As a HUGE Mike Mignola/Hellboy fan, any new art book from him is always cause for celebration, and this one certainly delivers the goods, and then some.

Hell, Ink & Water is a stunning 96-page hardcover volume serving as the official catalog for Mignola’s first New York art gallery show (Philippe Labaune Gallery, September 20, 2024 – October 26, 2024). It features 31 new watercolors by the artist, focusing on many of the themes near and dear to Mignola: skulls, monsters, and the supernatural. Did I mention skulls ?

As the title suggests, a significant portion of the book ( about 1/2 of the entire page count ) showcases Hellboy covers and pencil drawings, all scanned with care and to great detail in the manner of the Artist’s Editions from the original art.

Most of the Hellboy covers included in this book were only ever presented previously in colored editions, and the original ink art showcases them in a distinctly different light. As visual artists and photographers would understand; a black & white/monochrome art work removes the distractions of colors and allow for a much better appreciation of the original form and composition, and boy does Mignola know a thing or two about composition and the brilliant use of negative space. It is a marvelous visual treat.

(above right) Mignola’s take on Pinocchio; I’ve been eyeing his PINOCCHIO: An Illuminated Edition that he worked on with Lemony Snicket, but the price is quite exorbitant. I hope I can save up enough to get it before it goes out of print.

(image above) Tribute pieces to the great Frank Frazetta; I can’t recall exactly where I read it, but Mike Mignola has mentioned that Frazetta’s work is a big influence on his own, and I can certainly see his flourishes. I highly recommend Taschen’s giant Monograph for Frazetta.

(above & below) Many, if not all of these whimsical character sketches are collected in the Mike Mignola : The Quarantine Sketchbook.

This is a spectacular Mike Mignola visual feast from cover to cover; the bountiful collection of his original ink drawings for Hellboy covers, all beautifully reproduced is the main highlight for me. A must have for any Mike Mignola fan; this one gets my highest recommendations.

“Hell, Ink & Water – The Art Of Mike Mignola” art book details :

– Dimensions – 8.25 x 0.47 x 12.25 inches
– Hardcover, 96 pages
– Full color

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