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Hellboy (Ongoing Order) #1
Hellboy: Seed of Destruction #1
From his apocalyptic origin in World War II England to the modern-day case of the sole survivor of a doomed Arctic expedition, Hellboy must battle vampire frog creatures and worse in his debut miniseries. Created by Mike Mignola, with a script by John Byrne and colors by Mark Chiarello. Hellboy is the World's Greatest Paranormal Investigator.
26 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2019
313 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Mike Mignola
1,865 books2,527 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 25, 2021
Hellboy -- one of my favourite heroes growing up...Great to find this on kindle-prime series...
November 3, 2021
Okay that was interesting.
September 26, 2021
Hellboy is more than a comic--it's a masterpiece. Seriously, I have been in love with Hellboy for ages, but I've never had the time to read the comics in the proper order. I hope this is the correct place to start.
Mike Mignola will forever be the master of Hellboy to me (I mean, it's his work, so obviously), but John Byrne is pretty dang good as well. I've enjoyed his work for a long time.
Great first issue! On to the next one.
Mike Mignola will forever be the master of Hellboy to me (I mean, it's his work, so obviously), but John Byrne is pretty dang good as well. I've enjoyed his work for a long time.
Great first issue! On to the next one.
March 19, 2019
Enjoyable
This is the first Hellboy comic that I have read. It is like Batman; leaves you wanting more. I should not be surprised with John Byrne being attached to it. Just a wonderful read with art that makes the story it's own.
This is the first Hellboy comic that I have read. It is like Batman; leaves you wanting more. I should not be surprised with John Byrne being attached to it. Just a wonderful read with art that makes the story it's own.
December 2, 2016
I've always liked Hellboy. It's nice to finally read the series. It makes you realize how well Ron Perlman did playing him.
July 11, 2018
I'm kind of shocked I never read this before. I ADORE the art style. Definitely interested in reading more.
July 23, 2024
BUREAU FOR PARANORMAL RESEARCH AND DEFENSE
File *267999 (9/16/48)
Re: Nasi "Project Ragna Rok" (The Fatal Destiny)
To the best determination of the assigned in-vestigative team, "Ragna Rok" was one of Hitler's many "Doomsday" projects initiated in the closing days of World War Two.
Principally there were known to be five individuals involved at key steps of the project, and so far as has been determined all five were present in the final moments. The project was apparently headed by General Klaus Werner von Krupt.
The culmination of several years' work by the individuals, the ritual performed on Tarmagant Island (see map. pg. 162) on 23 Dec. 1944 corresponds precisely with the manifestation of the creature now code-named "Hellboy" (see File *25891), the so-called "HELLBOY ΙΝCIDENT."
Professor Trevor Bruttenholm and his staff have examined both "Hellboy" and the sits on Tarmagant Island extensively, and although no physical evidence can be found to link the events it seems unlikely their temporal juxtaposition is merely a coincidence.
As I mentioned earlier, the 2024 free-comic-book-day offering got me into a Hellboy mood. With Amazon offering me a free trial of Kindle Unlimited and with the Hellboy single issues being included, it felt rude not to start right at the beginning.
The Occult, Nazis, Demons, Lovecraftian horrors (I got real At the Mountains of Madness vibes), and good old Hellboy (who will forever be Ron Perlman in my eyes); what's not to love! 5 stars.
File *267999 (9/16/48)
Re: Nasi "Project Ragna Rok" (The Fatal Destiny)
To the best determination of the assigned in-vestigative team, "Ragna Rok" was one of Hitler's many "Doomsday" projects initiated in the closing days of World War Two.
Principally there were known to be five individuals involved at key steps of the project, and so far as has been determined all five were present in the final moments. The project was apparently headed by General Klaus Werner von Krupt.
The culmination of several years' work by the individuals, the ritual performed on Tarmagant Island (see map. pg. 162) on 23 Dec. 1944 corresponds precisely with the manifestation of the creature now code-named "Hellboy" (see File *25891), the so-called "HELLBOY ΙΝCIDENT."
Professor Trevor Bruttenholm and his staff have examined both "Hellboy" and the sits on Tarmagant Island extensively, and although no physical evidence can be found to link the events it seems unlikely their temporal juxtaposition is merely a coincidence.
As I mentioned earlier, the 2024 free-comic-book-day offering got me into a Hellboy mood. With Amazon offering me a free trial of Kindle Unlimited and with the Hellboy single issues being included, it felt rude not to start right at the beginning.
The Occult, Nazis, Demons, Lovecraftian horrors (I got real At the Mountains of Madness vibes), and good old Hellboy (who will forever be Ron Perlman in my eyes); what's not to love! 5 stars.
January 20, 2023
Thanks to prime reading I am able to read all these comics, though unlike the rest this is a single issue and not the 120+ pages collected volume. But it was still nice reading about the classic Hellboy origin. Might be able to read more with Prime Reading or not but that's a game for another time till then let's all just Keep on Reading.
I have always loved comics, and I hope always to love them. Even though I grew up reading local Indian comics like Raj Comics, Diamond Comics, or even Manoj Comics, now's the time to catch up on international and classic comics and Graphic novels. I am on my quest to read as many comics as I can. I love comics to bits, may the comics never leave my side. I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.
I have always loved comics, and I hope always to love them. Even though I grew up reading local Indian comics like Raj Comics, Diamond Comics, or even Manoj Comics, now's the time to catch up on international and classic comics and Graphic novels. I am on my quest to read as many comics as I can. I love comics to bits, may the comics never leave my side. I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.
September 27, 2020
Insomma, un po' inconsistente..
February 12, 2019
I read this hearing Ron Perlman's and Doug Jones's voices as Hellboy and Abe, respectively.
The jury is still out as to whether or not the rebooted, cinematic version can hold a candle to the first films.
My introduction to Hellboy was via the two movie adaptations with The Golden Army being my favorite. In Hellboy: Seed of Destruction we see the inspiration for the first film, with the story moving through Hellboy's origin story, his relationship with Professor Broom, Liz and Abe, and climatic battle against a Cthulu-style, tentacle monster brought to life by a mad sorcerer.
The art is terrific, sharp, high contrast and bright even when depicting battles in grotty abysses. Hellboy's humor is present, but muted when compared to the films. The most glaring difference, for me anyway, was the weak chemistry between Hellboy and Abe and Liz. Had I not seen the films first, I would have loved this. But this is a case where the film adaptation improves on a comic's canon, deepening the character's relationships.
This volume also includes a short story which includes always welcome Nazi punching and a battle with a giant gorilla. Interestingly, Hellboy's snarky humor is a stronger presence in the short story.
If you are looking for a story with thematic meat on its bones, I'd suggested watching Hellboy and the Golden Army. But as a quick and entertaining intro to Hellboy, this volume is just the ticket.
The jury is still out as to whether or not the rebooted, cinematic version can hold a candle to the first films.
My introduction to Hellboy was via the two movie adaptations with The Golden Army being my favorite. In Hellboy: Seed of Destruction we see the inspiration for the first film, with the story moving through Hellboy's origin story, his relationship with Professor Broom, Liz and Abe, and climatic battle against a Cthulu-style, tentacle monster brought to life by a mad sorcerer.
The art is terrific, sharp, high contrast and bright even when depicting battles in grotty abysses. Hellboy's humor is present, but muted when compared to the films. The most glaring difference, for me anyway, was the weak chemistry between Hellboy and Abe and Liz. Had I not seen the films first, I would have loved this. But this is a case where the film adaptation improves on a comic's canon, deepening the character's relationships.
This volume also includes a short story which includes always welcome Nazi punching and a battle with a giant gorilla. Interestingly, Hellboy's snarky humor is a stronger presence in the short story.
If you are looking for a story with thematic meat on its bones, I'd suggested watching Hellboy and the Golden Army. But as a quick and entertaining intro to Hellboy, this volume is just the ticket.
December 16, 2017
I’ve always wanted to read Hellboy. Just have never had the money to invest in the comic series that I wasn’t sure I would like. But I watched the movies and absolutely loved them both and wish there was a third. Although I think I read they are rebooting it.
Anyway, back to the comic. I can’t say that I’m a big fan of the artwork, that is probably the main reason why I never bit the bullet and bought the comics. But it’s adequate and does its job. But the story line behind the series is where it is very interesting. This was just issue one so it really didn’t get too in depth but I have to say I am hooked. I will be reading the next few issues as well and will be reviewing them shortly.
I do have to say that the movie has rose tinted my glasses about the comic. The actual comic hasn’t really gotten into much detail about Hellboy or any of the characters yet. We really don’t know much of anything in this first issue as of yet. It basically just goes into Hellboy’s creation (briefly) and the Nazi’s who summoned him and then it ends.
It unfortunately does have DRM so I have to subtract a point for that.
Anyway, back to the comic. I can’t say that I’m a big fan of the artwork, that is probably the main reason why I never bit the bullet and bought the comics. But it’s adequate and does its job. But the story line behind the series is where it is very interesting. This was just issue one so it really didn’t get too in depth but I have to say I am hooked. I will be reading the next few issues as well and will be reviewing them shortly.
I do have to say that the movie has rose tinted my glasses about the comic. The actual comic hasn’t really gotten into much detail about Hellboy or any of the characters yet. We really don’t know much of anything in this first issue as of yet. It basically just goes into Hellboy’s creation (briefly) and the Nazi’s who summoned him and then it ends.
It unfortunately does have DRM so I have to subtract a point for that.
December 30, 2016
For Seed of Destruction 1-4.
Getting started at the beginning now, despite some previous familiarity with Hellboy.
This arc does a good job of introducing you to the characters. It establishes both Hellboy's filial love for Bruttenholm and the loss in a few pages, then quickly picks up with his work as a paranormal investigator. You find that with Hellboy, Liz, and Abe there is a lot of history that can be mined, but enough given that it does not feel like there are missing holes. Most of the exposition goes to Hellboy's origins and the mythology later exploits will pull from. The last two pages of #4 set up a lot.
The artwork is interesting. I almost want to call it fauvism, but pulling from a much more infernal pallette. The depictions play with my sense of orientation, so that I often can't tell what is happening, until I search for the Right Hand of Doom, and then I realize that Hellboy is upside down, or falling at an angle, and the picture begins to cohere.
Since Hellboy is always going to be at odds with his destiny, there is a certain logic to that.
Getting started at the beginning now, despite some previous familiarity with Hellboy.
This arc does a good job of introducing you to the characters. It establishes both Hellboy's filial love for Bruttenholm and the loss in a few pages, then quickly picks up with his work as a paranormal investigator. You find that with Hellboy, Liz, and Abe there is a lot of history that can be mined, but enough given that it does not feel like there are missing holes. Most of the exposition goes to Hellboy's origins and the mythology later exploits will pull from. The last two pages of #4 set up a lot.
The artwork is interesting. I almost want to call it fauvism, but pulling from a much more infernal pallette. The depictions play with my sense of orientation, so that I often can't tell what is happening, until I search for the Right Hand of Doom, and then I realize that Hellboy is upside down, or falling at an angle, and the picture begins to cohere.
Since Hellboy is always going to be at odds with his destiny, there is a certain logic to that.
March 26, 2017
Colour me both surprised and addicted. I have been randomly selecting a graphic novel every now and then since a Book Riot challenge a few years back. They interested me and amused me during the read but never really gripped me until this volume. I've slowly been becoming more appreciative of the art form and that may be part of it, learning to accept that the character development isn't what I expect from it and can't be as in depth as a novel. Hellboy grabbed me right from the first few pages and I loved this volume, characters, storyline and drawings. Odd, because if you'd asked me I would have said this series wouldn't have appealed. I only selected it because a/ I was recovering from dental surgery and couldn't face anything too wordy and b/ because it was included in my Amazon Prime reading options. Now I have to read the rest.
July 27, 2017
Since I’ve only read issue 1, I’ll probably have to come back and update this review at a later time.
I liked this story. I was already familiar with it, but I enjoyed the subtle differences from the movie and cartoons I've seen. My only complaint is how dark the pages are, but that's how the print editions look too. The story at the end threw me off, so the end seemed to come abruptly. Can't wait to try more.
I liked this story. I was already familiar with it, but I enjoyed the subtle differences from the movie and cartoons I've seen. My only complaint is how dark the pages are, but that's how the print editions look too. The story at the end threw me off, so the end seemed to come abruptly. Can't wait to try more.
March 28, 2017
Short but good story
I'm a huge fan of the Hellboy movies so I've been wanting to read the comics. I would have prefered an omnibus but this volume was for check out on amazon prime and I couldn't pass it up. The lack of star rating is more of a personal preference to graphic novels versus single comics. The story was interesting although short.
I'm a huge fan of the Hellboy movies so I've been wanting to read the comics. I would have prefered an omnibus but this volume was for check out on amazon prime and I couldn't pass it up. The lack of star rating is more of a personal preference to graphic novels versus single comics. The story was interesting although short.
January 7, 2017
I watched the Movie before reading this Comic
I watched the movie first and did not really like it, therefore, I hesitated reading the comics. I actually enjoyed the comics, a good balance of action and suspense in this first issue.
I watched the movie first and did not really like it, therefore, I hesitated reading the comics. I actually enjoyed the comics, a good balance of action and suspense in this first issue.
December 9, 2017
A Wonderful Blend of Mystery and the Paranormal
I've always loved Mike's artstyle and Byrne's storytelling in their own respects, but the two together are quite masterful. A very gripping story. One I might continue.
I've always loved Mike's artstyle and Byrne's storytelling in their own respects, but the two together are quite masterful. A very gripping story. One I might continue.
December 28, 2017
Okay....
I've never tried to read anything Bellboy, but I was lukewarm about the old movie, and it gave me a slight prejudice against the character. This sets up an interesting world, but I'm still not sure if I like the premise.
I've never tried to read anything Bellboy, but I was lukewarm about the old movie, and it gave me a slight prejudice against the character. This sets up an interesting world, but I'm still not sure if I like the premise.
January 26, 2018
A fantastic read and a good place to start researching the process and structure so I can try and write my own.
A fantastic read and a good place to start researching the process and structure so I can try and write my own.
A fantastic read and a good place to start researching the process and structure so I can try and write my own.
April 19, 2018
The Classic origin of hellboy.
The Classic origin of hellboy as it was meant to be enjoyed all fact and just enough grit for the reader to think for themselves. I highly recommend the series if like me you sadly saw the movie first.
The Classic origin of hellboy as it was meant to be enjoyed all fact and just enough grit for the reader to think for themselves. I highly recommend the series if like me you sadly saw the movie first.
July 17, 2019
Muito bom
Primeira vez lendo uma HQ do Hellboy, muito bom. Após ouvir um podcast do NerdCast sobre o Hellboy e também o trabalho do Mike Mignola fui "obrigado"a buscar a HQ para ler.
Primeira vez lendo uma HQ do Hellboy, muito bom. Após ouvir um podcast do NerdCast sobre o Hellboy e também o trabalho do Mike Mignola fui "obrigado"a buscar a HQ para ler.
April 4, 2020
Great Start!
The first issue of probably the greatest Hellboy story is a great introduction for anyone to Big Red, it's dark gritty storyline sets the tone for the start of another of our favourite Cambion's adventures. Plus a mention of the BPRD and Frogs! A must read.
The first issue of probably the greatest Hellboy story is a great introduction for anyone to Big Red, it's dark gritty storyline sets the tone for the start of another of our favourite Cambion's adventures. Plus a mention of the BPRD and Frogs! A must read.
December 4, 2016
Great series
Classic story telling which comics should be about a tale of choice over Destiny even i n the face of great adversity
Classic story telling which comics should be about a tale of choice over Destiny even i n the face of great adversity
January 4, 2017
liking it so far
i am a fan of hell boy series but have not been able to read this one yet. liking it so far. just enough to make me want more
i am a fan of hell boy series but have not been able to read this one yet. liking it so far. just enough to make me want more
February 6, 2017
Hellboy is hella awesome
This is the first time reading a Hellboy comic, really enjoyed it! You get the quick origin story and some action too. Nice!
This is the first time reading a Hellboy comic, really enjoyed it! You get the quick origin story and some action too. Nice!
March 16, 2017
Only of by Ron Perlman
I didn't know of Hellboy except by the two movies made. I found the comic to be great and fast read.
I didn't know of Hellboy except by the two movies made. I found the comic to be great and fast read.
April 28, 2017
Hellboy is amazing
Very fun to read, great that it takes place in such a horrible time in history and provides us a much needed hero
Very fun to read, great that it takes place in such a horrible time in history and provides us a much needed hero
April 30, 2017
Hellboy comic
Always kind of an interesting story with this character. I enjoyed the movies and decided to check out one of the comics, not bad
Always kind of an interesting story with this character. I enjoyed the movies and decided to check out one of the comics, not bad
May 8, 2017
Great start
This was a great start for a well known iconic hero I highly recommend it. The story leaves you wanting more
This was a great start for a well known iconic hero I highly recommend it. The story leaves you wanting more
May 19, 2017
Nice!
Nice beginning setting for more to come. Sets things up for later story. I hope the next ones fulfil the unsaid promises. Looking forward to next episodes.
Nice beginning setting for more to come. Sets things up for later story. I hope the next ones fulfil the unsaid promises. Looking forward to next episodes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews