A fog-covered community in Labrador is under the haunting presence of spirits, but the renowned paranormal investigator Hellboy has arrived on the scene. This scenario unfolds in the latest edition of the comic series, “The Ghost Ships of Labrador,” co-written by Hellboy creator Mike Mignola and Rob Williams and illustrated by Laurence Campbell. The story is set in Red Bay, Labrador, offering a fresh backdrop for the long-established comic book series that spans various locations worldwide.
The plot revolves around a small town suddenly engulfed by fog and overrun by ghosts, with the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense dispatching exorcist Agatha Blunt and her canine companion Elba to investigate. When the duo vanishes, Hellboy is sent to Red Bay to unravel the mystery.
Williams drew inspiration from the history of Basque whalers who ventured to Labrador from Spain in the 1600s. His research led him to the tale of the San Juan, a ship that sank off the Labrador coast in 1565. In this Hellboy narrative, the San Juan is depicted as a ghost vessel that coerces spirits into joining its crew, including Hellboy himself.
The first issue of “The Ghost Ships of Labrador” hit shelves in November, with the final installment scheduled for release in January. Williams expressed his enjoyment in delving into the region’s history during his research, emphasizing the thrill of uncovering hidden worlds while crafting these stories.
Hellboy, a character introduced in 1993, is known for weaving real-life folklore into its narratives. In this instance, the inspiration stemmed from a ghost ship map of Newfoundland and Labrador available online, detailing reported sightings and locations.
Karin Murray-Bergquist, a folklore PhD candidate at Memorial University, created the map that caught the attention of the Hellboy team. Murray-Bergquist was pleasantly surprised to learn that her research had influenced the comic’s storyline, describing the experience as both thrilling and rewarding.
As news of the new Hellboy issue spread, Murray-Bergquist received messages linking her research to the comic, further cementing the connection between academia and creative storytelling. Excited by the unexpected collaboration, she expressed a newfound interest in exploring the world of Hellboy comics.
The convergence of historical research and fictional storytelling in “The Ghost Ships of Labrador” highlights the intricate interplay between folklore, imagination, and real-world inspiration, captivating audiences with a blend of mystery and history.
