Dragon magazine cover 

Here, we see a magazine cover by Don Ivan Punchatz which pictures a scene of conflict and daring. It places us in a fantasy world where a dragon, rendered in vibrant greens and blues, fiercely guards its hoard of treasure. The eye is immediately drawn to a woman of color, clad in practical garb, in mid-motion. She’s not a damsel in distress but an active agent, running with determination and a stolen prize clutched in her arms. The image resonates with the spirit of adventure, echoing the themes of exploration and challenge central to the role-playing game *Dungeons & Dragons* to which the magazine was devoted. We might consider how this artwork contributes to broader discussions about gender and power. The assertive portrayal of the woman challenges traditional tropes within fantasy art, offering a refreshing alternative to passive, hyper-feminized depictions of female characters. Punchatz's cover captures a moment of defiance, where the character's autonomy is hard-won.