INTERVIEW: Frankenstein and Lilja are back, heading toward ‘The Sea of Forever’
Image courtesy of Dark Horse / Provided with permission.
The comic universe created by Mike Mignola and supported by his extensive creative team is something to behold. Although all things emanate from Hellboy, these offshoots can stand on their own as thrilling adventures with compelling characters and fast-paced storylines. One of the most beloved entries in this universe is the Frankenstein series, and Frank is back in Frankenstein: New World — The Sea of Forever, a new four-issue series from Dark Horse.
In the continuation of the Frankenstein storyline, the monster once again joins forces with Lilja, but this time they are above ground and headed toward the so-called “Sea of Forever,” with only Lilja’s visions as their guide. Every step they take brings them that closer to an unknown evil that pervades the pages of this miniseries. This is the first time in three years that readers have a chance to follow a new adventure with Lilja and Frankenstein.
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Christopher Golden and Tom Sniegoski, who wrote the four-part series with Mignola. They are joined on the creative team by artist Peter Bergting and colorist Michelle Madsen. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What can fans expect from The Sea of Forever storyline?
SNIEGOSKI: Fans can expect the continuation of the story that Chris and I began in Frankenstein: New World. Frankenstein and Lilja are continuing their journey of exploration across the new world in search of the ‘star lady’ who Lilja has had visions about. The visions talk of a growing evil, a threat to this pristine world, that must be stopped.
GOLDEN: You can also expect some of the most amazing art of Peter Bergting’s career and colors from Michelle Madsen that will blow you away. The creation of this world and the various species that inhabit it has been one of the most satisfying experiences either of us has had in comics. You’ll also see a growing evil and get a visit from an old one.
How would you describe the character of Lilja?
SNIEGOSKI: Lilja is one of my favorite characters to write in this series. She is this wide-eyed innocent who is exploring a new world of equal innocence. She represents humankind’s second chance at existing. We are seeing this new world, and the adventure that she and Frankenstein are on, through her eyes and wonder if her innocence will survive what they experience.
GOLDEN: What Tom said. She’s an innocent, but at the same time, she contains the promise that maybe humanity wasn’t the complete dead end that it seemed. When darkness began to threaten the nature of the new world, Lilja’s the one whose dreams called to her.
You and the team have been able to successfully craft an original Frankenstein tale, taking the monster character in new directions. Do you think a well-known, iconic character brings baggage in terms of readers’ expectations? Did you feel beholden to the original tale?
SNIEGOSKI: I really don’t think of it as baggage. The character of Frankenstein’s monster has been around so long that there are all sorts of ideas and concepts that have been attributed to him. Chris and I have used [Mary] Shelly’s original novel as a kind of template, along with the ideas that Mike Mignola introduced of the character with his use in the Hellboy universe.
GOLDEN: The thing is, by now this character has lived for well over a thousand years, and he has far more wisdom as an observer of humanity than most humans could ever acquire. The events of the original novel were only the first part of his story. The rest of his life has been filled with adventures from the mind of Mike Mignola, and he’s tied to the ancient Vril energy that is fundamental to this world. Most comic book characters are never allowed to truly evolve or change, but that’s never true in Mignola’s world.
Even though the storyline is set in a “new world,” are we meant to find parallels with our “current world”? Do you feel this is pure fantasy or a bit of allegory?
SNIEGOSKI: It’s sort of hard not to think of this ‘New World’ as an allegory. We’re living in some incredibly difficult times right now, and the idea that it might all go to hell, die and be reborn is something that as creators we can’t not help but think about.
GOLDEN: I’d rather this series be seen as an escape from what we’re all living in right now. To a certain extent, every story about good and evil can be a reflection of what’s happening now, and a mystifying reminder that people can read and watch a million stories of good and evil and yet still convince themselves the bad guys are the heroes in real life.
How does the team work with Mike Mignola? Do the ideas start with him and then flow outward? Is it more collaborative?
SNIEGOSKI: In terms of the Frankenstein series, Chris and I had an idea, ran it by Mike, and after we explained ourselves a bit, he started to see the potential of the idea. We then come up with our plots, which Mike adds his ideas to, and then we’re set loose to lay out and script. And then, it’s off to spectacular artist, Peter Bergting.
Is world building the best part of the job?
SNIEGOSKI: World building is certainly one of the best parts, but I love the character stuff. I love bringing these characters to life and watching them develop in this fantastic setting.
GOLDEN: I’m with Tom on this one, too. I’m enjoying world building more in this series than in anything else I’ve ever done, in any medium. But also, just writing the dialogue of the relationship between Lilja and Frank, and then seeing Peter bring it to life — it’s pure joy.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Frankenstein: New World — The Sea of Forever is currently being released as a four-part series from Dark Horse. Click here for more information.
