What do you think?
Rate this book
Hellboy: Library Edition
Hellboy: Library Edition, Vol. 4: The Crooked Man and the Troll Witch
The oversized Hellboy Library hardcover series continues, featuring Mike Mignola and Richard Corben's award-winning Crooked Man story! Hellboy has racked up multiple Eisner Awards, numerous spinoffs, a novel line, video games, cartoons, and two feature films. Hellboy Library Volume 4 collects two complete trade-paperbacks full of short stories: The Troll Witch and Other Stories and The Crooked Man, as well as an extensive selection of previously unreleased sketches and designs.
312 pages, Library Binding
First published June 15, 2011
13 people are currently reading
451 people want to read
About the author
Mike Mignola
1,867 books2,537 followersMike Mignola was born September 16, 1960 in Berkeley, California and grew up in nearby Oakland. His fascination with ghosts and monsters began at an early age (he doesn't remember why) and reading Dracula at age 13 introduced him to Victorian literature and folklore from which he has never recovered.
In 1982, hoping to find a way to draw monsters for a living, he moved to New York City and began working for Marvel Comics, first as a (very terrible) inker and then as an artist on comics like Rocket Raccoon, Alpha Flight and The Hulk. By the late 80s he had begun to develop his signature style (thin lines, clunky shapes and lots of black) and moved onto higher profile commercial projects like Cosmic Odyssey (1988) and Gotham by Gaslight (1989) for DC Comics, and the not-so-commercial Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser (1990) for Marvel. In 1992, he drew the comic book adaptation of the film Bram Stoker's Dracula for Topps Comics.
In 1993, Mike moved to Dark Horse comics and created Hellboy, a half-demon occult detective who may or may not be the Beast of the Apocalypse. While the first story line (Seed of Destruction, 1994) was co-written by John Byrne, Mike has continued writing the series himself. There are, at this moment, 13 Hellboy graphic novel collections (with more on the way), several spin-off titles (B.P.R.D., Lobster Johnson, Abe Sapien and Witchfinder), three anthologies of prose stories, several novels, two animated films and two live-action films staring Ron Perlman. Hellboy has earned numerous comic industry awards and is published in a great many countries.
Mike also created the award-winning comic book The Amazing Screw-on Head and has co-written two novels (Baltimore, or, the Steadfast Tin Soldier and the Vampire and Joe Golem and the Drowning City) with best-selling author Christopher Golden.
Mike worked (very briefly) with Francis Ford Coppola on his film Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992), was a production designer on the Disney film Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001) and was visual consultant to director Guillermo del Toro on Blade II (2002), Hellboy (2004) and Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008). He lives somewhere in Southern California with his wife, daughter, a lot of books and a cat.
In 1982, hoping to find a way to draw monsters for a living, he moved to New York City and began working for Marvel Comics, first as a (very terrible) inker and then as an artist on comics like Rocket Raccoon, Alpha Flight and The Hulk. By the late 80s he had begun to develop his signature style (thin lines, clunky shapes and lots of black) and moved onto higher profile commercial projects like Cosmic Odyssey (1988) and Gotham by Gaslight (1989) for DC Comics, and the not-so-commercial Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser (1990) for Marvel. In 1992, he drew the comic book adaptation of the film Bram Stoker's Dracula for Topps Comics.
In 1993, Mike moved to Dark Horse comics and created Hellboy, a half-demon occult detective who may or may not be the Beast of the Apocalypse. While the first story line (Seed of Destruction, 1994) was co-written by John Byrne, Mike has continued writing the series himself. There are, at this moment, 13 Hellboy graphic novel collections (with more on the way), several spin-off titles (B.P.R.D., Lobster Johnson, Abe Sapien and Witchfinder), three anthologies of prose stories, several novels, two animated films and two live-action films staring Ron Perlman. Hellboy has earned numerous comic industry awards and is published in a great many countries.
Mike also created the award-winning comic book The Amazing Screw-on Head and has co-written two novels (Baltimore, or, the Steadfast Tin Soldier and the Vampire and Joe Golem and the Drowning City) with best-selling author Christopher Golden.
Mike worked (very briefly) with Francis Ford Coppola on his film Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992), was a production designer on the Disney film Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001) and was visual consultant to director Guillermo del Toro on Blade II (2002), Hellboy (2004) and Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008). He lives somewhere in Southern California with his wife, daughter, a lot of books and a cat.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
September 4, 2021
Подорож Геллбойверсом продовжується четвертим бібліотечним виданням «Геллбой: Кульбастий чоловік і Відьма-тролиха», у якій знову зібрано багато коротких історій, найдовша з яких — «Кульбастий чоловік». Та особливістю цієї збірки є те, що тут зібрані різні художники. Тому атмосфера та сприйняття, звісно, відрізняються від того, що я звик отримувати під час читання коміксів про червоного диявола із малюнком Майка Міньйоли.
Якщо відверто, то я не у великому захваті, що вже третя підряд збірка сповзла в короткі оповіді, які не є такими епічними і шокуючими, як арки «Зерно руйнування» та «Пробудження диявола» із першого колекційного видання. І я радію, коли якась історія затягується на 50 чи більше сторінок, бо встигаю тоді пройнятися атмосферою та розповіддю. Натомість формат коротких історій дає більше різноманітності в темах чи можливість залучення нових художників, що пришвидшить розширення світу та створення великої кількості історій. Навіть не знаю, що краще загалом, але для мене краще читати довші історії.
Не дарма на обкладинці цього колекційного видання красується назва першого коміксу «Кульбастий чоловік», сценарієм якого займався Майк Міньйола, а художньою частиною Річард Корбен. Бо вважаю її — найкращою в збірці. Мені не дуже заходить малюнок Річарда Корбена, та навіть якщо порівняти його з іншою роботою в цьому видання, то в цьому коміксі вона виглядає на рівень вище. Мені здається, що він зумів передати моторошну історію жахів Міньйоли у своєму малюнку. Його похмурі пейзажі, темні руїни та страшні персонажі чудово виглядають. Малюнок цього художника специфічний і своєрідний, особливо це помітно на обличчях звичайних людей. Не знаю чи він не може намалювати нормальне на вигляд людське обличчя, чи він спеціально це робить. Але всі вони виглядають моторошно й деформовано, що, справді, проймає під час читання. Та все ж вважаю, що тут усе зіграло добре й цей малюнок підійшов цій історії.
Але в збірці є також кілька інших коміксів, які мені чимось запам’яталися. «Відьма-троль», де маємо трішки скандинавської міфології. Історія про череп Чорної Бороди з цікавим реалістичним малюнком Джейсона Шона Олександра. На перший погляд, Геллбой і малюнок, який рухається до реалізму — не сумісні речі. Але воно працює, і досить так непогано. Мені сподобалося. Також варто згадати комікс «Макома», дуже цікава й мрійлива історія, де Міньйола повертається до африканських мотивів, які мені ще подобалися в одній із попередніх збірок.
Насправді збірка дуже різногранна, дещо дуже сподобалося, дещо менше, але враження цілком хороші після прочитання. Також у виданні є слова сценариста й художників, нотатки до всіх історій та великий скетчбук, що стало приємним бонусом наприкінці. Поки що все добре і я далі досліджуватиму світ, який створив Майк Міньйола. Та поки найкращою для мене залишається саме перша збірка. Цікаво чи ця думка зміниться у подальшому.
Якщо відверто, то я не у великому захваті, що вже третя підряд збірка сповзла в короткі оповіді, які не є такими епічними і шокуючими, як арки «Зерно руйнування» та «Пробудження диявола» із першого колекційного видання. І я радію, коли якась історія затягується на 50 чи більше сторінок, бо встигаю тоді пройнятися атмосферою та розповіддю. Натомість формат коротких історій дає більше різноманітності в темах чи можливість залучення нових художників, що пришвидшить розширення світу та створення великої кількості історій. Навіть не знаю, що краще загалом, але для мене краще читати довші історії.
Не дарма на обкладинці цього колекційного видання красується назва першого коміксу «Кульбастий чоловік», сценарієм якого займався Майк Міньйола, а художньою частиною Річард Корбен. Бо вважаю її — найкращою в збірці. Мені не дуже заходить малюнок Річарда Корбена, та навіть якщо порівняти його з іншою роботою в цьому видання, то в цьому коміксі вона виглядає на рівень вище. Мені здається, що він зумів передати моторошну історію жахів Міньйоли у своєму малюнку. Його похмурі пейзажі, темні руїни та страшні персонажі чудово виглядають. Малюнок цього художника специфічний і своєрідний, особливо це помітно на обличчях звичайних людей. Не знаю чи він не може намалювати нормальне на вигляд людське обличчя, чи він спеціально це робить. Але всі вони виглядають моторошно й деформовано, що, справді, проймає під час читання. Та все ж вважаю, що тут усе зіграло добре й цей малюнок підійшов цій історії.
Але в збірці є також кілька інших коміксів, які мені чимось запам’яталися. «Відьма-троль», де маємо трішки скандинавської міфології. Історія про череп Чорної Бороди з цікавим реалістичним малюнком Джейсона Шона Олександра. На перший погляд, Геллбой і малюнок, який рухається до реалізму — не сумісні речі. Але воно працює, і досить так непогано. Мені сподобалося. Також варто згадати комікс «Макома», дуже цікава й мрійлива історія, де Міньйола повертається до африканських мотивів, які мені ще подобалися в одній із попередніх збірок.
Насправді збірка дуже різногранна, дещо дуже сподобалося, дещо менше, але враження цілком хороші після прочитання. Також у виданні є слова сценариста й художників, нотатки до всіх історій та великий скетчбук, що стало приємним бонусом наприкінці. Поки що все добре і я далі досліджуватиму світ, який створив Майк Міньйола. Та поки найкращою для мене залишається саме перша збірка. Цікаво чи ця думка зміниться у подальшому.
April 29, 2020
Mignola's attention to detail and "historical" accuracy (when it comes to supernatural beings) is always great to read, his drawing style unique and completely lovable. Still, I don't care much for Richard Corben and P. Craig Russell so their collabs with Mignola were mundane and indifferent to me. Hellboy is best drawn by his creator and, seeing a couple of big names playing with him, I still insist to that opinion. Their attempts, as welcome and aprecciated as they may be, are not enough.
March 21, 2021
While Mignola unthinkably takes a break from illustrating due to a busy schedule, the artwork is derivative yet subtly its own and it works. More fantastic storytelling in the Hellboy Universe.
August 9, 2019
Hellboy slips into short stories, which are not so epic, but there is more variety in them. And it is great variety both in themes and artists. The Crooked Man is the best, of course. Awesome creepy horror story thanks to Richard Corben, who is master of this comics theme. His gloomy landscapes, dark ruins and creepy characters are superb. And I love his depiction of Hellboy. Maybe more than Mignola's original and surely by a mile more than another artist's ones. Corben's art is specific and distinctive, especially in regular people's faces - I believe he can't draw a normal-looking human face. They all look creepy, rednecky, deformed and "inbred". But besides that - his art is great and I love it. And for The Crooked Man, it works perfectly. The whole story is a perfect material for one story in TV series, and the comic is very much storyboard to it. And there are more great stories, the exotic Malaysian The Penanggalan, antic The Hydra and the Lion, Norse mythology-inspired The Troll Witch, the story about Blackbeard's skull with interesting art by Jason Alexander or short but kicking haunted house story Dr Carp's Experiment. The Chapel of Moloch could be great dark and spooky TV series episode and the last Makoma is a very interesting and dreamy story. There are two stories I do not exactly like. The Ghoul, which even Mignola admits could have poor audience reception and The Vampire of Prague. I appreciate Prague theme, the details and Old Prague atmosphere is great, but I'm not exactly a fan of Russell's art. I do not hate it, but it's not universally great and I get easily fed by it. It maybe works for spooky fairy tale-ish stories (like Graveyard Book or some other Gaiman's stuff) but I do believe the story could be much better in the hands of another artist.
January 23, 2022
This is by far the most uneven collection. Always pretty fun, but of the various artists only one was better than the original and the others were a downgrade. Story wise, around 3 were of the same quality as previous, and others were forgettable.
January 29, 2022
The Crooked Man. Holy shit. Probably the single best thing Mignola's ever written, and among Corben's better illustration work.
January 5, 2024
(Zero spoiler review for the two volumes collected in this edition)
The first Hellboy collection that I would describe as something of a letdown, at least in comparison to everything that came before it. This also marks the point in the original Hellboy series where Mignola starts to share art duties with a number of other creators. Said artists are all top notch, so it's no significant drawback by any means. But Hellboy always was and always is Mignola's art.
The Crooked Man story started out great and had some nice Richard Corben art to go with it. Sadly, the latter half didn't match the former, and it all petered out to a whole lot of not much. A few of the short stories were fine, though a few were pretty forgettable, and its here that truly keeps this book from reaching the levels of the collections before it. A forgettable Hellboy story. Never thought (or hoped) I'd see the day.
As with volume 7, this one mostly suffers from all the brilliance that came before it. A few great stories, a few good ones, and one or two of lesser quality. The Hellboy mythos is growing and growing with each volume. Why hasn't someone done an animated series with an Mignola esque animation style yet? That would be a license to print money. Oh wait, it's 2024. On second thoughts, leave it alone and don't touch it. Forget I said anything. 4/5
OmniBen.
The first Hellboy collection that I would describe as something of a letdown, at least in comparison to everything that came before it. This also marks the point in the original Hellboy series where Mignola starts to share art duties with a number of other creators. Said artists are all top notch, so it's no significant drawback by any means. But Hellboy always was and always is Mignola's art.
The Crooked Man story started out great and had some nice Richard Corben art to go with it. Sadly, the latter half didn't match the former, and it all petered out to a whole lot of not much. A few of the short stories were fine, though a few were pretty forgettable, and its here that truly keeps this book from reaching the levels of the collections before it. A forgettable Hellboy story. Never thought (or hoped) I'd see the day.
As with volume 7, this one mostly suffers from all the brilliance that came before it. A few great stories, a few good ones, and one or two of lesser quality. The Hellboy mythos is growing and growing with each volume. Why hasn't someone done an animated series with an Mignola esque animation style yet? That would be a license to print money. Oh wait, it's 2024. On second thoughts, leave it alone and don't touch it. Forget I said anything. 4/5
OmniBen.
December 27, 2022
I have a bunch of mix feelings about this one.
First off, the main stories, specially "The Crooked Man" is amazing and completely justifies the Eisner award. Richard Corben does a great job with the illustrations. "Troll Witch" is OK. Nothing outstanding but still decent.
The rest of the stories are kinda hit or miss.
"The Ghoul" in particularly was horrible, and even Mike talks about it not being one of the fans favourites. I wonder why. 😄
I love the artwork on the pirate story, even though the story itself is not particularly outstanding.
"In the Chapel of Moloch" was not particularly interesting either, just like "Makoma" which is probably the 2nd longest story of the album.
Without "The Crooked Man" this edition would have been a disaster. It is all worth because of that single amazing story.
First off, the main stories, specially "The Crooked Man" is amazing and completely justifies the Eisner award. Richard Corben does a great job with the illustrations. "Troll Witch" is OK. Nothing outstanding but still decent.
The rest of the stories are kinda hit or miss.
"The Ghoul" in particularly was horrible, and even Mike talks about it not being one of the fans favourites. I wonder why. 😄
I love the artwork on the pirate story, even though the story itself is not particularly outstanding.
"In the Chapel of Moloch" was not particularly interesting either, just like "Makoma" which is probably the 2nd longest story of the album.
Without "The Crooked Man" this edition would have been a disaster. It is all worth because of that single amazing story.
April 25, 2017
English (but not so good) / Italiano
Small stories that show us an array of “minor” enemies, but this doesn’t mean that the result is less good. Folkloristic nuggets about genre.
Italiano
Piccole storie che ci mostrano una carrellata di nemici “minori”, ma ciò non significa che il risultato sia meno buono. Folkloristici bocconcini sul genere.
Small stories that show us an array of “minor” enemies, but this doesn’t mean that the result is less good. Folkloristic nuggets about genre.
Italiano
Piccole storie che ci mostrano una carrellata di nemici “minori”, ma ciò non significa che il risultato sia meno buono. Folkloristici bocconcini sul genere.
February 3, 2023
Corben and Mignola together doesn’t get much better.
January 25, 2018
Another solid collection, this being the first with some other artists. The story "Makoma" was probably my favorite, though the one featuring Blackbeard was fun too.
October 12, 2016
Great collection of short Hellboy stories. Art is fantastic with the other artists. Favorite stories are crooked man and makoma. Excited for volume 5 where the main storyline kicks off again.
November 23, 2017
BCDER: 91
"The Crooked Man" - one of my favorite Mignola stories and Richard Corben's art was the perfect match.
Includes other strong stories like "The Ghoul" and "The Troll Witch" featuring the complete Mignola package.
"The Crooked Man" - one of my favorite Mignola stories and Richard Corben's art was the perfect match.
Includes other strong stories like "The Ghoul" and "The Troll Witch" featuring the complete Mignola package.
April 21, 2015
I liked the quick little short stories in the volume. Some of them are only a few pages long, but they still made for tiny insights into Hellboy's world.
December 31, 2019
W moim odczuciu to jak na razie najsłabszy tom Hellboy'a, ale nawet najsłabszy w przypadku tej marki oznacza zaoranie większości tytułów stałym, naprawdę dobrym stylem, którego mogą pozazdrościć Mignoli inne serie.
Pierwsza, dłuższa opowieść graficznie nie podobała mi się wcale, ale sama fabuła dowodzi, że nie ocenia się książki po okładce, bo story plot jest naprawdę interesujący. Tytułowy lichwiarz to maszkara kolekcjonująca dusze, która była według legend była kiedyś człowiekiem. Mamy tu zatrzęsienie wiedźm. Mamy szkapę, która okazuje się być czymś innym. Mamy starcie na cmentarzu, które pozostawia ciarki na plecach. Coś fantastycznego. Widać też, że nie jest to kreska Mignoli, a niejakiego Corbena, choć i tak styl graficzny zapewnia jedno. Niepokój. Postacie tu są karykaturalne, twarze zniekształcone... Nie mój styl, ale pasuje.
Drugą opowieścią, która zapadła mi w pamięć była ta o Czarnobrodym. Tak, tym słynnym piracie, któremu odrąbano głowę, która stanowi nie lada kąsek dla kolekcjonerów i jest przedmiotem obsesji... właściciela, który pragnie odzyskać zgubę. Fajne opowiadanie, ale chyba najmocniejszym punktem programu jest dla mnie tytułowa trolowa wiedźma. To naprawdę dobra, krótsza opowiastka, bez happy endu jak to bywa w przypadku Mignoli, ale pozostawiająca w głowie taką chmurę myśli, że całość mnie kompletnie zaskoczyła. Melancholia.
Historia o Makomie nie spodobała mi się tak bardzo jak reszta, na pewno jest egzotyczna i odnosi się do mitów o powstaniu świata, ale nie miała tej głębi jak reszta. Na plus zaliczę jeszcze story o Molochu i nawiedzanym artyście, który tworzy zaskakujące dzieła sztuki.
To co mi się nie podobało to historia o Hydrze, która była banalna, a także wizyta Hellboya bodajże w Pradze, aby uporać się z pewnym wampirem. Bez polotu, wydawało mi się to bardzo wtórne, bowiem motyw "wampirzy" pojawił się już zbyt dużo razy... (aczkolwiek sama stylistyka miasta, miodzio). The Penanggalan, tutaj nie mam zdania, bowiem wydało mi się to średnie, ani na plus, ani na minus, choć już wolę więcej egzotyki niż wampirzych elementów.
Czwarty tom Hellboy'a jest solidną dawką niepokojących opowieści, które nadal działają na wyobraźnię i fascynują, a najlepsze podobno jeszcze przede mną. Polecam. 4/5
Pierwsza, dłuższa opowieść graficznie nie podobała mi się wcale, ale sama fabuła dowodzi, że nie ocenia się książki po okładce, bo story plot jest naprawdę interesujący. Tytułowy lichwiarz to maszkara kolekcjonująca dusze, która była według legend była kiedyś człowiekiem. Mamy tu zatrzęsienie wiedźm. Mamy szkapę, która okazuje się być czymś innym. Mamy starcie na cmentarzu, które pozostawia ciarki na plecach. Coś fantastycznego. Widać też, że nie jest to kreska Mignoli, a niejakiego Corbena, choć i tak styl graficzny zapewnia jedno. Niepokój. Postacie tu są karykaturalne, twarze zniekształcone... Nie mój styl, ale pasuje.
Drugą opowieścią, która zapadła mi w pamięć była ta o Czarnobrodym. Tak, tym słynnym piracie, któremu odrąbano głowę, która stanowi nie lada kąsek dla kolekcjonerów i jest przedmiotem obsesji... właściciela, który pragnie odzyskać zgubę. Fajne opowiadanie, ale chyba najmocniejszym punktem programu jest dla mnie tytułowa trolowa wiedźma. To naprawdę dobra, krótsza opowiastka, bez happy endu jak to bywa w przypadku Mignoli, ale pozostawiająca w głowie taką chmurę myśli, że całość mnie kompletnie zaskoczyła. Melancholia.
Historia o Makomie nie spodobała mi się tak bardzo jak reszta, na pewno jest egzotyczna i odnosi się do mitów o powstaniu świata, ale nie miała tej głębi jak reszta. Na plus zaliczę jeszcze story o Molochu i nawiedzanym artyście, który tworzy zaskakujące dzieła sztuki.
To co mi się nie podobało to historia o Hydrze, która była banalna, a także wizyta Hellboya bodajże w Pradze, aby uporać się z pewnym wampirem. Bez polotu, wydawało mi się to bardzo wtórne, bowiem motyw "wampirzy" pojawił się już zbyt dużo razy... (aczkolwiek sama stylistyka miasta, miodzio). The Penanggalan, tutaj nie mam zdania, bowiem wydało mi się to średnie, ani na plus, ani na minus, choć już wolę więcej egzotyki niż wampirzych elementów.
Czwarty tom Hellboy'a jest solidną dawką niepokojących opowieści, które nadal działają na wyobraźnię i fascynują, a najlepsze podobno jeszcze przede mną. Polecam. 4/5
November 10, 2021
The volume contained:
The Crooked Man
The Penanggalan
The Hydra and the Lion
The Troll Witch
The Vampire of Prague
They That Go down to the Sea in Ships
Dr. Carp's Experiment
The Ghoul
In The Chapel of Moloch
Makoma
Afterword
Story Notes
Sketchbook
I rather liked The Crooked Man. It is definitely the first Hellboy story I actually liked. The art was good, the writing interesting. It is basically a backwoods Appalachian feeling story that Hellboy just walks into and it basically just works. But it is still Hellboy so I didn't love it. 3.5 of 5.
I liked the beginning art to The Penanggalan, especially that of the girl. But the rest of the story wasn't all that great.
The Hydra and the Lion was a very small story, maybe about Hercules? The art was okay.
I liked the idea behind The Troll Witch, but found the story just barely readable.
The Vampire of Prague was stupid but at least it was short. It did have some interesting art.
They That Go down to the Sea in Ships was a Blackbeard story and was actually one of the better ones but not up to the level of The Crooked Man.
The setup to Dr. Carp's Experiment was pretty good, but the pay off wasn't much
The Ghoul. Not much here
In The Chapel of Moloch. This was another one of the better ones - almost as good as The Crooked Man. I liked the setting and the characters - the payoff perhaps not as much.
The Vampire of Prague
Makoma. A folktale not bad, not great
Afterword
The Story Notes alone were worth a half a star bump.
Always good to see a Sketchbook - even better one with words like this one
All in all a mixed bag. This was a beautifully bound edition with great pages. It was still Hellboy but there were two stories I actually liked and the Story Notes and Sketchbook made it a full package.
The Crooked Man
The Penanggalan
The Hydra and the Lion
The Troll Witch
The Vampire of Prague
They That Go down to the Sea in Ships
Dr. Carp's Experiment
The Ghoul
In The Chapel of Moloch
Makoma
Afterword
Story Notes
Sketchbook
I rather liked The Crooked Man. It is definitely the first Hellboy story I actually liked. The art was good, the writing interesting. It is basically a backwoods Appalachian feeling story that Hellboy just walks into and it basically just works. But it is still Hellboy so I didn't love it. 3.5 of 5.
I liked the beginning art to The Penanggalan, especially that of the girl. But the rest of the story wasn't all that great.
The Hydra and the Lion was a very small story, maybe about Hercules? The art was okay.
I liked the idea behind The Troll Witch, but found the story just barely readable.
The Vampire of Prague was stupid but at least it was short. It did have some interesting art.
They That Go down to the Sea in Ships was a Blackbeard story and was actually one of the better ones but not up to the level of The Crooked Man.
The setup to Dr. Carp's Experiment was pretty good, but the pay off wasn't much
The Ghoul. Not much here
In The Chapel of Moloch. This was another one of the better ones - almost as good as The Crooked Man. I liked the setting and the characters - the payoff perhaps not as much.
The Vampire of Prague
Makoma. A folktale not bad, not great
Afterword
The Story Notes alone were worth a half a star bump.
Always good to see a Sketchbook - even better one with words like this one
All in all a mixed bag. This was a beautifully bound edition with great pages. It was still Hellboy but there were two stories I actually liked and the Story Notes and Sketchbook made it a full package.
July 3, 2018
Зрозуміло, що Хелбой не може бути поганим, зокрема той, якого малює сам маестро. Однак тут зібрані різні художники від яких залежить те чи інше враження. Загалом, ця частина хороша, але не найкраща. Історія про відьом (хоча й не зовсім про них, а швидше про людські слабкості) доволі дивна, яку найкраще передає англійське слово dreadful. Чого варта сцена полишеної шкіри відьми на ліжку, що лежить немов пальто, чекаючи на свою хазяйку. За настроєм The Crooked Man мені більше нагадало лінійку The Witchfinder, яку я прочитав далеко не всю, але скласти умовне враження вже можу. Мені навіть які моторошні сни приснились після цієї, найдовшої історії в томі, а це вже наче показник якості.
Далі історії відносно цікаві. Міньйола видає рівень на The Troll Witch, досягаючи апогею у своєму мінімалізмі. Скажімо, момент кривавої різні передано просто яскравим червоним кольором у прямокутній вертикальній панелі. Що може бути більш точним і емоційним? Усе ж мені найбільш сподобалась історія про Чорну Бороду, можливо, більше малюнком, аніж текстом. Зловив себе на думці, що використання реалістичної техніки нічим не шкодить атмосфері Хелбойверсу. Усе тут витримано на рівні, але Міньйола може краще як сценарист. Багато хто захоплюється також історією Makoma, де Міньйола працює вже із африканським фольклором (не вперше, до речі). Текстурний, з прекрасними контрастами й тіньовими ефектами малюнок реально вирізняє цей текст з-поміж інших, але мене чомусь не вразив. Відчуваю, що поступово задаю все вищу планку для історій, але вони не втрачають своєї аури, атмосферності навіть тоді, коли написані або проілюстровані не на повну силу. Магія Мінйьоли працює беззаперечно.
Далі історії відносно цікаві. Міньйола видає рівень на The Troll Witch, досягаючи апогею у своєму мінімалізмі. Скажімо, момент кривавої різні передано просто яскравим червоним кольором у прямокутній вертикальній панелі. Що може бути більш точним і емоційним? Усе ж мені найбільш сподобалась історія про Чорну Бороду, можливо, більше малюнком, аніж текстом. Зловив себе на думці, що використання реалістичної техніки нічим не шкодить атмосфері Хелбойверсу. Усе тут витримано на рівні, але Міньйола може краще як сценарист. Багато хто захоплюється також історією Makoma, де Міньйола працює вже із африканським фольклором (не вперше, до речі). Текстурний, з прекрасними контрастами й тіньовими ефектами малюнок реально вирізняє цей текст з-поміж інших, але мене чомусь не вразив. Відчуваю, що поступово задаю все вищу планку для історій, але вони не втрачають своєї аури, атмосферності навіть тоді, коли написані або проілюстровані не на повну силу. Магія Мінйьоли працює беззаперечно.
February 20, 2021
What can I say at this point about Hellboy that hasn't been said already? Mike Mignola unique brand of storytelling combined with hist amazing art style make Hellboy truly a one of kind experience.
Like in the previous Library Edition we follow Hellboy on his paranormal journey and it truly is a blast to read. Clear standouts this issue are the titular Crooked Man, The Troll Witch and the superb Makoma. Through all included stories Hellboys entertaining character and Mike's zaney sense of humour comes through strongly and manages to entertain the reader throughout.
The only real negative I can think of in this book is that the main story line didn't really progress that much. Another point of critique may come down to personal preference. While I liked the artwork of Richard Corben a wasn't really that keen on the artwork of the other artists. It is by no means bad but I much prefer Mr. Mignola's and Corben's artwork.
If you are remotely interested in Hellboy or comics in general you will enjoy this volume as well as the preceeding Library Editions.
Like in the previous Library Edition we follow Hellboy on his paranormal journey and it truly is a blast to read. Clear standouts this issue are the titular Crooked Man, The Troll Witch and the superb Makoma. Through all included stories Hellboys entertaining character and Mike's zaney sense of humour comes through strongly and manages to entertain the reader throughout.
The only real negative I can think of in this book is that the main story line didn't really progress that much. Another point of critique may come down to personal preference. While I liked the artwork of Richard Corben a wasn't really that keen on the artwork of the other artists. It is by no means bad but I much prefer Mr. Mignola's and Corben's artwork.
If you are remotely interested in Hellboy or comics in general you will enjoy this volume as well as the preceeding Library Editions.
November 17, 2022
I really liked the Crooked Man and the rest of Richard Corbins drawings in this one, even though I was kind of worried about going into the first volume, which Mignola didnt draw himself. My worries turned out to be completely silly. This is a great looking book.
That being said I must admit that I much prefer the longer Hellboy stories than the really short ones, and I was a bit dissappointed that "The Troll Witch" wasnt any longer. I kind of hoped that "The Crooked Man" would be the first third of this volume, "The Troll Witch" the second third and the last third being a couple of smaller stories. Unfortunately that wasnt the case, I realised as I was reading the "Troll Witch", which sadly ended far too sooner, than I had hoped. The art, character and backstory is great in this one, and I would have liked to have seen much more of the titular witch.
Overall this continues to be a great series, and I am really looked forward to the next book, which some people regard as the greatest longer Hellboy story, as I understand it.
That being said I must admit that I much prefer the longer Hellboy stories than the really short ones, and I was a bit dissappointed that "The Troll Witch" wasnt any longer. I kind of hoped that "The Crooked Man" would be the first third of this volume, "The Troll Witch" the second third and the last third being a couple of smaller stories. Unfortunately that wasnt the case, I realised as I was reading the "Troll Witch", which sadly ended far too sooner, than I had hoped. The art, character and backstory is great in this one, and I would have liked to have seen much more of the titular witch.
Overall this continues to be a great series, and I am really looked forward to the next book, which some people regard as the greatest longer Hellboy story, as I understand it.
July 10, 2024
I still enjoyed this collection very much, but it definitely wasn't as fulfilling as the first three collections. Like volume 2, this volume contained many short stories. Unlike volume 2, while reading I didn't feel that there was much about Hellboy himself or the path that he was on. This feeling was thankfully verified in Mignola's post-stories write up, which I found to be refreshingly revealing about where he was during the time period when these stories originally came out. Still a great read, just not as good as the other ones in my opinion.
Now that I've plowed through four volumes of Hellboy this summer, I think I'm getting the general gist of a Hellboy story. Most stories could be summed up as Hellboy arrives, asks questions, expends minimal dialogue, spends a lot of time looking around, and then finally uses his fists to deal with whatever issue. With some forewords to these volumes glowing about the depth of the Hellboy character, I didn't see a lot of character growing in this volume. Maybe volumes 5 and 6 will get back to some more depth.
Now that I've plowed through four volumes of Hellboy this summer, I think I'm getting the general gist of a Hellboy story. Most stories could be summed up as Hellboy arrives, asks questions, expends minimal dialogue, spends a lot of time looking around, and then finally uses his fists to deal with whatever issue. With some forewords to these volumes glowing about the depth of the Hellboy character, I didn't see a lot of character growing in this volume. Maybe volumes 5 and 6 will get back to some more depth.
January 7, 2020
I like Hellboy a lot despite not being the deepest of stories. Sometimes it's just fun to punch the monsters in the face than worry about their thematic significance. That being said, a lot of what makes Hellboy cool is the art style, and while the different art style in this binding is good, it just doesn't feel like Hellboy. Maybe if there were more styles explored in Hellboy regularly, I wouldn't have minded, but that's not what I've come to expect. (That sounded more entitled than I intended)
It's still really good and the art style I associate with Hellboy is still in this, I just wish it would have continued with the story it was on, as it was getting really interesting, and kept to the art style.
It's still really good and the art style I associate with Hellboy is still in this, I just wish it would have continued with the story it was on, as it was getting really interesting, and kept to the art style.
February 12, 2020
The short story aspect is growing on me, plus it's a fresh breeze to have different artists give it a go at Mignolas hellboy. My favourite chapter, and I believe it will be the same for a lot of readers, was Makoma. It just captures everything hellboy for me. Adventure, horror themes, action (boom), folklore and a backdrop set in an exotic place. Really loved Corbens art in this of all the other great talents. Also a plus point of these library editions is the extras at the end. Particularly the back story behind each story by Mignola. Reading that gives you a sense of how his mind works and could definitely aid an aspiring writer.
July 27, 2017
In this volume, the stories don't really have much connection to the Hellboy mythos. However, all of the stories were still really good and enjoyable to read.
The lengthy story The Crooked Man follows a man that as a young boy became involved in witchcraft and after The Crooked Man appeared, ran as long as he could. Now, he's back in his hometown and has to face him with Hellboy's help, of course.
I really enjoyed The Troll Witch although I did find it sad. And the shorter stories throughout this volume are just as good. Really liked this volume.
The lengthy story The Crooked Man follows a man that as a young boy became involved in witchcraft and after The Crooked Man appeared, ran as long as he could. Now, he's back in his hometown and has to face him with Hellboy's help, of course.
I really enjoyed The Troll Witch although I did find it sad. And the shorter stories throughout this volume are just as good. Really liked this volume.
April 18, 2021
I'm a fan of short stories. It takes skill to tell a story that feels complete. Every story in this book felt complete. I think some people will miss the connection to the overarching storyline?
The change in art style is notable but for it still worked. Which doesn't happen often for me. Most of the time I feel like the change downgrades the characters. But Hellboy was still Hellboy, no matter in which style he was drawn.
I will say, even though I like the stories, they are random. I don't mind that. I like the unexpectness of it.
The change in art style is notable but for it still worked. Which doesn't happen often for me. Most of the time I feel like the change downgrades the characters. But Hellboy was still Hellboy, no matter in which style he was drawn.
I will say, even though I like the stories, they are random. I don't mind that. I like the unexpectness of it.
January 24, 2018
The weakest volume by far in the Hellboy Library Edition format. Still the beautiful black hardcover format as the previous volumes but the content within does not match the previous issues. Filled with numerous short story and one shot style narratives this volume does little to advance the larger Hellboy narrative. Eagerly awaiting the BPRD Omnibus in order to get the story back on track. This volume can be easily skipped in the context of the Hellboy universe.
January 28, 2019
The mix of longer and shorter tales provides a pleasant twist in pacing. The different artists offer changes in texture and tone, pointing out how different styles bring different atmospheres and meaning to the text. These elements highlight the value of Mignola's commentaries and sketch book offerings in these nice Library Editions.
July 18, 2020
Póki co najsłabsza część z tego zbiorczego wydania. Bez względu na to ile kontekstów , uzasadnień i nawiązań przytoczy w posłowiu Mignola, czyta się to jak banalne historyjki, o których zapominasz zaraz po skończeniu lektury. Powierzenie strony graficznej innym artystom również nie pomaga w odbiorze.
December 18, 2020
This is the first Hellboy Library edition not fully drawn by Mike Magnola and thus the artwork is different. It also has two of the longest Hellboy stories I have ever read yet. Add to that a bunch of small stories and you got yourself a great collected edition talking about monsters and mythical creatures staring none other than Hellboy himself.
May 13, 2017
The Crooked Man and Makoma are worth the time spent on their own but I enjoyed all of these tales. I think I get it a bit better now that I have decided to forget continuity between stories and just take each story on its own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews