We have had the pleasure of speaking with many of the creators who have collaborated with Mike Mignola on his Hellboy Universe. These include Christopher Golden, Warwick Johnson-Cadwell, Jesse Lonergan, Thomas E. Sniegoski, and Ben Stenbeck. Some of these creators have shared their insights with us multiple times.
We are now excited to add Ben Stenbeck to this list, as he has graciously taken this opportunity to visit with us again. This time, discussing his new Dark Horse book with Mr. Mignola entitled The Serpent in the Garden: Ed Grey and the Last Battle for England, which is set to hit stands on December 4th. We chat about his first solo work, his new Universe with Mike Mignola, Lands Unknown and his newest book. So, let’s welcome back Ben Stenbeck to GVN Talking Comics.
Our Bones Dust
GVN: Thank you once again for taking the time to speak with us, Ben. The last time we talked was almost two years ago when we discussed your book, Koshchei in Hell. Since then, you have kept busy, including working on your first solo series for Image Comics, Our Bones Dust. How did that project come about, and were you at all apprehensive about taking such a significant creative step?
Ben: “Our Bones Dust” started as something I was just toying around with, and it sort of grew. I wanted my first solo venture to be something fairly small that I could learn from before attempting something bigger. I was a little apprehensive, but I think that having that book done and out in the world has killed that apprehension for whatever I do next.
GVN: Now that you have crossed that bridge, do you see yourself challenging yourself again with more solo work, and if so, what other types of stories would you like to tell?
Ben: I do have a much larger story I’d love to do someday. Once again, a sort of Sci Fi thing. I’ve had it percolating for about 30 years, so hopefully I’ll get an opportunity to do it sometime soon.
The Lands Unknown
GVN: So, before we get into your latest miniseries collaboration with Mike Mignola, let’s touch upon your new “shared universe” with Mike, “The Lands Unknown.” How did this project come up, how long has it been in the making and when does it make its debut?
Ben: I think we started talking about it in early 2022. We were talking about other things to do. At some point the idea of developing a new world together came up and I think we were both on the same page about it being a sort of fantasy world. But It’s really all Mike so far. He’s about to start work on his third book, and I haven’t drawn a single page yet. He’s been really generous about it. He’s letting me just do what I like in this world of his. The first book is “Mike’s Bowling with Corpses” which releases in January 2025. It’s an amazing book. It’s full of everything we’ve all come to love from Mignola. I still can’t announce any of mine yet.
The Serpent in the Garden: Ed Grey and the Last Battle for England
GVN: That’s alright, we’ll catch up with you when you’re ready. As I mentioned, you have a new 3-issue mini-series along with your usual creative cohorts, Mike and Dave Stewart with “The Serpent and the Garden – Ed Grey and the Last Battle for England.” I have found Ed Grey to be a fascinating character with so many avenues to explore. Was this a story that Mike brought to you or was it one that you and he had in the hopper for a while?
Ben: This is all Mike’s story. He wanted to tie up a few loose ends in the Hellboy universe, so this story is a sort of fond farewell to some important characters. We did do a bit of Marvel method for a chunk of Issue 3, where he gave me free reign to make some stuff up.
GVN: In the press release for the series, you talk about the character and say: “This is going to be my last ‘Hellboy Universe’ story for some time. So, I’m really happy I finally get to draw one of my favorite characters.” What??? Define “some time.”
Ben: Well, I’m 100% focused on “Lands Unknown” after this. So, it all depends on how long I can get away with doing that. I’m sure the odd Hellboy Universe short story will pop up here and there, but for now as far as I can tell, my future is all “Lands Unknown.”
Upcoming Projects
GVN: Well…That’s ok then. Thanks again for talking with us, Ben. Before we part, let me give you the floor to talk about this series and what you have planned for your fans in 2025 and beyond.
Ben: It’s a fun series, I think it has a lot to offer longtime Hellboy readers but like all these stories, it’s still very accessible to new readers. 2025 will finally see my first “Lands Unknown” series. The plan at this point is for a 2-issue series followed by a 4-issue series. I start work on that in December. Hopefully, there will be some more short stories like the thing I did with Matt Smith in the “Headless Horseman Annual.” Thanks for having me!
Dark Horse Comics “The Serpent in the Garden: Ed Grey and the Last Battle for England,” Issue 1 by Mike Mignola, Ben Stenbeck and Dave Stewart is available December 4th, where all great comics are sold.
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 60 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove headfirst over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 21-year-old young man with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
