Dark Horse Comics is proud to be the home for Hellboy and all of the B.P.R.D. characters. Hellboy has truly cemented a place in the intangible Hall of Fame as one of the greatest comic book characters of all time. And with Hellboy II: The Golden Army released into theaters on July 11th, we just had to peel back the layers of creator Mike Mignola's mind and peak into the dark corners of his subconcsious. What we found, not surprisingly, was monsters, monsters, and more monsters.

Dark Horse: What first inspired you to create comic books?

Mike Mignola: I wanted to draw monsters.

DH: It has been over 14 years since Hellboy first burst onto the comic scene, and you've been in the industry for over 20; after all this time is there something in your career you feel exceptionally proud of?

MM: I'm still pretty proud of Hellboy and I'm partially proud of The Amazing Screw-On Head.

DH: Are you at all surprised at how welcomed and popular Hellboy has become, or did you have confidence when you started creating that the character was someone people would connect with?

MM: I am still very surprised and did not expect this. I just wanted to draw monsters.

DH: Hellboy deals with all kinds of paranormal events; have you ever experienced a paranormal phenomenon? And if so, did you use your experience as a way to help you create?

MM: I've never had a paranormal experience.

DH: What is it about fear that makes such an interesting plot device?

MM: I don't know . . . I just like to draw monsters.

DH: As a writer, do you believe characters should develop based on their internal systems or based on situations and their environment?

MM: Mostly, I just want to do stories about monsters.



DH: What first brought you into contact with Guillermo Del Torro?

MM: When he learned there were plans to do a Hellboy movie he contacted Dark Horse who put us together . . . so we could compare notes on our love for monsters!

DH: Hellboy II: The Golden Army seems to have a greater mixture of both your and Guillermo's influence; how were you able to balance staying true to your original creation while allowing a more cinematic style to this film?

MM: Guillermo and I worked out the story and then I got out of the way and let him do what he was going to do.

DH: Do you see Hellboy the movie character and Hellboy the comic book character as seperate entities or as variations of the same character?

MM: The film Hellboy is Guillermo's version of my character. His version is different, but true to the spirit of my character.



DH: You're reuniting with artist Richard Corben for the upcoming Hellboy: Crooked Man mini-series. Is the crooked man tale based on pre-existing folklore or an original story you invented?

MM: It's a combination of various folktale and folk beliefs from the Appalachian Mountains.

DH: Some of the stories in Hellboy are based around Russian folklore; can you explain why you use these tales and how you craft them into your own versions?

MM: Russian Folklore has a lot of really good monsters.

DH: 2008 will be a year when many previously "minor" characters finally get their own comic book series; was there a certain character you felt needed more exposure? And if so, why?

MM: Lobster Johnson is long overdue for a regular series so we're working on that!!!

DH: Do you think any of these characters will someday star in one of their own films?

MM: It would be nice!

DH: When Hellboy was first created, you wrote and drew almost everything, but as the series has expanded you've teamed up with some of the best names in the industry. How do you go about deciding whom to work with on these projects?

MM: I try to find guys who are really good and willing to put up with me . . . it's not easy!

DH: Is there anyone in the comic industry you believe is doing a standout job these days?

MM: I really like Guy Davis, Duncan Fegredo and Richard Corben . . . I wonder what they're working on these days . . .

DH: Can fans expect to see something outside of your work with Hellboy, perhaps in the vein of The Amazing Screw-On Head or even Fafhrd and Gray Mouser, anytime soon?

MM: Before too long I should be doing things in the line of The Amazing Screw-On Head.

DH: As an artist, what do you believe is the most important concept to keep in mind when creating?

MM: I must keep alive my love for monsters. If I lose sight of that I'm finished!

DH: You've worked on some of the most famous titles in the industry, including characters like Wolverine and Batman before turning Hellboy into an industry giant. Is there any story or character you would like to tackle?

MM: Not really. I'm very happy doing my own characters.

DH: Do you have any big plans for Hellboy or B.P.R.D. that you can let us in on?

MM: They're all secrets . . . but I can tell you there will be monsters!

DH: There are some fans out there that really want to see the resurrection of Roger. Would you like to explain to them why you won't?

MM: Who said I won't . . . ?