A New Adventure in the Hellboy Universe
Legendary creator Mike Mignola is joining forces with writer and artist Bruce Zick, known for his work on titles such as The Mighty Thor, The Atomic Legion, and Primordial, to explore a new chapter in the Hellboy Universe. This collaboration will bring to life Captain Henry and the Graveyard of Time, a story that delves into uncharted territory within this expansive world.
The Story Begins in 1880s England
Set against the backdrop of a dark night in 1880s England, the narrative follows the Whittier family and Edward Grey as they attempt to send a man into the realm between reality and the Beyond. Their goal is to free the trapped spirit of a Whittier uncle. However, this expedition takes an unexpected turn as the protagonist journeys through space and time, encountering places far beyond the knowledge of even the most seasoned Witchfinders.
A Journey Through Time and Danger
Captain Henry and the Graveyard of Time follows an intrepid explorer who travels through time and into a new dimension. As he navigates this strange world, he soon realizes that the monsters he faces are not his only challenge. The very fabric of time itself may be the greatest threat of all.
Exploring the Visual World of the Series
Bruce Zick has shared some exclusive sketches from the series, along with insights into his creative process. These visuals offer a glimpse into the unique aesthetic of the story:
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First Inked Idea: This initial concept showcases a character that is primarily biological with some mechanical elements. Zick felt it captured the right tone for the book, suggesting that this character could become a central figure in the first volume.
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Ghostbuster Design: The design for the ghostbuster combines Victorian deep-sea diving elements with retro steampunk and science fiction contraptions. While the initial idea was somewhat clumsy and improbable, the team decided to take a different approach.
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Mechanical Denizen: Another creature from the Graveyard is more mechanical than biological. Zick aimed for unusual, asymmetrical shapes, pushing himself to think outside the box. He found this character particularly compelling and even considered giving them their own story.
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Victorian Time Traveler: This character represents one of many time travelers featured in the story. Though initially handsome, the character has suffered over time in the Graveyard, highlighting the harsh realities of being lost in time. Zick expressed admiration for the character, noting that there's often not enough space in a story to do justice to incidental characters.
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Early Creature Concepts: These early designs blend biological and mechanical elements, incorporating clockwork or time-related features. The creatures need to be powerful, hulking, and fearsome, yet also mysterious and magical—while still being quite ugly.
Creative Team Behind the Series
Co-written by Mignola and Zick, the four-issue miniseries will feature art by Zick and lettering by Clem Robins. The covers will be designed by Zick, with variant covers contributed by Mike Mignola, Troy Nixey, Ben Stenbeck, and Michael Wm Kaluta.
Insights from Mike Mignola
Mike Mignola shared his thoughts on the project, stating that the idea had been lingering in his mind for a long time. He emphasized that while he isn’t typically drawn to science fiction, he is fascinated by a specific kind of Victorian-era sci-fi. This includes stories where characters tamper with forces they don’t understand, leading to bizarre and unpredictable outcomes. “And, of course, you need a haunted polar bear,” he added.
Release Information
The first issue of Captain Henry and the Graveyard of Time is set to release on October 22, 2025, from Dark Horse. It will be a 32-page comic, offering readers a thrilling introduction to this new adventure.
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