Young Hellboy Interview: Whether You're A Kid Or An Adult -- No One Is Safe On The Hidden Island!
Feb 16, 2021
Interview by Troy-Jeffrey Allen
Join Hellboy creator Mike Mignola as he teams with writer Tom Sniegoski, artist Craig Rousseau, and colorist Dave Stewart to bring you a tale of Hellboy's childhood! But just because the "Right Hand of Doom" hasn't grown up, doesn't mean this exclusively for kids or adults!
In the following interview, co-writer Tom Sniegoski gives a glimpse inside The Hidden Land! Keep reading...
PREVIEWSworld: Why was now the time to get back into the history of Hellboy?
Tom Sniegoski: Well, since the main Hellboy story and B.P.R.D. have ended, delving into Hellboy’s past seems like a no-brainer. Personally, I’ve always loved seeing those little glimpses of Hellboy as a child and wished that there were more of them and that they were longer. I guess my wish has come true with “The Hidden Land.”
Is this intended to be a kid's book?
It’s not a kids’ book at all, it’s more of an everybody book! I think an audience, whether they be young or old, looking for an exciting story full of more crazy stuff than you could shake a stick at—as well as a young Hellboy—will absolutely LOVE this series.
So, where does this take place in continuity? Clearly during Hellboy’s early years…but pre-Midnight Circus? Post-Midnight Circus?
The Midnight Circus takes place in 1948, and our story happens a year before that, in 1947.
What is The Hidden Land?
I don’t want to give too much away, but the Hidden Land was once part of an ancient civilization, forced to hide itself away in a pocket dimension where time stands still! The reason it’s been pocketed away is the main thrust of the story, and I don’t want to say anything more, other than it’s really fun and crazy exciting—and there’s a giant ape-god and dinosaurs. Have I said too much? Or just enough?
This isn’t the first time you’ve played in the Hellboy universe, but what’s your collaborative process like with Mike Mignola? Does he just give you a framework and you run with it? Is he more hands-on?
I love working with Mike, as we think an awful lot alike. Usually, he has a basic concept of the kind of story he’s looking for. He lets me play with the idea a bit and then tweaks it accordingly. I then go off and write the scripts. What you get then is this really cool mixture of Mike and me. It really is an awesome work experience.
What can you tell us about Craig Rousseau’s artwork on here?
I’ve always been a huge fan of Craig’s work. I love his Perhapanauts, the book he does with writer Todd Dezago. I don’t think I’ve ever seen art fit a book so perfectly as Craig’s does Young Hellboy: The Hidden Land. When I saw his pencils I was stunned. It was as if he’d taken the images right out of my skull and put them onto the paper. It was amazingly cool to see, and of course, Dave Stewart’s colors over Craig’s art is something to behold.
Looking forward, what can readers expect from YOUNG HELLBOY?
When I sat down to write Young Hellboy: The Hidden Land, I had one intention: to create something incredibly fun and exciting that all ages could enjoy. I think Mike and I, Craig, Dave, and Matt Smith on covers have done exactly that. I can’t wait for people to see this book.
Young Hellboy (DEC200249) is available now at comic shops everywhere.
Join Hellboy creator Mike Mignola as he teams with writer Tom Sniegoski, artist Craig Rousseau, and colorist Dave Stewart to bring you a tale of Hellboy's childhood!
Young Hellboy's adventure continues, from Mike Mignola with writer Tom Sniegoski, artist Craig Rousseau, and colorist Dave Stewart!
Troy-Jeffrey Allen is the producer and co-host of PREVIEWSworld Weekly. His comics work includes BAMN, Fight of the Century, the Harvey Award-nominated District Comics, and the Ringo Awards-nominated Magic Bullet.
