Looking though my collection now I realize that, while Diterlizzi is probably the greater responsible for giving Planescape its unique feel & style, something in his art always bothered me, even if I cant explain exactly what. I think it is awesome for depicting the sense of wonder of the Planes, but at the same time its a bit obtrusive to my immersion. Maybe because it fits badly to the way I perceive Sigil's ethos (a victorianesque city full of decay, bitterness and slightly macabre tone... illustrated by childish faery-tale-like art ? ).
(Besides, I think Lizzi's Lady of Pain is such a crap it should ve been cut out by the art director.)
In the oter hand, what really grabs me by the collar and catapults me into the setting, is the art of Ruppel. His planescapes (here using the term as analogous to landscapes, seascapes, desertscapes, etc.) are simply awesome! The Planes of Chaos Box Cover is great (as are the inside planar vistas), and so are all Box Set covers, and his paintings that show up in books here and there too (the Eternal Boundary cover comes to mind, and the Hive ooze mud in In the Cage, too).
In conclusion: Ruppel doesnt seem to get nearly half the praise that Diterlizzi gets. Everytime Planescape aesthetics is highly speaked of, its all for Diterlizzi's skill (Ruppel doesnt even gets cited). I dont think its fair.
What do you guys and girls think?
I like Ruppel. I also think Adam Rex is underrated, and I've defended his work vehemently elsewhere.
But I'm a huge DiTerlizzi fanboy.