A coastal community in Labrador is enveloped in mist and haunted by spirits, with renowned paranormal investigator Hellboy stepping in to investigate. The latest comic book installment, titled “The Ghost Ships of Labrador,” is co-written by Mike Mignola and Rob Williams, with illustrations by Laurence Campbell. The story unfolds in Red Bay, Labrador, where a mysterious fog brings forth ghosts, catching the attention of Hellboy.
The plot revolves around the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (B.P.R.D.) sending exorcist Agatha Blunt, accompanied by her dog Elba, to Red Bay. However, both Blunt and her canine companion mysteriously vanish, prompting Hellboy to be dispatched to the area. Inspired by the Basque whalers who sailed to Labrador in the 1600s, Williams delves into the history of the region, particularly the shipwreck of the San Juan in 1565, which serves as the foundation for the ghost ship narrative in the comic.
The first issue, released in November, has garnered attention, especially as it coincided with the relaunch of a replica of the San Juan into the sea. Williams expressed his enjoyment in researching the area’s history for the story, emphasizing the thrill of uncovering hidden worlds. Scheduled for release in January, the final installment of “The Ghost Ships of Labrador” promises to captivate readers with its blend of folklore and supernatural elements.
Hellboy, introduced in 1993, is known for weaving real-life folk tales into its narratives, with the inspiration for this installment drawn from a ghost ship map of Newfoundland and Labrador. Karin Murray-Bergquist, a folklore PhD candidate, created the map detailing legends and their locations, which inadvertently influenced the storyline of the new Hellboy issue. Murray-Bergquist was pleasantly surprised to learn about her research’s creative application in the comic, expressing her excitement and gratitude for the unexpected connection.
The convergence of folklore, history, and the supernatural in “The Ghost Ships of Labrador” promises an engaging read for fans of the Hellboy series and enthusiasts of paranormal mysteries.
