"After Hellboy is kidnapped and connected to a massive mecha-Hellboy for a mission on a mysterious, faraway island, Giant Robot Hellboy disappears. Scientists comb the sea looking for him but find more than they bargained for when an interdimensional portal threatens to pull them in—or let monsters of unknown origin out."
The massive mecha-Hellboy is back in Giant Robot Hellboy Returns. With the first issue releasing this week, we caught up with Duncan Fegredo to learn all about the making of this new mini-series, plus Fegredo also teases the follow-up! And we have a preview of the first issue that Daily Dead readers can check out right now!
What was it like stepping back into Giant Robot Hellboy after all of the excitement around the 2023 series?
Duncan Fegredo: It's a little like watching the sequel to a beloved film; you can’t help wondering if that sequel will live up to its promise, you prepare for inevitable disappointment. I threw everything at the first series and I’ve tried to do the same again, though without repeating myself. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
How did you and Mike Mignola approach developing this brand-new sequel now that this kaiju-inspired series has taken on a life of its own? Was this story planned while you were developing the first series?
Duncan Fegredo: The first story really was the expansion of the gag drawings Mike made during lockdown; it was a fun monster movie that grew in the making. I don’t think Mike had expected me to push the scope of the imagery quite as much as I did, so the story has kind of grown with it. Mike had a general overview of where we might go and a more specific idea of where we would end up. What happened in between was a little more of an open roadmap, Mike provided an overview of the two issues and pretty much gave me free rein to get us where we needed to go by whatever route I deemed best… Which is another way to say I was handed the rope to hang myself!
What can you tell our readers about the predicament Giant Robot Hellboy faces at the start of the new series?
Duncan Fegredo: We open with Leo, one of the scientific assistants from the first series hitching a lift aboard a research vessel in the hope of discovering the fate of Robot Hellboy. The robot is presumed destroyed amidst destruction at the close of the last series, but Leo has a feeling…
Just like Godzilla's design changes from series to series, did you change or adjust your approach to Giant Robot Hellboy this time around?
Duncan Fegredo: Poor old Robot Hellboy was previously separated from his left arm, so he’s having to deal with that situation along with being submerged in salt water. In fact, the Robot design developed throughout the first storyline as I got to know him better, he’s had his knees replaced, a facelift and other minor cosmetic adjustments... hopefully nothing too jarring!
What are some of your all-time favorite mech and/or kaiju films that are a source of inspiration?
Duncan Fegredo: Godzilla Minus One was excellent. A great story and an amazing sense of scale. But most of my references for such things probably come from Ray Harryhausen movies like Jason and The Argonauts; Talos in particular absolutely blew my mind as a kid. I only have to think of Talos and I can hear shearing metal joints; its how I imagine Robot Hellboy sounds when he moves. I have to acknowledge The Iron Giant as well; I’d like to think they could team up for a buddy action movie.
Are there already plans for more Giant Robot Hellboy following this "Return" series?
Duncan Fegredo: I’m working on the final chapter now, though I can’t reveal the excellent title yet. It’s coming together pretty well, so hopefully you won’t have to wait as long for the finale.
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Giant Robot Hellboy Returns #1
Publication date: July 22, 2026
Format: FC 32 pages; 6 5/8" x 10 3/16"
Price: $3.99
UPC: 76156801316000111
After more than a decade as a consultant in the entertainment industry, Jonathan James launched Daily Dead in 2010 to share his passion for horror. He takes immense pride in Daily Dead's talented team of writers, who passionately explore and celebrate horror as a respected art form capable of telling complex, character-driven stories with deep emotional and cultural impact.
Over the course of his career, Jonathan has written more than 10,000 articles and hosted panels at major conventions, including New York Comic Con and San Diego Comic-Con. He is also consulted with as an expert on horror and pop culture, offering insights on horror history and the latest trends through media outlets, film festivals, and conventions.
After more than a decade as a consultant in the entertainment industry, Jonathan James launched Daily Dead in 2010 to share his passion for horror. He takes immense pride in Daily Dead's talented team of writers, who passionately explore and celebrate horror as a respected art form capable of telling complex, character-driven stories with deep emotional and cultural impact.
Over the course of his career, Jonathan has written more than 10,000 articles and hosted panels at major conventions, including New York Comic Con and San Diego Comic-Con. He is also consulted with as an expert on horror and pop culture, offering insights on horror history and the latest trends through media outlets, film festivals, and conventions.
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