Renowned creator Mike Mignola, famous for his iconic character Hellboy, is venturing into an entirely new fantastical realm with the recent release of his book. Titled *Bowling with Corpses and Other Strange Tales From Lands Unknown*, this anthology reads like an intricate tapestry of myths and legends. The narratives weave together dark themes laced with a dose of whimsy—featuring everything from animal protagonists to peculiar adventures, such as a young boy’s surreal journey after he unexpectedly comes into possession of a mystical dead hand.
According to Mignola, the genesis of this project traces back to “an Italian folktale about a boy who goes bowling with corpses,” which he aimed to reinterpret while freely engaging in creative liberties. “Therefore, I crafted an entirely new universe,” he stated. The much-anticipated *Bowling with Corpses* is now available in comic stores; below you can enjoy an excerpt from “Una and the Devil”—a standout story within this collection.
The Allure of Strange Narratives
Mignola’s distinctive artistic style perfectly complements the eerie essence of these folk tales. The illustrations featured in the anthology are visually arresting: scenes include a woman elevating from a blood-soaked coffin; another where a man trails behind an ethereal dagger through ominously crimson-tinged woods; and the dramatic debut flight of a newly metamorphosed creature against the night sky. Within its 112 pages, readers can explore eight intriguing stories that serve as both standalone tales and pieces that promise further exploration in future volumes!
A Collaborative Effort
This ambitious venture was brought to life through collaboration between Mignola and Ben Stenbeck (known for *Our Bones Dust*), forming part of the expansive Lands Unknown universe. Notably, this book marks its introduction under Mignola’s new publishing imprint called Curious Objects at Dark Horse Comics. With writing and illustration executed by Mignola himself, colorization by Dave Stewart, and lettering by Clem Robins, every aspect has been meticulously crafted to deliver an immersive reading experience.
