Over his long career, Hellboy has appeared in Strange and Wild Stories. He went to his toes with Grigori Rasputin himself. They teamed up with three Lucador brothers to fight monsters in Mexico. They even dealt with fallout from the Nazi Space Program. However, of the many journeys and adventures Hellboy has taken up, few have found it more attractive and persuasive than the Hellboy of Love.
As may have been speculated in the title, Hellboy in Love sees the big man’s struggle with the biggest enemy of all (romance) in tracking his relationship with archaeologist Anastasia Bransfield between 1979 and 1981. However, as the proper love story never truly ends, Mignora and Golden are now working with artist Alex Nieto to Hellboy in Love: Art of Fire.
The story in issue 2 is a direct continuation of Hellboys in Love, where Loveboys see “trekking to Iceland for evidence of the seemingly impossible network of occultists.” However, Hellboy and Anastasia quickly discover “the fresh excavation site (That) holds the answer that comes at a sudden and dangerous price.” If you loved the first three Hellboys in a love story, this will excite the same needs with supernatural behavior and big themes such as finding love in a world that is not the easiest prospect.
Hellboy in Love: The Art of Fire #1 will debut this week (August 6th). In the lead-up, I spoke to Nieto via email about his immersion in Hellboy Ves. He also worked with Mignora and Golden to get acquainted with his favorite Hellboy story. If he comes back looking for more stories, then there are other topics and little things.
Courtesy of Dark Horse Comics.
AIPT: Before this project, how many Hellboy fans were you? Do you have any favorite stories?
Alex Nieto: I’ve been a Mignora fan since college. I thoroughly enjoy all the Hellboy and other character stories I’ve read. If I had to choose one, it would be Hellboy in Hell. For me, it’s the best of Mignola and Dave Stewart, the perfect series.
I look forward to reading their new works. It will take some time to arrive in Spain.
AIPT: How was it working for two legends, Mike Mignora and Christopher Golden? Did that collaboration work the way you imagined it?
AN: I had no idea what the job would be, except that I would adapt to everything they told me. Now I can say that both them and the editor are great. They gave me a huge amount of creative freedom. They have understood the changes I have made to the pages I have already submitted because I want to improve them. I’m very grateful.
Courtesy of Dark Horse Comics.
AIPT: How did you prepare to “enter” the Hellboy Ves for the first time?
AN: I used to draw characters in my spare time for years, and when it officially fell on it, I fell. Little by little, I found the tone and finish I wanted. Still, I almost completely reworked the initial problem. It was very hard and I was beginning to apply both the second ink and the colour differently. In fact, in the second issue, I always look to improve, but I think it has established a kind of way to maintain a consistent style that I am happy with.
aipt: Why is Hellboy in a love story so special and unique? Do you feel it’s different from other, more “standard” Hellboy stories?
AN: I think it’s very interesting to explore the more human side of someone who loves others. In this story, there is also the guilt of Hellboy feeling that he may be harming Anastasia’s life.
Plus, there are mummies and cool monsters. What more do you need?
Courtesy of Dark Horse Comics.
AIPT: How much freedom do you give us in the Hellboy story? Did you feel like you had the opportunity to do something new or novel in this character and his big, bold universe?
AN: The truth is, you obviously have to respect the characters, but I felt completely free with Mignola and Christopher. They made it clear to me that I could do it in my own way, and I could also add color myself. This is important for me as I always think of the final art in colour. As an artist, you couldn’t ask for more.
aipt: Do you have a favorite moment in question #1 or #2? Maybe something about this story’s big message or something that tells the heart?
AN: From the first issue, I was most impressed with the first few pages. They aren’t the most fun to draw, but I like the way the characters are given more complexity and I think there are a lot of truth in the conversations between the couple.
From issue 2, I was most impressed with the action that took place in the second half. I had a great time drawing it.
Courtesy of Dark Horse Comics.
AIPT: How do you explain the relationship between Hellboy and Anastasia Bransfield? Why is it so fun/engaging to portray one of their stories?
AN: Well, I think it’s a very beautiful relationship. Hellboy shows her vulnerability with who he is, and there are some very real moments in this story.
AIPT: Can you talk about Hellboy’s design in this title? He is just more elegant and supple, and feels the perfect balance between not only being younger but also getting older enough.
AN: Well, it’s very clumsy on my part because I wanted to continue the series that Matt Smith, whom I often admire, was portrayed, and I wanted to get away from his style. So I tried to influence myself and apply the way I draw other characters without considering it being Hellboy.
Courtesy of Dark Horse Comics.
AIPT: If you could do another Hellboy title/project, what would the story of you and your dream Hellboy look like?
AN: The truth is, I really want to continue exploring this story. Also, I have in mind that I will try to do it, but for now it’s a secret!
aipt: Is there anything you need to know about Hellboy, comics, art, etc.?
AN: I can’t think of anything! We hope you like this comic. That was a dream for me. thank you very much!
