The following is an interview with Giuseppe Manunta regarding the release of Hellboy and the B.P.R.D.: Professor Harvey Is Gone in collaboration with Mike Mignola and Dark Horse Comics. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Manunta about the shared creative process of working with Mignola to bring the story and characters to life on the page, more upcoming projects that he has in the works, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the release of Hellboy and the B.P.R.D.: Professor Harvey Is Gone! What first intrigued you about the opportunity to contribute to the Hellboy universe?
Giuseppe Manunta: Thanks, Barbra! When I first saw Mike’s artwork in 1994, the year Hellboy arrived in Italy, I was captivated by his unique style and the Lovecraftian universe surrounding his character.
The idea of creating a Hellboy one-shot was just a dream, but I thank Mike for giving me this chance.
BD: Your artistic style naturally exudes deep ambience and mood. When tackling a world and characters like that of Hellboy, is there anything that guides or propels your approach to the artwork?
GM: In fact, my creative process almost never changes. I simply try to capture the atmosphere the character intends to experience.
BD: How would you describe your shared creative process in working with Mike Mignola to bring this story to life on the page?
GM: It was a collaboration between two authors who knew the art of directing well. Mike gave me a lot of freedom to add or cut scenes.
BD: Are there any additional projects – past or current – that you would like to highlight for our readers?
GM: The projects I care about most are those I created with Feles Éditions: Le Diner de Noel, Hellé Nice, and Une Table Pour 2.
And then here, for the more curious, there is my biography: nel Segno del Fumetto
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell fans who want to learn more about Hellboy and the B.P.R.D.: Professor Harvey Is Gone and your other work?
GM: First, thank them for buying this Hellboy story. Read it straight through, and then reread it, paying close attention to the details in each cartoon.
