A foggy coastal community in Labrador is plagued by spectral apparitions, but the renowned paranormal investigator Hellboy has arrived to investigate. The latest comic book installment, “The Ghost Ships of Labrador,” co-written by Hellboy creator Mike Mignola and Rob Williams, with illustrations by Laurence Campbell, explores this eerie tale set in Red Bay, Labrador.
The plot follows the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (B.P.R.D.) sending exorcist Agatha Blunt and her wheelchair-assisted dog Elba to Red Bay, only for them to vanish. Subsequently, Hellboy is deployed to the town to unravel the mystery.
Inspired by the history of Basque whalers in Labrador, Williams delved into tales of the San Juan, a 16th-century ship that sank off the Labrador coast. In the comic, the San Juan is portrayed as a haunted vessel that coerces spirits into its crew for eternity.
Amidst his research, Williams discovered a coincidence: the release of the comic coincided with the relaunch of a replica of the San Juan. The first issue of “The Ghost Ships of Labrador” was released in November, with the final installment scheduled for January.
Hellboy, a character introduced in 1993, is known for weaving real-life folklore into its narratives. Williams drew inspiration from a ghost ship map of Newfoundland and Labrador, showcasing reported sightings and locations.
Karin Murray-Bergquist, a folklore PhD candidate, created the map that intrigued Williams. Upon learning that her research influenced the comic, Murray-Bergquist expressed excitement and appreciation for the creative application of her work.
The unexpected connection between Murray-Bergquist’s research and the comic’s storyline left her eager to explore the world of Hellboy further. The convergence of folklore and fiction in “The Ghost Ships of Labrador” has captivated both creators and researchers alike.