Next month, Dark Horse Comics will debut a brand new series from Mike Mignola, “Leonide the Vampyr.” This series, co-created by artist Rachele Aragno, exists outside of the Hellboy Universe, or the Outerverse, or any of Mignola’s other existing universes. “Leonide the Vampyr” was inspired by Aragno’s artwork and is beholden to nothing else. As Mignola himself said of the project, “Sometimes you just look at a character and you know their stories. That’s pretty much what happened here. Almost no effort went into it—I just looked into her spooky little eyes and the stories came spilling out.”
We here at Mignolaversity wanted to talk to the other half of this creative team, Rachele Aragno, and how she’s developing those first drawings into an entire world for the “Leonide the Vampyr” series.
Rachele Aragno: Thanks a lot! First of all, I must say that Mike is, and has been, my favorite author in the comics scene, and is a legendary creator that made me love this world! Secondly, it was wonderful to be able to create a small universe with him, made up of new characters and new environments so dark and creepy that I had not yet explored at a narrative level. I am learning many things from him, and I am grateful to him.
As I understand it, this project was inspired by a picture you posted on your Instagram last year. Could you tell us how it developed from there?
RA: Yes, exactly! Mike saw this little ink sketch and immediately fell in love with the vampire girl I had drawn. From there we started talking, and I realized that my drawing had tickled his ideas. In a short time, he had already written the first story. It was incredible to be able to start working so quickly with him, his team, and his editors at Dark Horse. I felt comfortable and welcomed as a great author. I really thank everyone!
After “Mel the Chosen,” which is very different tonally, I was caught off guard with the darkness at the heart of this tale. You’ve done two Melvina books now and spent something like 400 pages in that world, so what’s it like to step into a different world and express it through your art? What do you feel are the visual touchstones for Leonide’s world?
RA: I had been waiting for a long time to be able to work on something more gothic and dark. It is a side of my identity as an author that I had not yet explored on a professional level. This project has stirred within me the desire to do other things that reflect this mood, and I love it! Also, I am happy because my background in reading is based a lot on things like this, from books by Stoker, Poe, and Bradbury to the comics of Mike, Moore, and Niles, to the films of Del Toro, Tim Burton, and David Lynch, Lars Von Trier. . . and I have to stop, I really have so many!
I must say, your work looks fantastic with Dave Stewart’s colors. It’s a marvelously natural fit.
RA: I thank you infinitely! When I learned that Dave would be the one to color my work, I jumped from my chair. In short, he is one of the best in the field of coloring and I could not ask for more. It’s a unique dream team! I take this opportunity to thank him again!
‘Miracle at The Crow’s Head’ comes out next month and in December a new one-shot ‘A Christmas for Crows’ comes out (just announced over at io9). This structure, a series of contained one-shots with an overarching story, makes for a very satisfying read. Each issue feels complete on its own while contributing to a larger narrative. Was this something you and Mignola decided early on? What was the impetus for this structure?
Continued belowRA: Mike was immediately very prolific in creating these two stories, and when I read them, I found them perfect. They can be read together, but they also work great on their own. I don’t know if it was his choice or the impulse to write something he loved to tell, but I know that he did an exceptional job and I was honored to be able to illustrate these comics.
“Leonide the Vampyr: Miracle at The Crow’s Head” comes out October 5, 2022. Make sure you don’t miss it. And keep your eyes open in December for “Leonide the Vampyr: A Christmas for Crows.”
Written by Mike Mignola
Illustrated by Rachele Aragno
Colored by Dave Stewart
Lettered by Clem RobinsOn sale October 5, 2022
Full color, 32 pages
$3.99
One-shotA small, coastal village is home to normal people living quiet and simple lives––until a shipwreck brings a small coffin and its smaller occupant into their midst. What begins as a miracle soon takes a turn toward the horrible in this ghostly tale from celebrated Hellboy creator Mike Mignola and artist extraordinaire Rachele Aragno (Mel the Chosen)! The first issue of a new series of stories, Leonide the Vampyr is shiveringly spectacular.
