SPOILER: Book Review of WoTC's New Edition of "I Strahd

[LadySoth]

WARNING -- CONTAINS SPOILERS.


Since we've been talking about the future of the Ravenloft franchise on this forum, I thought everyone might like a look at WoTC's brand new reissue of P.N. Elrod's I, Strahd: The Memoirs of A Vampire.

I just picked this book up yesterday, and from what I've seen, it seems that WoTC has done a good job with this reissue.

The cover is totally different, with new art by Jon Foster. Granted, its definitely a new approach, the first picture of Strahd that I've seen where he wasn't wearing a black cape and looking like a "typical" vampire. And after I got over my initial revulsion at the uglyness of the character's face, I actually came to like the new artwork. his new armour-wearing Strahd wielding a sword in the midst of a change from man to wolf is actually quite compelling. But as you can see, it is a definite departure from the Caldwell and Ruppel covers, so it will probably face a mixed audience. I for one really like it, but judge for yourself:

The new cover by Jon Foster:


vs. the old Caldwell (left) and Ruppel (right) covers:


There is also some nice interior detailing on the chapter headings and at mid-chapter breaks, but this book is sadly missing the wonderful Steven Fabian interior artwork.

The Chapter heading (artist unfortunately uncredited):



Additional Changes:
There's a new "about the author" section on the inside of the back cover, and the first page text exerpt is totally different. The back cover's summary of the novel has also been changed drastically:

He sold his soul for her.

But when that fatal decision leaves him horribly changed, will she be the agent of his deliverance or his damnation?

All in all, it seems that this edition of the book seems to stress the Gothic romance elements of the story rather than the more mysterious/action-oriented direction of the first edition's back cover and text exerpt.

For the most part I really like everything that WoTC has done with the book. The only drawbacks that I saw were the exclusion of Fabian's interior art, the missing Ravenloft logo and the price, which is almost double the cost of the original paperback edition.

I Strahd is the first of "The Ravenloft Covenant": WoTC's clever name for the reissue of the classic novels. Although there are rumors that WoTC is dropping the product line, this book seems to state otherwise, for it mentions Ravenloft releases well into 2007.

Basically if you like the series and you want a different take on the original version of the book, check out the new edition. Although the storyline is unchanged, the new artwork and text make this book worth buying, if you're a fan of the series and want to complete your collection. All together, I'd give it a 9/10.

--Review Copywrite LadySoth 2007[/i]

[TwiceBorn]

:
I Strahd is the first of "The Ravenloft Covenant": WoTC's clever name for the reissue of the classic novels. Although there are rumors that WoTC is dropping the product line, this book seems to state otherwise, for it mentions Ravenloft releases well into 2007.

If I'm not mistaken, "Death of a Darklord" was the first Ravenloft novel reissued in the "The Ravenloft Covenant" series. Thanks for the review, Soth.

[LadySoth]

If I'm not mistaken, "Death of a Darklord" was the first Ravenloft novel reissued in the "The Ravenloft Covenant" series. Thanks for the review, Soth.

Ah! you may be right. *grins sheepishly*

Glad you enjoyed the review.

[Padraic]

Nice Review, Lady Soth. It actually inspired me to go out and buy the new version of the novel.

Once I got used to it, I found the new artwork to be very interesting. It has a "Nosferatu" touch about it.

The printing is crisp and clear, but I do miss the Ravenloft font and logo.

I can see that WOTC is making an attempt to appeal to a whole new generation of readers by stressing the "Gothic" features of the story as well as the romance of Tatyana and Strahd. That is definitely a good thing, like giving a blood transfusion to a hungry vampire. "The Blood is the Life."

I would probably rate the new edition 7.5-8/10.