Cover Art for Creepy #75 1975

This cover art for Creepy #75 was painted by Ken Kelly, an American fantasy artist known for his depictions of warriors and mythical creatures. Here, Kelly imagines an unlikely partnership; a winged demon is caught in flight, tethered to a hot air balloon carrying a human occupant. It's an image of power dynamics and forced servitude. The demon strains against the balloon’s ascent, its face a mask of fury, while the balloon’s patchwork design hints at the human desire for dominion over nature. Kelly's imagery resonates with historical narratives of subjugation, echoing the exploitation inherent in human endeavors. The raw emotion of the demon, caught between its primal nature and forced labor, creates a visceral tension. This piece asks us to consider who benefits from such arrangements, and at what cost.