Mike Mignola Redefines the World of Comics with "Bowling With Corpses"
Mike Mignola, the renowned comic book artist, has redefined the world of comics with his new anthology, "Bowling With Corpses and Other Strange Tales From Lands Unknown". This new book is a departure from his previous works, such as Hellboy, and marks a new era in his career.
The Inspiration Behind "Bowling With Corpses"
Mignola fell in love with an Italian folktale about a boy who wins a prize from a corpse king, a pirate girl who strikes a deal with the devil, and a vampire girl who… well, you get the idea. He wanted to create a fantasy world, an "almost-our-world" place where he could adapt folk and fairy tales into a fantasy setting. This led him to create a whole world, with a creation myth, history, and maps.
The Process of World-Building
Mignola’s process is quite unique. He takes in various stories, mashes them together, and chews on them until they become his own. He then draws and writes them. "It’s all about taking in things, mashing them together, and chewing them over till they become yours," he says. This process allowed him to create a rich and vibrant world, full of strange and wonderful creatures.
The Art of Storytelling
Mignola is proud of the artwork in "Bowling With Corpses", particularly the sequence of the skull scattering leg bones. He also loves doing transformation scenes, such as the wolf-to-man and bat-to-girl transformations. These scenes are a testament to his skill as an artist.
Advice for Aspiring Artists
When asked for advice, Mignola humbly replied that he has no idea what goes on in the comic book world anymore. However, he did share his own experience of creating comics, saying, "I read a lot, take things in, and try to figure out what I can do with it."
Conclusion
Mike Mignola’s "Bowling With Corpses and Other Strange Tales From Lands Unknown" is a testament to his creativity and skill as an artist. This new anthology marks a new era in his career, one that is full of wonder and imagination. With its unique blend of fantasy and folklore, this book is sure to captivate readers and inspire aspiring artists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What inspired you to create "Bowling With Corpses"?
A: I fell in love with an Italian folktale and wanted to create a fantasy world where I could adapt folk and fairy tales.
Q: How do you approach world-building?
A: I take in various stories, mash them together, and chew on them until they become my own.
Q: What do you look for in an artist?
A: I read a lot, take things in, and try to figure out what I can do with it.
Q: Who would you want to bowl with from your created characters?
A: I think I’d like to bowl with Yeb, the kid from the folktale, and maybe even Una the vampire girl.
