FIRST LOOK: Baltimore: Dr. Leskovar's Remedy

Above: The cover for Baltimore: Dr. Leskovar's Remedy #1 by Ben Stenbeck. Copyright Dark Horse Comics/Mike Mignola 2012.

Dark Horse Comics have recently announced that Lord Henry Baltimore will be returning for a new 2 issue mini-series in May, with Baltimore: Dr. Leskovar's Remedy. This will be the third installment in the series of adventures for the monster hunter, following on from highly successful previous Baltimore volumes: The Plague Ships and The Curse Bells, written by Hellboy creator Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden with art by Ben Stenbeck.

I caught up with local artist Ben Stenbeck for a brief chat on what to expect from the series, and an exclusive preview of his interior artwork!

Above: An interior page from Baltimore: Dr. Leskovar's Remedy #1 by Ben Stenbeck. Copyright Dark Horse Comics/Mike Mignola 2012.

AK: Been your third arc on Baltimore, are you finding yourself in a comfortable drawing 'groove' with the character?

BS: Little bit. Its very slow for me. But yeah I think issue #1 has 1 or 2 panels of Baltimore that I'm happy with, that I think I've got the character working. Which I haven't really had with the past books, Its a bit like every time I draw him, I'm trying to figure out how to draw him. But I think I'm getting there.

AK: With the new arc only 2 issues long, will this be a more compressed action-oriented story than the suspense building pace of the previous arcs?

BS: Yes. Chris said something along the lines of it being 'Blissful Madness'.  Its a weird, fun story. I think The Curse Bells was the darkest thing we've done so far, it gets really nasty in some places and Dr Leskovars Remedy is like a bit of relief, its a lot of fun (when I say fun, I mean: Monsters and Gore. Well..Monster Gore which is the most fun type of gore).

AK: Each installment of the Baltimore series has contained its share of gruesomely great creatures for Lord Baltimore to cut his way through (and the Mignola cover image does promises some giant ape action!), any other hints of what kind of creepy images or creatures we can expect to see this time around? 

Above: Baltimore: Dr. Leskovar's Remedy #1, alternate cover by Mike Mignola featuring King Kong. Copyright Dark Horse Comics/Mike Mignola 2012.

BS: That King Kong cover is part of Mike's 'Year of Monsters'. This year he's doing 12 alternate covers that have nothing to do with the comic they are on the cover of. Its a chance for him to do some cool images of his favourite monsters along side his characters. That King Kong and Baltimore cover is my favourite so far, but sadly I don't get to draw King Kong. But yes, this series has monsters. Lots of monsters.

AK: I heard that you contributed some ideas and suggestions early on for this story. What were some of the things you wanted to explore and add to the series through your artwork?

BS: Well that's hard to answer with out spoiling the series. But a long time ago I mentioned to Mike that I wanted to do a certain type of character. And I had this idea for a setting, this environment that I wanted to draw. Its just a cool weird thing that i thought would look interesting. And there's something else but it kind of turned into the last half of the 2nd issue, so You'll have to wait.

AK: Is Baltimore your sole focus for the foreseeable future or do you have any other projects coming up?

BS: There is a 2 part story I was meant to be doing with a 'Hellboy-verse' character. But things get changed, I'm not sure whats happening with that now. I've got a series of my own that I'm planning to try and squeeze in in 2015. Something I've had bouncing around in my head for almost 20 years. But that's a long way off, so for now its all Baltimore. I just got the script this morning for the next oneshot. I haven't finished reading it yet, I got distracted by answering this email. Better get back to work. Sorry for all  the vague answers! 

All will be revealed when Baltimore: Dr. Leskovar's Remedy #1 hits shelves in May, so pre-order your copy now! For more info on Ben Stenbeck's artwork and comics, you can visit his website HERE.

-AK!

REVIEW: Baltimore: The Plague Ships

Above: A page from Baltimore: The Plague Ships by Ben Stenbeck. Copyright Mike Mignola/Dark Horse Comics.

Lord Baltimore is the latest victorian horror hero to emerge from the mind of comics master Mike Mignola and his collaborators Christopher Golden and New Zealand artist Ben Stenbeck.

The first installment in what will no doubt be an ongoing adventure, The Plague Ships introduces us to World War 1 veteran Lord Henry Baltimore, a soldier turned peg-legged vampire hunter cutting a bloody path across plague infested Europe in pursuit of a vampire leader known as Haigus.

After exterminating a nest of vampires on the coast of France, Baltimore finds temporary sanctuary with an elderly witch and her granddaughter Vanessa. They assist him in escaping the village locals, who are less than grateful for the presence of this suspicious looking stranger. The only catch is, Vanessa insists on accompanying Baltimore on his voyage to Livorno, so she can leave her death ridden village behind her.

During the voyage, Baltimore recounts to Venessa his harrowing encounter with vampire bats amongst the corpses of the dead on the battlefields of World War 1, which may have provided the catalyst for the original plague outbreak. Soon their trip takes a treacherous turn, as a vicious storm sinks their ship leaving them stranded on a deserted island, inhabited only by the wreckage of plague ships, victorian submarines and the corpses of the infected. Whether they'll stay dead long enough for Baltimore and his companion to survive the night is another matter entirely...

This is another solid entry into Mignola's growing library of victorian styled horror comics. The writing takes its cue from the likes of classic horror novelists like Bram Stoker, opting for slow-burn reveals and atmosphere rather than shock images, and is all the better for it.

Above: A page from Baltimore: The Plague Ships by Ben Stenbeck. Copyright Mike Mignola/Dark Horse Comics.

An equal amount of credit has to go to Stenbeck, who's carefully paced artwork expertly tells the story, keeping it atmospheric and grounded at all times. At first glance it would be easy to call Ben's artwork here a close approximation of Mignola's own, as they share a very similar stylistic approach (and it certainly doesn't hurt); but a careful study reveals Ben is bringing just as much of his own great touches to the series.

Stenbeck's artwork has a layer of vintage detail and texture that brings a lived in reality to the story and it's historical setting. It's subtile, but an essential element necessary to reinforces this story, one which I think would have been lost in the abstraction if Mignola had illustrated it himself. Ben's artwork doesn't contradict the visual language of Mignola's world, but expertly adds to it when called for, the sign of a true collaborator. The hardback also contains a bonus sketchbook of Ben's development drawings and sketches as well as brand new pin-ups!

Above: Baltimore: The Plague Ships cover by Mike Mignola. Copyright Mike Mignola/Dark Horse Comics.

This hardback collection has already landed on the prestigious New York Time Bestseller List, with a sequel mini-series Baltimore: The Curse Bells, beginning with issue #1 shipping August 10th from Dark Horse Comics.

If you're a fan of classic suspenseful horror from when vampires were vampires (and not socially awkward tweens) then this is essential reading! It's available from Dark Horse Comics and your local book store now, for $24.99US.

For more of Ben's artwork, check out his website HERE, and you may want to revisit this Studio Visit I conducted with Ben a few years ago for a look inside his working process HERE.

-AK!

Free Comic Book Day 2011!

Free Comic Book Day is back once again for 2011! This worldwide comics initiative takes place on the first Saturday of May each year; with the initial aim of promoting public awareness of comics, it is now more firmly focused on promoting reading and creating a fun event where both parents and children can share their mutual love of the comics medium. There's a great variety of Free Comic Books on offer this year, from the standard superhero fare of Batman, Thor and Green Lantern, through to The Dark Crystal, Archie, The Simpsons and even 10 Deadliest Sharks(!). For a complete list of the titles, visit the official Free Comic Book Day website HERE.

Above: Baltimore, by Mike Mignola, Christopher Golden and Ben Stenbeck. Copyright Dark Horse Comics 2011.

Above: Art from Baltimore, by Ben Stenbeck. Copyright Dark Horse Comics 2011.

There are two titles I'd like to draw attention to this year, which have been produced by New Zealand cartoonists.

The first is Baltimore from Dark Horse Comics, written by Mike Mignola & Christopher Golden with art by local cartoonist Ben Stenbeck. This supernatural horror comic is fresh from it's Eisner nomination for Best Limited Series last month, so check it out for free this weekend and see what all the fuss is about! (as you can see from Ben's sample art here, this one's more for the older kids;)

Above: Captain America/Thor, written by Roger Langridge with art by Chris Samnee. Copyright Marvel Comics 2011.

The second title is Captain America/Thor, starring this year's big screen heroes from Marvel Comics, written by ex-pat Roger Langridge with art by Chris Samnee. This issue acts an a encore to the much praised all-ages series Thor: The Mighty Avenger from Roger and Chris, which came to an untimely conclusion after just eight issues. With it's winning mix of lighthearted adventures and emotive characterization, this series continues to reach new readers in it's two collected volumes, and just last week it was nominated for an American Library Award for Great Graphic Novels for Teens.

Above: Art from Captain America/Thor, by Chris Samnee. Copyright Marvel Comics 2011.

This Free Comic is a perfect primer for younger readers who need encouragement in reading, featuring a great adventure with two of Marvel's most recognisable characters that is sure to please (and parents will get a kick out of the great art too!).

So here's a rundown of the Comic Stores across New Zealand that are celebrating Free Comic Book Day this Saturday, and additional details on special events to celebrate the day!

AUCKLAND:

Gotham Comics: 264 The Mall, Onehunga, Auckland. Ph/Fax: +64 9 634 4399

Open from: 10am - the comics run out!!!

*2 FREE comics for walking in.
*2 FREE comics for coming in COSTUME!!! (Hero or Villian).
*2 FREE for a GOLD Donation to Onehunga Primary School.

In-store Specials:

25% off ALL Trade Paperbacks/ Graphic Novels in-store* 25% off ALL Comic Set Packs* 25% off ALL T-shirts....* 25% off ALL Back Issues in the BLUE BINS (excludes any material being held aside & items already on SPECIAL).

All NEW Comics on the BLUE & YELLOW shelves... NZ$5.00ea!!!

So come on in and grab some FREE Comics... bring family & friends and get more FREE comics.
Also a good chance to show Friends & Family the World of Gotham :)

HAMILTON:

MK1: Mark One Comics: 551 Victoria Street, Hamilton. PH: 07 8393728

Open: 9am – 5 pm

Free Comic Book Day is the best day to check Mark One out for the first time, and a fantastic way for Mark One to say thanks to all the people that have kept us in business these past 22 years!

Free Comics – plus bonus extras! - what’s the catch? No catch – all you have to do is turn up.. well there is the small matter of deciding which three free comics from the above awesome list (sorry we strictly enforce this limit in order to make sure we offer a good choice throughout the day). Sorry no Preorders are accepted ahead of the big day – but don’t worry we’ve purchased heaps (over 2000 comics this year!) – so long as you turn up in store on the day there will be free comics to grab (and extra freebies and a big sale and a general awesome happy Mk1 buzz – oh and balloons!)

Email shop@mk1.co.nz with the subject FCBD and we will send that email address a Free Comic Book Day reminder email the day before! Text the word FCBD to 0273405967 and we will send a Free Comic Book Day text reminder the day before our big day in May!

CHRISTCHURCH:

Comics Compulsion: Christchurch 12 Penelope Place, Casebrook. PH: 3797866 or email: comics@xtra.co.nz for details.

Comics Compulsion are celebrating at their new temporary location with Free Comics and a BBQ! So if you're in the south, make sure you head on down to show your support for a great comic book store that continues to get the books through to readers in the face of such adversity!

PALMERSTON NORTH:

The Badcave (previously Heroes For Sale Palmerston North): 35 King Street, Palmerston North. PH: 06 3566779

I couldn't find specific event details, but they have celebrated Free Comic Book Day in the past, so perhaps shoot them and email or phone call, and I'm sure they'll let you know what's happening on the day:)

WELLINGTON:

Graphic: 106 Cuba Mall PH: 04 3842 691

Ditto for Graphic, there wasn't any mention at their website, but I'm sure they'll have some plans if you give them a call.

So this Saturday take a trip out to your nearest Comic Store with the family and enjoy some great FREE comics!

-AK!

Ben Stenbeck nominated for Eisner Award!

Above: Art from Baltimore: The Plague Ships, by Ben Stenbeck. Copyright Mike Mignola/Dark Horse Comics 2011.

This year's Eisner Award nominations were announced recently, and local comic artist Ben Stenbeck is up for an award for his work collaborating with Hellboy creator Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden. The comic series, Baltimore: The Plague Ships, written by Mike Mignola & Christopher Golden with art by Ben Stenbeck, is nominated for Best Limited Series.
Above: More Ben Stenbeck art from Baltimore: The Plague Ships. Copyright Mike Mignola/Dark Horse Comics 2011.

For the uninitiated, the Eisner Awards are basically the Oscars of the comics world, named after legendary cartoonist Will Eisner. Eisner created The Spirit comic series and originated the graphic novel format with his landmark 1978 publication A Contract With God. Established in 1987, the Eisner Awards are presented annually at a ceremony as a part of the Comic-Con International Convention held in San Diego, California. To date, the only New Zealander to win an Eisner Award is Dylan Horrocks, for Talent Deserving of Wider Recognition in 2002. Roger Langridge has also been nominated for two Eisner Awards in the past for his outstanding work on Fred The Clown.

News of the series nomination had taken Stenbeck by surprise. "It was totally unexpected and its a huge honour just to be nominated. As cliche as that might sound, its the honest truth."

Ben had nothing but praise for his collaborators; "Working with Mike and Chris is great. I'm into my third book with Mike and I still get nervous whenever I talk to him over the phone. There's still a little voice in the back of my head yelling 'holy fuck it's Mike Mignola!' over and over. Chris is great to work with, he's very tolerant of me taking liberties with his scripts. And he's writing some fantastic lunatic stuff. I'm half way through the next series Baltimore the Curse Bells that I think comes out in august. And then there's at least a few more (projects) lined up after that. I love doing this stuff, there isn't any other character around that Id rather draw. And I suck at drawing super heroes."

This winners will be announced at the Eisner Awards ceremony taking place on Friday July 22nd, at Comic-Con International in San Diego, California. Baltimore: The Plague Ships will be collected in hardcover from Dark Horse Comics on June 21st.

Here at Earth's End we wish Ben the best of luck! For more on Ben Stenbeck's artwork and past projects, check out his official website HERE.

-AK!
Above: The cover for the forthcoming hardcover collection of Baltimore: The Plague Ships by Mike Mignola. Copyright Mike Mignola/Dark Horse Comics 2011.

Preview: Ben Stenbeck on 'Baltimore: The Plague Ships'

If you're sick of the limp-wrested lovelorn vampires of Twilight and The Vampire Diaries, then this new Hellboy spin-off series written by Mike Mignola, Christopher Golden and illustrated by local artist Ben Stenbeck is for you!

Here's the solicitation lowdown for Baltimore: The Plague Ships:

Months after a devastating plague ends World War I, Europe is suddenly flooded with deadly vampires. Lord Henry Baltimore, a soldier determined to wipe out the monsters, is on the hunt for the creature responsible for this chaos and his own personal tragedy. What he uncovers is a terror as horrific and frightening as any he's seen on the battlefield.

Above: A page from Baltimore: The Plague Ships, art by Ben Stenbeck. Copyright Mike Mignola/Dark Horse Comics 2010.

It's a five issue miniseries, the first issue of which is in stores now! You can check out a preview of Ben's interior art for the series HERE. If you like what you see, Ben's previous collaboration with Mignola: Witchfinder: In the Service of Angels is also currently available in trade paperback.

To find out more about Ben's amazing artwork, you can revisit my exclusive studio tour I conducted with Ben last year, and don't forget to drop by his website HERE.

-AK!