The third volume of Bard Games’ Atlantis Trilogy is The Bestiary (1986). Save the best for last — monster books are always the most fun. This one in particular because, as you can see on the cover, the entirety of the interior illustrations are by Bill Sienkiewicz (Moon Knight, Thor, Elektra, countless other comics). This book is a treasure. I could literally have photographed every illustration in the book, they’re all great. Every time I flip through, I find new drawings to love. How did I not photograph his wingless manticore?! That’s how you know an artist is doing fantastic work, when I forget to grind my traditional axes. His inks have an almost ridiculous amount of energy and movement to them.

The monster selection is weird and dynamic (and maybe feels more so thanks to Sienkiewicz). I particularly like the variety of devils and demons, but there are lots of other critters to love, too. Sienkiewicz does particularly well with dragons, I think. Honestly, just go buy a copy, you’ll thank me for it.