The Hellboy universe is growing, and it’s reaching your ears this time as audiobooks are on the way starting next month. Written by Christopher Golden, these books will feature an entire cast of actors, sound effects, and cinematic music, with RBmedia creating the books via their GraphicAudio brand. Hellboy is a character that has proven stronger than Oak, with multiple movies, comics, an upcoming video game, and now an audiobook series on the way.
Launching in little over a month with Hellboy: A Plague of Wasps on July 31st, the first book spins out of the Hellboy in Love story Golden co-writes with Mike Mignola. What better time than now, then, to get an inside look at the production of these audiobooks? I was lucky enough to ask Golden a few questions about the process of writing for audio, but what we’re in store for with stories about Hellboy, Lobster Johnson, and even a new character. That character will pop up in the comics at a later date too.
Check out the interview below.
AIPT: To start, this is an original trilogy of audiobooks, but can diehard fans be assured these tales are in canon?
Christopher Golden: Yep! The first book is part of Hellboy in Love. The second one expands the world of Lobster Johnson, including the introduction of a new pulp character whom we intend to bring over into the comics. So yes, it’s our intention that these are in canon. In recent years, as I’ve brought Anastasia into the comics, elements of the novels I wrote where I introduced her have been replaced in canon, so the comics are always the ultimate canon.
AIPT: As an accomplished novelist and comics scribe, was there a learning curve in writing for audiobooks?
CG: I think there’s a learning curve any time you write for a new medium. It’s a huge mistake for writers to think otherwise. Fortunately, this wasn’t my first time doing transmedia work. Years ago, Amber Benson and I created an animated series for the BBC together called Ghosts of Albion. That was intended to be able to be watched online but also to be audio-only.
I’ve written in so many different mediums at this point that adapting to this process wasn’t difficult. But I think if I hadn’t had those experiences, it would have been a much steeper climb.
AIPT: Audiobooks are a whole production. How long have these been in the works?
CG: It’s sort of a blur for me because I’ve been working on so many projects this past year. The first one is completely done, so that one started, I think, almost a year ago.
AIPT: When pitching these ideas, was it a conversation with Mignola, or were you both throwing out ideas?
CG: It started with a conversation just about the medium. Mike was enthusiastic about doing something in this arena. Then it was a process of me pitching ideas, getting his feedback, and writing outlines. After working together so long, I have a pretty good sense of how he’ll react to certain things—though he will often surprise me. So when I’m not sure, I’ll always confirm with him before taking a big swing.
AIPT: Aside from Hellboy, was there a specific character from this universe you just had to get into the audiobook format?
CG: Well, Anastasia, of course. I love their relationship so much. But beyond that…I mean, come on. LOBSTER JOHNSON in audio? 1930’s New York noir? It had to be done.
AIPT: How involved are you in working with voice actors or giving notes on how characters speak? I interviewed Ben Percy a year or two ago about writing the Star-Lord audio drama, and apparently, it’s more robust than some might think!
CG: In this case, only a little bit. Scott McCormick, who also voices Hellboy, is the guy in charge of all of that. I’ve done a major project for Audible that will be announced next month that I co-wrote and co-directed, so that’s a very different level of involvement.
AIPT: The story picks up from the Hellboy in Love comic books. How important is it to go grab those comics before diving into the audiobooks?
CG: Well, come on. Of course, you should be reading Hellboy in Love. It’s just so much fun! But you don’t need to have read the comics to listen to Hellboy: A Plague of Wasps. All the information you need is right there in your ears!
AIPT: It’s early, but how much can you say about the original character who will eventually pop up in the comics?
CG: His name is DOCTOR THORNE, and you’ll see him again!
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