Thor’s Flight 1968

Frank Frazetta’s ‘Thor’s Flight’ sees a Norse god traversing a volcanic landscape, brought to life with bold brushstrokes and vivid colors. Frazetta was a master of comic art and fantasy illustration, and his use of oil paint here is key to the image’s impact. The medium lends itself to dramatic contrasts: the fiery lava flow against the deep, dark sky; the muscular, almost hyper-realistic figure of Thor against the prehistoric beast he rides. The materiality of paint allows Frazetta to create a sense of depth and texture. Look at how the molten lava seems to glow, achieved through layers of color and highlights. This is not just illustration, it is the skilled application of materials to evoke a powerful emotional response. Frazetta's style gained traction at a time when fantasy art was gaining mainstream popularity. His work celebrates skill and imagination, proving that craft and fine art aren't so different after all.