Q:I've been in love with Michael's cover for Melanie Rawn's SUNRUNNER'S FIRE since I was a teenager. I saw several other prints for Rawn covers in the store, but not SUNRUNNER'S FIRE. Was there ever a print of this illustration, and is there any chance of a re-issue?

ninjaeyecandy

Michael painted some amazing covers for Melanie Rawn.  The Dragon Prince and Dragon Star trilogies are fantastic books, and I highly recommend them.

There were actually two versions of the cover illustration for SUNRUNNER’S FIRE.  

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DRAGON FIRE (1989) has been issued before as a print from Glass Onion.  It was also released as a collectible framed print from the Franklin Mint years later and printed in the 2005 calendar. While it isn’t currently available, there’s a good chance it will be reissued because Michael’s dragons are very popular.

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LORD PROTECTOR (1989) was never issued as a print, but it was published in the 2004 calendar.  

Notice the anatomical differences in the wings.  Michael changed directions after submitting concepts to DAW.  He wanted to be consistent with previous cover illustrations.  I believe he finished LORD PROTECTOR later, but I have the same year for the copyright on both pieces so they were done in close proximity.

If you forward your contact info through the form on the site, I’ll be glad to make a note of your request and let you know if/when DRAGON FIRE becomes available again.

Thanks for the great question!

~MJ

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