Superhero fans around the world know Mike Mignola for the creation of Hellboy and The Amazing Screw-On Head, along with many other contributions to the comic book industry with Marvel and DC. However, his work with Disney is one of his most underappreciated accomplishments.
Although most fans likely prefer his work with Hellboy, Abe Sapien, and the rest of the BRPD, Disney buffs everywhere know him for bringing us Atlantis: The Lost Empire. Disney's steampunk sci-fi epic from the 2000s was truly a stroke of genius that desperately needs to be seen, and a second chance lurks in the shadows for modern viewers.
Return to Atlantis with Dark Horse Comics
Although many Disney fans might consider Treasure Planet the studio's most criminally underrated classic, this writer firmly believes that Atlantis should have been the biggest adventure Disney ever brought to life. A mysterious journal, a submarine expedition, and a lost nation of mystical people- what more could you ask for?
When the ambitious Milo Thatch gets the opportunity of a lifetime to prove his grandfather's theories about the lost city of Atlantis, he embarks on a life-altering quest that sends him into the throngs of adventure beyond his wildest dreams. While that sounds like a winner on paper, it was unfortunately a flop for the studio.
While it had all the right ingredients for an instant Disney classic, including character work and design by the legendary Mike Mignola, it just couldn't compete with the likes of Shrek at the box office. That all being said, a new adaptation could breathe fresh air into this underrated gem.
Dark Horse Comics recently released a graphic novel adaptation of Atlantis: The Lost Empire with Mike Mignola at the helm, and it truly shows. From the cover alone, his designs harken back to the concept art used for the film all those years ago. In this writer's opinion, Kida and Milo have never looked better.
It's more than just a comic book version of a 20+ year-old Disney movie, but a more personal approach from Mignola. It's a second chance at what audiences should have seen way back in 2001 and a possible way to reignite interest in a cult classic.
In our age of Disney remakesIt's high time Atlantis got the respect it deserves. Perhaps with interest from the comic community, the film can rise from the murky depths of obscurity and into the spotlight where it belongs.
The original animated adventure to Atlantis can be streamed on Disney+.