Disclaimer: I take no responsibility for pen envy or impulse purchases resulting from viewing this post.
Per usual, you can click on the images to view them larger. I do my best to provide you with high-quality pen porn. 😉
I’ve wanted one of Ryan Krusac’s dragon pens for years. But, I kept holding off because I didn’t really want one of the ones where a dragon is fighting a knight. Then, at the 2022 DC Pen Show, I saw this design. Unfortunately, I didn’t see it until I’d already spent my show budget. I’d planned to get it at the 2023 Baltimore Pen Show, but Ryan wasn’t able to attend. Thankfully, he was at the 2023 DC Pen Show, so I could finally get my dragon pen. And the wait was 100% worth it.
As ever, I have to start with the 360° view. I did my best to put together a laid-out view, but this pen is too detailed to manage.
I love how detailed the dragons face and head are.
Although, to be honest, all of the dragon is highly detailed
The interplay between texture and shading lines and negative space helps keep the eye from getting lost.
The difference in light weights and quantity help with that, too.
And I can’t neglect the scales on the cap. The smooth areas catch the light differently than the hatched areas, resulting in a delightful visual texture.
Overall, this is a fabulous little pen. The amount of detail is simply amazing.
Do you have a Ryan Krusac pen? If so, which one? If not, are you interested in one? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear from you.
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Wonderful shots as always, Rachel.
I love Ryan’s pens and “St George and the Dragon” is a famous story for anyone from England where St George is our patron saint. My personal problem has always been that I have objected to St George winning the fight (and of course the princess, treasure, etc, etc). I don’t care how many countries have St George as their patron saint, I think he was a chancer. Roaming around, looking for the opportunity to make a quick buck.
So I shared my feelings with Ryan and found that he was very sympathetic. He could make a pen where the Dragon defeated St George! Well, life intervened, including Ryan’s injury and the pandemic. But then, at the DC Show 2023, there was the Dragon Victorious pen…all three sizes. Which one did I want? Ryan had refused to sell any of them until I had chosen.
So like you, Ryan’s Dragons are very dear to my heart. He has set the record straight. Thrilled to see that Julia has the “right” one 🙂
I have the one where the dragon is winning the fight. I love it.