Ho ho ho. The first shot of the Christmas season comes from Brett Hudoba via Board Game Geek. The big, beautiful Dark Tower box is unforgettable, thanks to artist Bob Pepper. The game—I probably got it in 1983 as well—anchored a corner of my closet for many years.
The AD&D Sword & Dagger Set! In the wild! There were a few other sets, and you can see them all in the 1984 Placo Toys Catalog.
There are two AD&D LJN action figures in the shot: Northlord is guarding the plant, and Strongheart (above the Garfield plush) awaits release from his packaging.
The shirt appears to be homemade, the illustration taken from the Blue Dragon card in TSR’s Dungeon! board game. Ladies and gentlemen, you have entered the presence of the nerd elite.
Oh, and I had a version of that scratchy old chair.
Dark Tower. Possibly the greatest game I never got nor ever played. I have no idea if it was any fun, but it sure looked cool and I wanted it. The price was beyond what my parents could afford and I never knew anyone who did get one. I saw one at a garage sale years ago for $5 and for some dumb reason (like I didn’t have a job at the time) I passed on it. Oh the regret.