Hobbits & Wizards Stun in This Exclusive Middle-Earth: Journeys in Myth & Legend Preview

In the nearly 65 years since author J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring kicked off one of the most enduring fantasy worlds in literature, readers have enjoyed no shortage of luscious art depicting the saga’s colorful cast of characters. From furry-footed hobbits and stout dwarves to wizened wizards and towering Balrogs, Tolkien’s narrative has been brought to life on screen, on stage, in animation and through every visual medium known to man. This week, LotR fans can treat themselves to some of the most resplendent paintings and drawings of the story in Middle-Earth: Journeys in Myth & Legend.

Published by Dark Horse Comics, Middle-Earth: Journeys in Myth & Legend collects nearly 200 works of art from painter Donato Giancola, who has committed much of his career to depicting the mythos in decadent oil paintings. Giancola has also worked on art for George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Fire & Ice series, leading Martin to call him “an astounding talent.” Paste readers can enjoy an exclusive preview of Giancola’s work below, and can find Middle-Earth: Journeys in Myth & Legend in comic shops today.

Middle-Earth: Journeys in Myth & Legend Cover Art by Donato Giancola

Middle-Earth: Journeys in Myth & Legend
Writer/Artist: Donato Giancola
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Nearly 200 stunningly realistic paintings and drawings bring the greatest fantasy epic of all time to life. Classical realism unites with contemporary storytelling as artist Donato Giancola explores the mythic grandeur and the iconic characters of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings saga.

Donato has made it his life’s work to translate Tolkien’s words into compelling visuals, with gorgeous oil paintings and drawings reminiscent of Rembrandt and Caravaggio. His interpretations of Middle-earth span his entire career, from private commissions to the 2001 edition of the graphic novel adaptation of The Hobbit, all collected in this massive compendium-a must-have for collectors of Tolkien and fantasy.