Darkness Calls- Latest Previews

[Neil Hill]

For those of you who normally give Previews a cursory glance and place it back on the shelf, or ignore it altogether, you may want to check out the DH section in the latest issue. Several pretty shots of the cover to the issue as well as a page of Fegredo art not previously seen. Check it out!

[parrish]

Sweet. Thanks for the note. I am one of those people.

[gdeo]

Styg is right this Previews is a keeper...cannot wait for all this hellboy goodness!!Nice Limited signed retailer litho...i wonder if that's Sophie the cat?:confused:

[Neil Hill]

I'm curious what everyone thinks of the Fegredo Hellboy artwork we've seen thus far? Personally I love it, and that's not me just trying to make a silk purse from a soy's ear folks. It really is that good!

In fact I was thinking about that this morning. The fact that when the announcement was first made that Mike was giving up the storytelling chores on Hellboy to another artist for awhile, I groaned along with everyone. However, I'm now starting to come to the realization that I should actually be thanking Mike and all involved. What this means is that we'll actually get more than 3-4 issues every few years (sincerely no offense intended Mike), but will instead get a full mini and hopefully more mini's in the same year, similar to the scheduling for BPRD.

Now, I realize that Mike has been trying to enlist the assistance of another artist to take over the heavy lifting on Hellboy as far back as Conqueror Worm, however, now just seems like the most appropriate time for that to actually happen. The property is "hot" and expecation is at an all time high. Having another artist with a fresh perspective come in and devote themselves full time to the project (again much like Guy Davis on BPRD) just makes sense and, honestly, takes quite a bit of courage and selflessness on Mike's part to let that part of his legacy be put into the capable hands of another creator (under his loving guidance of course).

I guess what I'm trying to say is, I both admire and am greatful to you Mike for seeing what the fans want and being selfless enough to step to the side while another guy comes in and does his thing. I think ultimately it will strengthen the property by getting more material out there, but it also showcases what kind of person Mike is- one with the fans interest truly at heart.

[parrish]

I was skeptical about a new artist also. Until I saw the Hellboy sketch that Duncan had done. He's not copying Mike (which would bother me), but he is not completely changing it either, which would bother me even more.

I think he draws Hellboy very well and the little bits I've seen from Darkness Calls just reassure me that this is going to be a great series.

[Jake Capps]

I'm curious what everyone thinks of the Fegredo Hellboy artwork we've seen thus far? Personally I love it, and that's not me just trying to make a silk purse from a soy's ear folks. It really is that good!

In fact I was thinking about that this morning. The fact that when the announcement was first made that Mike was giving up the storytelling chores on Hellboy to another artist for awhile, I groaned along with everyone. However, I'm now starting to come to the realization that I should actually be thanking Mike and all involved. What this means is that we'll actually get more than 3-4 issues every few years (sincerely no offense intended Mike), but will instead get a full mini and hopefully more mini's in the same year, similar to the scheduling for BPRD.

Now, I realize that Mike has been trying to enlist the assistance of another artist to take over the heavy lifting on Hellboy as far back as Conqueror Worm, however, now just seems like the most appropriate time for that to actually happen. The property is "hot" and expecation is at an all time high. Having another artist with a fresh perspective come in and devote themselves full time to the project (again much like Guy Davis on BPRD) just makes sense and, honestly, takes quite a bit of courage and selflessness on Mike's part to let that part of his legacy be put into the capable hands of another creator (under his loving guidance of course).

I guess what I'm trying to say is, I both admire and am greatful to you Mike for seeing what the fans want and being selfless enough to step to the side while another guy comes in and does his thing. I think ultimately it will strengthen the property by getting more material out there, but it also showcases what kind of person Mike is- one with the fans interest truly at heart.

And now the Golden Kippi Doll goes back to Stygian for speaking truth from the heart!

[craig rousseau]

I'm curious what everyone thinks of the Fegredo Hellboy artwork we've seen thus far? Personally I love it, and that's not me just trying to make a silk purse from a soy's ear folks. It really is that good!


well, besides mignola himself, i can't think of an artist i'd rather see doing this book. (but to be honest, i'm glad to see fegredo doing anything! heck, if i had to list my two favorite artists, i'm not sure which of 'm would take the top spot...)

and that preview page looks amazing.

-c

[Neil Hill]

and that preview page looks amazing.

-c

Doesn't it though!? I'm even MORE jazzed for April after seeing that page. Of course every Fegredo Hellboy image I've seen thus far only further deepens my enjoyment of his style on this book. Go Duncan!

[Mike Cross]

I think these 2 guys are as far apart stylistically as could be, that is Guy and Duncan. Yet, they just look so great for their respective books. Duncan's Hellboy stuff looks increditbly clean and close enough to Mike's style ( much like Ryan Sook's was for that mini) that it's great to see. Guy, well Guy's BPRD is excellent, just quirky enough to encompass the scale of the book. Plus, i just have come to love Guy's art.

Side note, I commissioned an artist MC WYman to do his take on 3 of my favourite comic characters recently. His big men that I've seen on CAF (Hulk, Thing, etc.) are super, so I figured he'd be a good choice for that long awaited Hellboy-Spidey-Batman fighting a creature thought i've had welling up. More once it's finished!

[jackups]

Can some one give me a link to those previews?

I am also excited about the new artist, I mean Mike really must of got tired to stop like he says in strange places where you actually see the panel he got tired on.

[Neil Hill]

Can some one give me a link to those previews?

I am also excited about the new artist, I mean Mike really must of got tired to stop like he says in strange places where you actually see the panel he got tired on.

No online previews for the artwork that I know of Jackups. Sorry, but it looks like you'll need to track down the actual Previews mag for now. Unless a fellow fan is willing to post the artwork online.

[jackups]

on right thats fine,I missunderstood the posy I thought it was a website not a magazine,I dident recognize the name as we dont have it here in the Uk(I think):)

[SpydaWeb]

Anyone else getting the Litho? I just requested it from my friendly comic shop.

[Neil Hill]

Anyone else getting the Litho? I just requested it from my friendly comic shop.

I just figured it was a one per shop deal and then they'd sell it at an exhorbitant mark up. If that's not the case I'll definitely order one. Probably one I'll need to track down via eBay or a comic convention though.

[absenter]

Just saw the page. Though I don't like it as much as other stuff I've seen (i.e. one w/ the lusty cats), I am still excited for the series and Douggy Fresh's take. I agree about the styles of Doug and Guy being very different from one another, Doug the angular representationalist to Guy's rounder characterization, but both successfully working for these books. The reason this comes as such a surprise to some is because these characters are ultimately defined by Mike's style more than anything else. They have fleshed out personalities and motivations to be sure, but particularly with HB & Abe I think a lot of who they are comes from the way Mike draws them. This indellible stamp of authorship is tested when other creators step in and with Guy (whose style strays much farther from mignoly than Doug's) I'm continually impressed by how he makes it his own and retains this prior quality. Maybe it's just really good writing (big ol Hat Tip Mr. Arcudi!). I've been really digging BPRD (one of the few comics I still actually purchase) and anxiously await Darkness Calls. Do me proud Doug! Can't wait.

[parrish]

pssst...absenter...his name is DUNCAN...not Doug

[absenter]

WOOPS! Sorry Dougcan. (why did i write doug...)

[SpydaWeb]

I just figured it was a one per shop deal and then they'd sell it at an exhorbitant mark up. If that's not the case I'll definitely order one. Probably one I'll need to track down via eBay or a comic convention though.

Yeah, I think the store gets one print per 40 issues of Hellboy ordered. Something like that. Most mom and pops don't order that much of one comic, especially not Hellboy, but my local store loves my business so much that they will go the extra mile to make sure I get a copy.

[Ninth Hispana]

SpydaWeb,.. I hope your right about the litho''.I 'm also a big supporter of HB product at my local store.On the litho'' image,..I't never ceases to amaze me how people in different parts of the world can experience similar ideas.I did a 2 page outline for a HB story last year, concerning amongst other things a cat.When I saw the art image, it took me a couple of minutes to stop laughing and shaking of head [not the first time this has happened].The only change to the art would be the background to a desert scene with Joshua trees and a U.F.O...It's true what they say, images and ideas do float around the ether.....

[SpydaWeb]

Cat from Outerspace! Classic Disney. Now I need to track that down.

[ajjones]

Styg is right this Previews is a keeper...cannot wait for all this hellboy goodness!!Nice Limited signed retailer litho...i wonder if that's Sophie the cat?:confused:

i saw that "darkness calls" litho, and i'm keen on it.

can someone tell me if the artwork is mr fegredo? given that the litho is for the series mr fegredo is illustrating, i would assume it it.. but because he is, to some extent, basing his work on mr mignola's style, it is hard to tell from the small reproduction of the litho in the pages of "previews".

can anyone here confirm or deny, or speculately wildly?

danke.





end of line.

[Neil Hill]

i saw that "darkness calls" litho, and i'm keen on it.

can someone tell me if the artwork is mr fegredo? given that the litho is for the series mr fegredo is illustrating, i would assume it it.. but because he is, to some extent, basing his work on mr mignola's style, it is hard to tell from the small reproduction of the litho in the pages of "previews".

can anyone here confirm or deny, or speculately wildly?

danke.
end of line.

The verbiage in Previews for the litho says Mignola art, and the picture for the litho (note to self-I really need to scan that sucker) is Mignola artwork. It's actually kind of a cool looking print folks, and how often does Mike do those anymore?

[ajjones]

The verbiage in Previews for the litho says Mignola art, and the picture for the litho (note to self-I really need to scan that sucker) is Mignola artwork. It's actually kind of a cool looking print folks, and how often does Mike do those anymore?

i wasn't sure at first, but now i am: if you look at the (small) reproduction of the print (p.57) you can actually see mr mignola's signature (which i had not seen before i posted my question):

just to the left of hellboy's stone hand, and next to the peak of the first rooftop on the left edge you can mr mignola's litte box with an M in it. so it's his artwork.

thanks for replying.




end of line.

[Xequals10]

Yeah, I think the store gets one print per 40 issues of Hellboy ordered. Something like that. Most mom and pops don't order that much of one comic, especially not Hellboy, but my local store loves my business so much that they will go the extra mile to make sure I get a copy.

I don't know if anyone confirmed it but this indeed the incentive.
40 copies of HB: Darkness Calls #1 = 1 litho.

[D'ohboy]

Probably old news but this was on page 57 of the Feb. Previews.

It says it's exclusive to direct market retailers.
No chance for the common folk unless you are connected?

Sorry folks, I found the original discussion (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=161252&highlight=print)

Please delete/merge....

[redoogie]

awesome, is this one of those 1x100 deals?

[Ninth Hispana]

More precise info is on another thread redoogie, but I believe it's 1 - 40 issues ordered by a store.[now I know where my cat's disappeared to].....

[SpydaWeb]

My store promises me one of those. Hopefully pictures to follow once I get it in my hands and framed.

[Maija]

AaaaaAAAWWW! KIZZAY!!!1!

I have a creepy-ass illustrated Grimm Brothers tale about a cat and a mouse. The cats are both cute and creepy, as only kitties can be. The beautiful illustrations both fascinated and frightened me as a child.

Ah, here is the story (http://www.grimmstories.com/en/grimm_fairy-tales/cat_and_mouse_in_partnership). Grimm indeed. :p

I wonder how it might be adapted as a Hellboy story? Maybe the cat tells the story to Hellboy.

EDIT: attached is one of the illustrations by Janet and Anne Grahame-Johnstone.

[Mikolaj]

Awww... We common comic fans should hate these exclusive deals... The next second these come in they'll have sky prices on ebay. Double shame as this piece is a beuty. And I do agree about the cats with Maija. We've got 3 of these little magic monsters back home and after years of growing up with them I can't think of a more secretive and eteric creatures than cats.They would make a great story part! More cats in Hellboy- that's what I want! ;-)

[Sparky]

My favorite storytime cats are the ones in Der Struwelpeter, a 19th-century German book of "improving tales for children". By "improving" they mean "scaring the crap out of kids so they do what they're told". In one story, a little girl plays with matches, sets herself on fire, and dies. Her cats sort of stand by looking all "OH NOES!11!!!" and then weep over her ashes. Which is exactly what my cats would do if I was on fire.

In the crudely-illustrated copy my husband had as a child, the tears are shooting straight out of the cats' eyes like laser beams. (http://www.phobe.com/crap/struwelkatz.jpg)

ps: Maija, that cat you linked to is going to give me nightmares.

[Neil Hill]

Thanks for posting the pic! I mentioned the exclusive awhile back, but didn't post an image of the print. Not sure what will happen as far as how available these will be, but for my part I've touched base with my LCS to let them know I'm interested.

[Maija]

In the crudely-illustrated copy my husband had as a child, the tears are shooting straight out of the cats' eyes like laser beams. (http://www.phobe.com/crap/struwelkatz.jpg)That is fantastic! I love the fact that even though the cats are in mourning they've already helped themselves to her hair bows to tie around their tails.

Out of the context of the storybook, that looks like a macabre greeting card.

Sorry to hear that you're burnt out!

[Jakob Westman]

Thanks for posting the pic! I mentioned the exclusive awhile back, but didn't post an image of the print. Not sure what will happen as far as how available these will be, but for my part I've touched base with my LCS to let them know I'm interested.

Yeah, I asked my local store too. But they said they'd have to order a minimum of 40 copies of Darkness Calls to get them, and so far they only had 3 pre-orders (including mine). So no print for me :(

/ Jakob

[Neil Hill]

Yeah, I asked my local store too. But they said they'd have to order a minimum of 40 copies of Darkness Calls to get them, and so far they only had 3 pre-orders (including mine). So no print for me :(

/ Jakob

Pardon me if this question seems obtuse, but does the low number of copies ordered have anything to do with the country in which your LCS is located- in Sweden (I believe) in this case? In other words, I'm wondering if the popularity of Hellboy is a country/region/culture specific phenomenon, as Hellboy seems to be gaining popularity and recognition here in the US, but it doesn't like it it so much there in Sweden.

[Maija]

Am I insane or is there a blank poll now attached to the top of this thread?

That might be two separate questions.:o

[jnapper]

Am I insane or is there a blank poll now attached to the top of this thread?

That might be two separate questions.:o

Weird... yeah, let me see if I can get rid of the empty poll.

When D'ohboy asked me to merge the threads, it created a poll-- maybe I pushed the wrong button or something.

[Jakob Westman]

Pardon me if this question seems obtuse, but does the low number of copies ordered have anything to do with the country in which your LCS is located- in Sweden (I believe) in this case? In other words, I'm wondering if the popularity of Hellboy is a country/region/culture specific phenomenon, as Hellboy seems to be gaining popularity and recognition here in the US, but it doesn't like it it so much there in Sweden.
It definitely has to do with it being in Sweden. American comics are imports and quite expensive and there aren't that many stores that carry them. And the stores are probably a bit afraid to stock too much since a 2 month old comic from an ongoing title is quite hard to sell. I think they're more daring when it comes to TPBs.
I think Stockholm (Sweden's capital) have some 3 (small) comic book stores that import new American comics. I can't imagine they order more than perhaps 25 copies of ANY title. Not sure which ones are most popular. X-Men maybe. Dunno.

/ Jakob

[absenter]

All of this creepy kitton talk, I couldn't resist: This is a verse from a ghost story I wrote. The story is a found diary (house of leaves anyone? they say geniuses are just exellent thieves!) and the author pens the line as a tiny distraction...

The mouse's wife the starling
Was always such a darling
Staying home and never flying south
Till mousey went away
When kitty made his play...
And sleeping now, both live in kitty's mouth.

[Neil Hill]

It definitely has to do with it being in Sweden. American comics are imports and quite expensive and there aren't that many stores that carry them. And the stores are probably a bit afraid to stock too much since a 2 month old comic from an ongoing title is quite hard to sell. I think they're more daring when it comes to TPBs.
I think Stockholm (Sweden's capital) have some 3 (small) comic book stores that import new American comics. I can't imagine they order more than perhaps 25 copies of ANY title. Not sure which ones are most popular. X-Men maybe. Dunno.

/ Jakob

That's kind of what I figured, Jakob. Thanks for expounding upon that and giving me the run down.

[Asa]

I Don't know much about sweden.But I have been spredding the info on hellboy through iceland.I have a very large family.I can only go one person at a time.I have been sending books abroad and I can tell you that there only a few book stores and they don't have many comics.It does cost an arm and 2legs to pay the taxes.











:D

[Neil Hill]

I Don't know much about sweden.But I have been spredding the info on hellboy through iceland.I have a very large family.I can only go one person at a time.I have been sending books abroad and I can tell you that there only a few book stores and they don't have many comics.It does cost an arm and 2legs to pay the taxes.

Every little bit of spreading the word helps Isburg. The old saying goes, if you can help only one, you've still helped in some way.

[Asa]

Thank You for the kind words. I don't think I will be able to get my hands on a litho.I am a collector. considering how difficult it is for me to get an airline ticket home for the NewYear celebrations I thought that since Ron Perlman spending so much time in Iceland (no one even new) someone would take advantage of advertising since Iceland is the the country connecting north america to europe.Hopefully there will be Extra Firework celebration for hellboy 2:
:rolleyes: