Throwback Thursday: Dark Horse Resurrects the 80s with Dungeons & Dragons: Animated Adventures

If you spent your childhood Saturday mornings with a bowl of sugary cereal and a group of kids lost in a magical realm, get ready for a critical hit of nostalgia. Dark Horse Books, in partnership with Wizards of the Coast, has officially announced the Dungeons & Dragons: Animated Adventures Library Edition.

This deluxe hardcover collection brings together the complete run of the “lost episodes” originally published by IDW, ensuring that Hank, Eric, Diana, Presto, Sheila, and Bobby (and Uni, of course!) have a permanent home on your bookshelf.

What’s Inside the Library Edition?

This isn’t just a simple reprint; it’s a massive 212-page celebration of the 1983 cult classic cartoon. The Library Edition collects every issue of the Saturday Morning Adventures series, which acted as a direct continuation of the original show.

The collection includes:

• Dungeons & Dragons: Saturday Morning Adventures #1–4

• Dungeons & Dragons: Saturday Morning Adventures: Endless Summer (The oversized special)

• Dungeons & Dragons: Saturday Morning Adventures II #1–4

In addition to the stories, the book will feature a variant cover art gallery and brand-new cover art by Rex Xie.

The Story: Beyond the Realm

While the original cartoon saw the kids trapped in a generic fantasy world, these comics—penned by David M. Booher (Ghostbusters) and Sam Maggs (Critical Role)—expand the lore significantly.

The kids finally venture into the established Forgotten Realms, visiting iconic locations like Waterdeep and the Sword Coast. Longtime D&D fans will also spot legendary cameos from characters like the drow ranger Drizzt Do’Urden, the mercenary Jarlaxle, and the beloved Minsc and Boo.

“This collaboration is akin to forging a legendary magical item! Dark Horse is just so awesome at bringing fantastical worlds to life on the page.” — Jess Lanzillo, VP of Franchise and Product for D&D

Release Details at a Glance

Dark Horse is known for their high-quality “Library Editions,” which typically feature oversized pages and premium binding—perfect for showcasing George Kambadais and Jack Lawrence’s vibrant, animation-inspired art.

Wait Dark Horse? And Not IDW?

For the last 15 years, IDW was the primary home for Dungeons & Dragons comics. However, as of 2025, the torch has officially passed to Dark Horse. This Library Edition serves as a bridge, collecting the best of the previous era under the new Dark Horse banner while they gear up for original D&D and Magic: The Gathering stories later this year.

Whether you’re a veteran who remembers the “final script” that never aired or a newcomer who discovered the gang through their Honor Among Thieves cameo, this collection is the ultimate way to experience the adventures of the kids who just wanted to find a way home.