, the city itself looks more like a small cottage - though "Cottage of Thieves" would have implied a considerably less thrilling adventure.
Nevertheless, while I'm not a fan of the blobby framing effect, the reaper is compelling, even if he is wearing the sort of dress normally sported by flouncy young women walking through wheatfields in adverts.
Nevertheless, while I'm not a fan of the blobby framing effect, the reaper is compelling, even if he is wearing the sort of dress normally sported by flouncy young women walking through wheatfields in adverts.
CAVERNS OF THE SNOW WITCH
Like Lizard King, the cover for Caverns of the Snow Witch is an example of a simple design, with some gorgeous layout. The Snow Witch herself - a disembodied head in a fishbowl - is really enjoying the singalong of 'Let It Go' she's having with that orc.
DEATHTRAP DUNGEON
This was always my favourite Fighting Fantasy cover, and my favourite Fighting Fantasy adventure. Whatever that big, blobby thing was, I was fascinated by its veiny stomach sac. Which is strange, given that I'm thoughougly creeped out by the stomachs of pregnant women. I don't care what you say: it's unnatural.
APPOINTMENT WITH F.E.A.R.
A rare foray into super-hero territory for Fighting Fantasy, the cover to Appointment With F.E.A.R. was drawn by one of comicdom's finest artists - Brian Bolland. For many, still the definitive Judge Dredd artist, Appointment With F.E.A.R. might not be his best work, but still displays the clean linework for which he is famed. Also, he seems to be wearing a coat made out of a sports car seat cover.
THE CITADEL OF CHAOS
I was in two minds whether to put this in the list, on account of it clearly being the work of someone who - frankly - isn't hugely talented. Yet at the same time, it's iconic, because it's simple, bold, and gets the job done. Even if that funny monkey man looks like he was conceived by a six year-old.
SEAS OF BLOOD
Some great colours and motion happening on the Seas of Blood cover - the waves were particularly great. Also, I liked to imagine that the heads of that sea-hydra weren't attacking the vessel, but laughing at its crew. Sadly, this was the last great Fighting Fantasy cover. It was all downhill from this point...
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