Drakar och Demoner holds a special place as the first role-playing game I encountered around the age of ten. My friends and I dedicated countless hours to it, eventually transitioning to Mutant and its various expansions. A defining characteristic shared by these games, and particularly the exceptional Monsterboken, was the artwork of illustrator Nils Gulliksson. His illustrations vividly brought the role-playing worlds to life. The impactful black and white images resonated deeply, inspiring me both in my gameplay and in the creation of my own imaginative worlds.
Nils Gulliksson – Illustrationer och Skisser (Nils Gulliksson – Illustrations and Sketches) was published in 2016 by Fria Ligan (Free League Publishing). While this review is somewhat belated, encountering the book at Spelkongress 2024 (Gaming Convention 2024) last autumn compelled me to share its existence with a wider audience.
Orvar Säfström’s authorship is evident in his clear admiration for Gulliksson’s work. The text is engaging, accessible, and consistently interesting. The narrative traces Gulliksson’s evolution as an illustrator, from smaller personal projects to his eventual status as a prominent figure in the role-playing community.
The book features beautiful binding and 168 pages, with full-spread layouts that showcase the illustrations prominently. A personal favorite is the mutated bear family with the pram, a compelling depiction of the intersection of the mundane and the fantastical. This image captivated me as a child and continues to resonate even now.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Nils Gulliksson – Illustrationer och skisser (Nils Gulliksson – Illustrations and Sketches). This volume is not only for enthusiasts of role-playing games but also serves as an inspirational resource for aspiring illustrators.
Fria Ligan (Free League Publishing) provided review copies for this evaluation. The provision of materials does not influence our editorial objectivity.
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