A major focus of the Dungeons & Dragons 2024 revamp was providing a LOT of new art. In particular, Monster Manual 2025 is full of updated visuals for everything from iconic DnD mascots to the lowliest demon. So it was only a matter of time before WizKids released miniatures based on the newest “edition” art style.
Technically, the Black Dragon Corruptor was the first WizKids mini to use the 2025 model. I personally found it to be a worthy debut, setting itself apart from previous WizKids dragons by focusing on detail over size. It is accurate in scale to other WizKids minis so it still towers over humanoid adventurers, it just isn’t a huge display piece that dominates your shelf. Instead, it takes advantage of the more vibrant color schemes used in the 2025 Monster Manual art.
This design choice continues in D&D Icons Of The Realms: Monster Manual Collection 1. These are mostly monsters that you’ve seen many times before, so WizKids tried to set this collection apart by emphasizing its vivid color palette.
Yes, you’re going to find more goblins, more skeletons, and more jellies. Your interest in Monster Manual Collection 1 will depend largely on how much you care about getting more of these minion monsters. Conversely, this is a perfect set for new DMs looking to start their mini collection. You can never have too many kobolds or zombies, especially if you’re running official DnD hardcover campaigns.
There are two things WizKids has been doing recently to justify repeating certain monsters. For one, they’ve been mixing up the species represented. The stock warrior is an orc, the zombie is a dragonborn. This was also done in the Phandelver set, and creates a nice reminder while worldbuilding that yes, people other than humans exist and would get turned into undead. The second bit of welcome variety is new color schemes. The kobold is blue instead of the usual red. There’s also the return of what I call “shiny Pokemon” from Underdark Expeditions. Certain common creatures like Owlbears and giant spiders get two different palette swaps with one going outside the norm.
It also helps that, at least in my opinion, the 2025 Monster Manual art is awesome. Humanoid creatures got big upgrades to their outfits, which makes them stand out more amidst a crowded battlefield of minis. Monsters that go au natural still get new life in their poses, such as the Death Slaad with its jagged sword. And again, the colors are just more vibrant overall which makes them more eye-catching.
My complaint with this set is that for all the sprucing up that was done, you just can’t make big animals more interesting. A box still costs $19.99 and gives three small mini plus one large mini. And it still sucks to get a Direwolf as your large pull. I understand that this is the nature of blind boxes and they have to include beasts, but it still falls flat in a set that contains many satisfying redesigns. They could’ve at least included a more unique fur color like the Owlbear alt.
Monster Manual Collection 1 is exactly what it says on the box: a collection of creatures from the latest Monster Manual. That alone is likely enough for you to know if you want to buy or skip. The general quality of this set and cool palette swaps make a case for getting another mini of your fave, but probably won’t blow you away enough to change your initial position. I’m happy with it, though, even if I did trade a wolf to my local game store for something cooler.
A booster brick of Monster Manual Collection 1 was provided by WizKids for this review.
Sergio Solórzano is the best Dungeon Master in the USA (according to a Wizards of the Coast competition, anyway). He loves minis and terrain but also goes all-in on improv!
