Mike Mignola, known for his iconic character Hellboy, is stepping into new territory with his latest work, Bowling with Corpses and Other Strange Tales from Lands Unknown. This collection is now available from Dark Horse Comics.
In this book, Mignola takes inspiration from global folklore to weave a series of unique and darkly whimsical stories. He describes how he wanted to create tales that feel genuine to their origins without being set in the actual locations. “For me, it was about capturing the essence,” he says. Mignola’s fascination with storytelling led him to develop an entire fictional universe, complete with maps and a rich mythology.
The title story, which involves a child bowling with corpses, sparked this creative journey. Mignola recalls coming across an Italian folktale and becoming enchanted with it. “That’s what prompted me to build this world,” he explains. He wanted to create a space where all his stories could thrive, allowing for rich character development and intriguing narratives.
He describes the collection as a sneak peek into this new creative realm, with the title story standing out as a favorite. He expresses a keen interest in continuing the adventures of the boy with the “magic mummified hand,” hinting at potential future tales.
Unlike the Hellboy series, which stays rooted in familiar reality mixed with supernatural elements, this anthology dives deeper into fantasy. “This world features sea dragons and colossal temples dedicated to numerous gods,” Mignola shares. The creative freedom in building this universe is exciting for him, and he’s eager to explore it further.
Mignola makes it clear that this book marks the beginning of a new series, not just a standalone story. He is already digging through his extensive library of folklore for future adaptations. “I have plans for more original stories, but I want to weave in those classic tales too,” he states. After his current projects, he aims to revive his initial concept of adapting folklore from various cultures.
After three decades of crafting beloved stories, Mignola feels confident in his legacy with Hellboy. This allows him the creative space to experiment and venture into new stories. “There’s no pressure to outshine Hellboy. It’s just another path I get to take,” he says, reflecting on his freedom as a creator.
Overall, Bowling with Corpses and Other Strange Tales from Lands Unknown is more than just a title. It’s a new chapter for Mignola, filled with the promise of captivating and eerie stories that invite readers to experience strange new worlds.
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