Hellboy Fans Flock to Comic Bug for Author's New Book

An entire tale once flashed through Mike Mignola's mind while movers were carrying boxes into his home.

"Some stories just kind of spring up," said Mignola, a five-year Manhattan Beach resident.

For Mignola, some of those chance stories have morphed into plots for the widely acclaimed Hellboy comic book series, later adapted into the film starring Ron Perlman.

Sitting next to his daughter Katie, Mignola scrawled autographs and doodles for fans on Wednesday afternoon at The Comic Bug.

Mignola was promoting his latest collection of comics, The Amazing Screw-On Head and Other Curious Objects. The book includes "The Magician and the Snake," a short story created by father and daughter that won a 2003 Eisner Award. Katie was 7 years old at the time, making her the youngest ever recipient of the honor.

"It's my favorite thing I've ever done," Mignola said.

Fans filtered into the store, loaded with comics sheathed in plastic wrap covers.

Dave Smith, a Torrance resident, lugged two heavy blue tote bags packed with nine hardbound books waiting for Mignola's signature.

Every Wednesday, Smith said he walks into The Comic Bug for his latest stack of comic books. When Smith, a book dealer, heard about Mignola's appearance, he rushed over to the store.

"[Hellboy] almost inevitably has to be one of your favorites," Smith said. "It's a unique specimen. Nothing reads like it."