A Trip to the Many Worlds of Hellboy’s Creator

Mike Mignola, a renowned comic book artist and writer, is showcasing 100 pieces of his artwork at the Philippe Labaune Gallery in Chelsea, which opened in 2021. This exhibition, titled 'Hell, Ink & Water: The Art of Mike Mignola,' aims to merge the realms of fine art and comics, reflecting Mignola's diverse artistic interests beyond his famous character, Hellboy. Mignola, who is 64 years old, expressed hope that his Hellboy paintings would attract buyers, but he is particularly passionate about his works featuring skeletons and ghosts. The exhibition includes a variety of art forms, such as watercolor paintings and pen-and-ink comic book covers and interior pages. One notable piece is a watercolor that began as a cover for 'In the Mad Mountains: Stories Inspired by H.P. Lovecraft,' showcasing Mignola's collaboration with digital colorist Dave Stewart. This collaboration allowed for creative freedom, as Mignola could focus solely on the artwork without the constraints of logo placement. Mignola's artistic journey is also reflected in his upcoming project, 'Bowling With Corpses and Other Strange Tales From Lands Unknown,' which is an anthology of fantasy stories inspired by folklore. This project further illustrates his commitment to exploring themes that resonate with his artistic style. Overall, the exhibition represents a significant moment for Mignola, as it not only highlights his established work but also opens up new avenues for his artistic expression, challenging the perceptions of comic art in the fine art world.