Wizards of the Coast said Dan Frazier copied Marta Nael’s version of The One Ring when he created a new card for its upcoming The Hobbit set, after fans flagged strong visual similarities between the two images. [1, 2]
Frazier said he "painted over" Nael’s artwork while trying to make an iconic version of the card, and that he "made a mistake." He added that he would contact Nael to apologize. [1, 2]
The company said the similarities were "not coincidental" and said it would compensate Nael for the use of her work. Wizards also said it would credit her on digital versions of the card. [1, 2]
Frazier, who has worked on Magic for 30 years, said, "I made a mistake, and I feel awful," adding in a separate statement that he "especially feel[s] for Marta, whose work I adore." He also said, "In doing so, I didn't make it my own." [1, 2]
The dispute surfaced after Wizards last week revealed plans to continue its Middle-earth-themed cards, including a reprint of The One Ring. Fans and artists then circulated side-by-side comparisons online and discussed the suspected plagiarism before the company and Frazier addressed it publicly. [1, 2]
The company and Frazier said the issue was addressed in a statement this morning, after Frazier posted an apology yesterday. [1, 2]
