Hellboy versus the Lost Army

Classic Hellboy artwork by Mike Mignola from the novel The Lost Army.

Merry Christmas from Hellboy!

Artwork by Mike Mignola

The Art of Mike Mignola

"I don't know . . . I just like to draw monsters."

- Mike Mignola

Mike Mignola is one of the most talented artist working in comic books today.  His distinctive style is instantly-recognizable and - I know I toss this word around a lot, but bear with me here - iconic.

The enigmatic Alan Moore once described Mignola's style as a combination of German Expressionism and the work of classic comic book artist Jack Kirby.  This is probably the most accurate description you will find to encapsulate the essence of Mignola's illustrations.  His work consist of somber Gothic masterpieces that delicately balance light and shadow as well as pure adrenaline-fueled, comic-booky goodness that bound off the page to knock your teeth out...  And sometimes it is both simultaneously!  It's a juxtaposed balancing act that shouldn't work, but Mignola is able to do it consistently with relative ease.

Mignola at work

Starting his career in comic books in the 80's, Mignola soon found himself doing illustration work for the "big two" publishers, Marvel and DC.  Throughout the early 90's he stayed very busy, drawing back-up stories, covers, and the occasional one-shot.

In addition to comic book work, Mignola also provided concept illustration for films such as Francis Ford Coppola's Dracula and television shows including Batman: The Animated Series.

Mignola's design for Batman villain Mr. Freeze would be featured in Batman: The Animated Series

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In spite of this steady stream of work, Mignola did not feel satisfied.  Seeking a new challenge he decided to try to create his own original character.  The result was Hellboy.  Printed by Dark Horse Comics, Hellboy was a combination of all the things that Mignola enjoyed drawing:  Monsters, Victorian and Gothic architecture, and more monsters.

Not long after the first series was published Mignola became the sole writer for the series enabling him to craft tales that drew from his passion for ghost stories, folklore, and fairy tales.  Within a decade the Hellboy series was successful enough to spawn a collection of spin-off titles and even two feature films.  This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Hellboy character and (in spite of a hiatus every once in a while) Mignola is showing no signs of slowing down.

There you go.

Why did the Chicken cross the Road?

Finally, a satisfying answer to that age-old question!

Artwork by Mike Mignola.

Rocket Raccoon and Groot

I've seen Guardians of the Galaxy twice already...  Although, I'm ashamed to say that I was barely aware of the comic before the movie was announced.  I guess I loose some of my geek cred or something for that.  Oh well.  I'll turn in my badge (but I'll be keeping my gun).

The movie was action-packed, hilarious, and pretty much just filled with good stuff from start to finish.  It's awesome to see what Marvel can achieve even with a lesser-known title.  (I just realized that I did two Marvel posts almost in a row.  I didn't plan it but it worked out that way.  Again, oh well.)

Artwork by Mike Mignola.

Hellboy - "The Corpse" by Mike Mignola

2014 is a big year for special anniversaries for so many of my favorite things!  This year marks the 75th anniversary of Batman, the 60th anniversary of Godzilla, the 50th anniversary of Creature from the Black Lagoon, the 30th anniversary of Ghostbusters and Metallica's Ride the Lightning, and the 20th anniversary of Mike Mignola's Hellboy!

I remember the first time I heard the name "Hellboy"... I just kind of scoffed and rolled my eyes.  Of all the possible titles for a comic book, this had to be the most ridiculous.  So, of course, from my discerning middle school viewpoint, it had to be bad.  For several years I resisted reading the comic.  Besides, at this point I was more caught up in high-brow stuff like Spider-Man and the X-Men.  It wasn't until later on in  my high school days that I finally gave Hellboy a chance...  and found out that I had been missing out on something truly special!

"The Corpse" was the first Hellboy story that I read and it remains my all-time favorite.  When anyone asks me to recommend them a "good comic" this is the one I pull out.  Mike Mignola has such a great sense of pacing in his stories, when reading his comics it's almost like watching a movie at times.  Mignola is not only an accomplished storyteller, but also an amazing artist.  At first glance his work may seem simplistic, but you can quickly appreciate his use of shadow which serves to enhance the mood.

Mignola's stories are often influenced by various folk tales that he has read though the years.  No matter where on Earth Hellboy finds himself in his travels, you can bet that Mignola has read the local folklore and is going to include a ghost or monster unique to that area  For this particular story Mignola borrowed elements from an old Irish folktale, "Teig O'Kane and the Corpse" and incorporated elements from other Irish folklore like the changeling, the bouncing rock, and Jenny Greenteeth.  

This story is great because it showcases pretty much everything that Hellboy is all about.  As a character, Hellboy is meant to be a "working-class guy" whose job just happens to hunting down monsters (despite his own heritage...  He's a demon who is destiny is become the Beast of the Apocalypse).  There's plenty of strange happenings, over-the-top action, and a some black humor tossed in for good measure!  

Take a look at a few pages of  "The Corpse" and you'll have some idea of why Hellboy has managed to endure for the past 20 years...

Hellboy - "Pancakes" by Mike Mignola

"Pancakes" was written and drawn by Mike Mignola.  Originally published in the Dark Horse Presents Annual in 1999.  

This is one of the first Hellboy comics I read.  It's a fun story about a little boy (who is destined to become the Beast of the Apocalypse) and his first exposure to pancakes.

Enjoy!