Delving into Dark Folklore with Mike Mignola's 'Bowling with Corpses'

Mike Mignola's Journey into the Curious

Legendary artist Mike Mignola, famed for his haunting Hellboy universe, has embarked on a captivating new journey, "Bowling with Corpses and Other Strange Tales From Lands Unknown." In an exclusive interview, Mignola unveils the inspiration and purpose behind this foray into ancient folklore.

"I've always wanted a place to focus on loose adaptations of folk and fairytales," Mignola explains. "I've incorporated these elements into Hellboy, but I yearned to explore them as their own stories."

Folklore as Storytelling Inspiration

Mignola's latest work is a testament to his profound appreciation for traditional folklore. "These old stories are like love letters to our shared history," he says. "I felt compelled to shift from Hellboy's more straightforward narratives to a style rooted in this timeless art."

"I created a world before I had storylines. It felt like a natural progression, and the characters and tales emerged from that foundation," adds Mignola.

Monsters in a New Light

Mignola is no stranger to monstrous creatures, having illustrated Dracula and his iconic Hellboy monsters. However, his approach to folkloric monsters in "Bowling with Corpses" is unique.

"My goal is not to reinvent them but to delve back to their folkloric roots," Mignola reveals. "The real joy lies in rediscovering these fascinating stories and their unknown creators."

Navigating Mythological Complexity

The stories in "Bowling with Corpses" explore creation myths and the role of gods. Mignola shares his strategy for distilling these complex ideas into engaging tales.

"I've created a rich mythology and introduced it subtly in the backdrop of the stories," explains Mignola. "Over time, readers will gain a deeper understanding of this world, but I want to maintain a sense of mystery."

The Curious Objects Universe

"Bowling with Corpses" marks the commencement of Mignola's "Curious Objects" imprint, which will house all his creations. He clarifies, "Curious Objects is a collective for my works, including new projects and existing titles like Hellboy and Baltimore."

A Shared Supernatural Universe

"Bowling with Corpses" is the catalyst for a captivating shared universe, but it differs from other popular universes.

"Ben Stenbeck and I will collaborate on this world. I've laid the groundwork, but Ben will enrich it with his stories," says Mignola. "We have an endless realm to explore, with myriad possibilities."

Mignola concludes with his enthusiasm, "I'm thrilled to share this universe with Ben. 'Bowling with Corpses and Other Strange Tales From Lands Unknown' is now available from Dark Horse Comics, immersing readers in a realm of haunting folklore and mythological wonders."