After three decades of captivating readers with the iconic character Hellboy, legendary cartoonist Mike Mignola is embarking on an exciting new journey into uncharted territory. Teaming up with acclaimed artist Ben Stenbeck, the duo is set to unveil a brand new fictional universe: Lands Unknown. Their collaboration will introduce readers to a shared universe of stand-alone stories that promise to be as unbelievable as they are enchanting.
The debut publication from Mignola’s new imprint at Dark Horse Comics, Curious Objects, is set to hit shelves in December. Titled “Bowling With Corpses and Other Strange Tales From Lands Unknown,” this anthology of folklore-inspired fantasy stories will showcase Mignola’s signature blend of the weird, the wicked, and the whimsical. With illustrations by Mignola himself, coloring by Dave Stewart, and lettering by Clem Robins, the anthology is poised to be a visual feast for fans of the genre.
Inspired by an Italian folktale about a boy who goes bowling with corpses, Mignola’s creative vision for Lands Unknown is captivating. “It all started with an Italian Folktale about a boy who goes bowling with corpses,” said Mignola. “Once I created that world, new characters and stories started pouring out. There is a lot to play with here, and I expect to be at it for a very long time.”
The stories featured in “Bowling With Corpses and Other Strange Tales From Lands Unknown” promise to be fantastical, odd, and charming. From a search for the beating heart of a long-dead sorcerer to a pirate girl who makes a deal with the devil, each tale offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of the Lands Unknown universe.
Ben Stenbeck, who has collaborated with Mignola for several years, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. “For a few years now, Mike has been emailing me designs, pages, ideas, maps, and lists of place names for this world,” said Stenbeck. “So often my reaction to these emails is ‘That’s great, Mike! But I still have two books to draw before moving on to this work! I find myself taking three days off to write a new story.”
In addition to “Bowling With Corpses,” Mignola and Stenbeck are already working hard on other projects set in the Lands Unknown universe. Stenbeck hinted at a forthcoming comic set in a distant corner of this world, promising a tale filled with monsters and mystery.
With its December release date fast approaching, “Bowling With Corpses and Other Strange Tales From Lands Unknown” is set to captivate readers with its unique blend of folklore, fantasy, and the macabre. As the first publication from Curious Objects, it begins an exciting new chapter in Mike Mignola’s storied career.
Dark Horse Comics, founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, has a long history of nurturing creative talent and pushing the boundaries of storytelling. With titles ranging from classics like “Hellboy” to modern masterpieces like “The Umbrella Academy,” Dark Horse has earned a reputation as a powerhouse in the comics industry.
As fans eagerly await the release of “Bowling With Corpses,” they can look forward to more news, announcements, and updates from Dark Horse Comics on social media. The countdown to December 3, 2024, is officially on, and readers can’t wait to dive into Lands Unknown’s strange and wondrous world.
In conclusion, Mike Mignola and Ben Stenbeck’s collaboration on “Bowling With Corpses and Other Strange Tales From Lands Unknown” represents a thrilling new chapter in the world of comics. With its rich mythology, captivating storytelling, and stunning artwork, Lands Unknown promises to be an unforgettable journey into the unknown.
