Mike Mignola and Ben Stenbeck’s new Lands Unknown universe expands with Stenbeck’s The Skinless Man two-issue series.
Learn all about the new The Skinless Man comic in our most recent interview with the writer/artist.
You enter Lands Unknown with your new Skinless Man series. What excited you about new universe and this comic?
Ben Stenbeck: I’ve always been a huge fan of fantasy stories. And Mike has created such a huge landscape for us to play around in. We can both tell stories in this world for years without ever bumping into each other. One of my favorite parts of drawing comics is researching various cultures and costumes and armor and all that fun stuff and turning it into something new. This world is one big giant set up for doing that.
Mike Mignola said recently that he was looking forward to seeing you “cut loose” in Skinless Man. How would you describe your art in the comic and having the freedom to “cut loose”?
Stenbeck: I don’t think anything has changed about my art, but I do get to draw whatever I want at the moment. I think that’s what ‘cutting loose’ is. I hope all the fun I’m having will come across on the page.
You recently wrote and illustrated your original graphic novel Our Bones Dust. How did that experience help you in Skinless Man?
Stenbeck: Our Bones Dust was a few years of second guessing myself and really pushing to not just give up. Having done that, I think it has made writing my own things easier. I have no illusions about being any great writer. I just like having the chance to come up with my own material and write the kind of stuff I want to draw.
You have worked extensively with Mignola in the Hellboy Universe. Is there one project that you would name as your favorite? Why?
Stenbeck: Koshchei the Deathless. I think all the years Mike and I worked together and my enthusiasm for that book all came together to make something special. That’s just my opinion but I think its great. I’m hoping I can create something that feels at home with that book in my Lands Unknown stories.
You are well known for your monsters. Is there one in theSkinless Man that you had a lot of fun bringing to life on the page?
Stenbeck: Yeah there’s that thing at the end of issue one that I had planned from the start. I wanted to draw for a long time. There’s also something in Issue two that I loved drawing. I also had a great excuse to draw some Hooj, which is a type of creature Mike came up with.
Upcoming projects?
Stenbeck: Yes, the next chapter. I don’t think I can announce it yet, but I’m going to start telling the story of that old warrior from Issue 1 of Skinless Man. I plan to focus on him for a while. The next chapter is 3 issues.
Lands Unknown: The Skinless Man #1 will be available at your local comic book shop on March 4.
