Legendary creator Mike Mignola, celebrated for his monster-hunting sensation Hellboy, is launching an entirely new graphic novel series. This debut installment is titled Uri Tupka and the Gods, marking a return to his passion for myths, monsters, and folklore.

Introducing Uri Tupka and the Gods

Collider has provided an exclusive preview of the graphic novel, which is available in stores now. This new venture is set within the same shared universe as Mignola’s previous anthology, Bowling With Corpses and Other Strange Tales from Lands Unknown.

The Heretic's Quest

The story centers on Uri Tupka, a former doctor of theology who has been branded a heretic. Tupka undertakes a perilous quest to uncover the true nature of the deities governing his world.

Mignola describes Tupka’s journey as fraught with danger, involving near-misses and close calls. Readers can expect to encounter a vibrant cast including pirates, bandits, witches, demons, giants, and various monsters.

Adding to the unique flavor of the narrative, the story also features whimsical elements such as a talking cat and a queen of the vegetables.

Creative Team and Artistic Vision

Mignola is handling both the writing and the drawing for this new series. Long-time collaborator Dave Stewart is responsible for providing the vibrant coloring throughout the book.

Mignola’s distinctive artistic style is rooted in his desire to emulate the aesthetics of medieval woodcuts, achieved through the heavy use of inks.

Mignola's Storied Career Context

Before establishing his own universe, Mike Mignola maintained a significant career working with major comic publishers. He spent time at both Marvel and DC Comics starting in the 1980s.

His work for Marvel included titles such as Incredible Hulk, Alpha Flight, and Rocket Raccoon. For DC, he contributed to Phantom Stranger and Batman.

The Birth of Hellboy

A notable contribution to DC was his involvement in the seminal 'A Death in the Family' Batman storyline. This arc famously allowed readers to influence the fate of Jason Todd, Batman's sidekick.

In 1994, Mignola launched Hellboy: Seed of Darkness through Dark Horse Comics. This creator-owned project introduced the orphaned demon raised to hunt supernatural threats.

Hellboy achieved massive success, leading to numerous graphic novels and four film adaptations, including the recent Hellboy: The Crooked Man, which Mignola co-wrote.

Future Plans for the New Universe

Mignola expressed great enthusiasm for his latest creation, stating, "This is some of the most fun I’ve ever had drawing comics."

He confirmed that the Uri Tupka world will continue to expand. Mignola revealed he is already deep into drawing the follow-up book, tentatively titled Uri Tupka and the Devils.

He added that he plans to create many more stories set in this universe, feeling he has only just begun exploring its potential.