A FRANCO FRIDAYS birthday tribute!
By FRANCO
Hellboy is a great character! Created and drawn with an iconic style that is all Mike Mignola, who turned 65 this week. Because it’s so good, it has transcended the page, making the leap into film and pop culture.
I’m a fan and it was an honor to be able to work on a very small part of the mythos with Art Baltazar and my Itty Bitty Hellboy.
It was geared as something the kids could read because Mike was seeing younger kids wanting something Hellboy because their parents loved it so much.
And it was something I jumped at the chance to do because of the character and the creator. I was a big fan!
What fascinated me the most however, was the art and style of Mike himself. Going back to his Marvel days and in particular that 1985 Rocket Raccoon miniseries, written by Bill Mantlo. Loved that! The clowns on the cover still strike a profound streak of fear in me!
Inked by Al Gordon
Looking back at that series, it was a story and artist that I grew to like so much. It was far from the style Mike would eventually adopt, but you can see elements.
My own Rocket
I’m also a big fan of shapes and colors. And if you’ve been reading this little weekly sojourn of mine into the world of my brain and how I see art and comics, you would know that I tend to experiment and change my work to try new things. But man, this guy has learned to be a style unto himself. With the shapes and shadows, his use of black and the downright look of abstraction to every one of his pieces. If only I could!
The evolution of his art has been astounding and a true pleasure to watch. And if that weren’t enough, he’s a damn good writer too! His stories are so rich in folklore and mythical creatures and originality that Hellboy stands apart from everything else in comics.
So imagine my thrill when we invited Mike and his lovely wife out to Aw Yeah Comics in Illinois and they accepted. I could not have been more grateful or humbled. I got to watch him draw his iconic character right in front of me!
Me, Mike, Art
Hellboy will stand the test of time and has securely cemented its place in comics lore.
Happy Friday — and Happy Birthday, Mike.
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Want more FRANCO’S FREE-FOR-ALL FRIDAYS? Come back next week!
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MORE
— Ringing the Bell for THE GREATEST LITTLE LUCHADOR EVER. Click here.
— BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES — Still the Best of Them All. Click here.
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Franco and his forehead have traveled the world and he writes and draws stuff. Franco is the creator, artist and writer of Patrick the Wolf Boy and Aw Yeah Comics! Franco has worked on books/comics, including Tiny Titans and Superman Family Adventures. Franco was also a high-school teacher and is one of the principal owners of Aw Yeah Comics retail stores. Dan made Franco add that he has won three Eisners.
