Frank Thorne (1930- 2021) had a comic book career that spanned over 80 years starting in 1948 when he worked for Dell comics before moving to Gold Key in the 1950’s and then onto DC in the 1960's. However, it wasn't until the mid-1970's when I first became aware of his work when he drew Marvel's Red Sonja in "Marvel Feature" (vol 2 #2-7) and then when the character moved to her own comic. At first glance it’s not hard to see why a 15-year-old boy may have been attracted to Franks art, but he was much more than just a "good girl" artist he was an excellent storyteller. Saying that once Marvels Red Sonja title was cancelled, Frank did make a successful “career" from drawing erotic fantasy type characters including Lann, Ghita of Alizarr, and Ribit some of whom bore more than a passing resemblance to Red Sonja. Regardless of the controversial nature of some of his material, his earlier (Joe Kubert inspired) DC, and 1970's Marvel work remains some of my favourites of the genre.
Ribit: This was a really fun 4 issues fantasy series beautifully drawn by Frank about a lizard that was transformed into a young woman.
Frank was one of the many top artists that worked on the ill fated 1970's Atlas/Seaboard comics group. Apart from the above 3 covers he also drew part one of a very nice adapation of Lawrence of Arabia. Thorne also drew the interior art on the first and only issue of the "Son of Dracula" comic which was one of their best comics.
Planet of the Apes (UK weekly) issue 100 - I think this was a UK original and Franks only UK cover.
Above: Amazing Heroes #123 (pro-fanzine) cover which featured some of Frank Thornes more adult orientated characters . Frank Thorne passed away on 7th of March 2021 at the age of 90, followed only a few hours later by his wife of over 60 years Marylin.
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Sadly, I encountered very little of Frank Thorne's work when I was a youngster. I think my entire exposure to him was Adventure Comics #434 in which the Spectre tackles a man who's committing crimes with the aid of killer shop window dummies, and Marvel Feature #7 in which Sonja has a sword fight with Conan.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I did very much appreciate his work on those two issues. His style had an appealing sense of melodrama about it.
Hi Steve, I actually picked up a copy of Marvel Feature #7 (Red Sonja v Conan) last week for a few pennies, very nice. I had forgotten he drew a Spectre tale in Adventure Comics #434 although Aparo's art style shone through Thornes pencils.
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