Mike Mignola returns to art and writing on his long awaited Hellboy in Hell series that launches tomorrow at a comic shop near you. The new era of Hellboy's story is one of the most anticipated series launches this year and we took a little time to ask Mr. Mignola a few questions. 

 

Dark Horse Comics: What’s it like to be back to art and writing duties on your Hellboy series? You’re a busy fellow, but is there a certain satisfaction in returning to such an intimate creation process?

Mike Mignola: It’s great to be back drawing and writing again. I still feel like I’m rusty as hell, but some things seem to be coming back to me, and I’ve done some bits (storytelling bits) that I’m pretty proud of.

DHC: You have stated often that you spend a lot of time thinking of the Hellboy story line. Correct me if I’m wrong, but you seem to have had this part of the Hellboy story line in mind for a while. How does it feel to finally be sharing this new era with Hellboy fans?

MM: I have had this move to Hell in mind for a long time—years—and it’s a HUGE relief to have gotten him there. These first four issues are all about getting him there, taking care of some old business, and settling him in. But I feel like I have just scratched the surface as far as exploring his new world—really looking forward to future issues—so much to do!

DHC: What’s been the most challenging part of jumping back into full duties with Hellboy? 

MM: Certain images in this first story—I’ve been thinking about them for YEARS. When that happens there’s no way you’re ever going to be able to draw something that’s up to the image you’ve built up in your head. But in a few places I get close.

DHC: Without getting into any detail, there are some events in Hellboy in Hell #1 that happen off panel. What does this allow you to do in terms of storytelling with this first issue?

MM: I’m not sure what you’re referring to in issue #1—I know some stuff happens between panels in #2, but in #1…Well, it’s nice to leave some things as a mystery for a while. I don’t want the reader to be lost, but I do want some mystery as far as what’s going on. Hellboy is dead and has been dropped into Hell—for Hellboy and the reader that should be a mysterious experience. 

DHC: It was heartbreaking to see Hellboy finally have a love interest in Alice Monaghan and then to watch his path to his current fate in Hell. Is there a possibility that Alice will have a place in the Hellboy in Hell story line?

MM: I have no plans for dropping Alice into Hell. For one thing, Duncan did such a wonderful job drawing her that I’d be afraid to attempt it. That said, she was a big part of his life there for a while…It seems to me they should get a chance to at least have one more conversation. I do want to do more with Alice—she does have a major role in future events—I just haven’t quite figured out how to make a story out of that—but I will.

DHC: Thank You for your time. 

Be sure to keep up with the new era of Hellboy comics with Hellboy in Hell #1 on shelves Tomorrow, December 5th!