What do you think?
Rate this book
The World of Hellboy: Standalone Books
Koshchei the Deathless
Mignola returns to Hell and to the bizarre folklore that's filled some of his greatest books, reuniting with one of his favorite collaborators, Ben Stenbeck (Frankenstein Underground, Witchfinder: In The Service of Angels, Baltimore). This volumes collects the complete six-issue series plus bonus material.
Sent to kill Hellboy by the Baba Yaga in Darkness Calls, Koshchei the Deathless hinted at a long and tragic life before being enslaved to the Russian witch. Now Koshchei relives every horrible act on his road to immortality and beyond, with none other than his one time enemy Hellboy himself--in a bar in Hell.
Sent to kill Hellboy by the Baba Yaga in Darkness Calls, Koshchei the Deathless hinted at a long and tragic life before being enslaved to the Russian witch. Now Koshchei relives every horrible act on his road to immortality and beyond, with none other than his one time enemy Hellboy himself--in a bar in Hell.
168 pages, Paperback
Published October 2, 2018
7 people are currently reading
276 people want to read
About the author
Mike Mignola
1,872 books2,538 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 76 reviews
January 15, 2019
Mike Mignola and Dark Horse continue to desperately milk the Hellboy franchise for all its worth, this time focusing on an obscure supporting character from the series, Koschei the Deathless. And, like most Hellboy-related stuff published these days, it’s absolutely boring!
Do we really need to be told how this dude became “deathless”? The answer was always going to be “magic”! And why do we need to see where his timeline syncs up with Hellboy’s? Or see Koschei and Hellboy drinking in a bar in Hell (which is the story’s framing)? It’s just pointless fan service bullshit.
A story about an invincible tough guy with little personality who demolishes everything in his way - dragons, other monsters, etc. - is not interesting to read. The Baba Yaga stuff is just a rehash of better material from the original Hellboy run. I got nothing from Mignola’s writing in this one.
Ben Stenbeck’s artwork is outstanding - the linework and layouts created some really powerful and striking imagery - and Dave Stewart’s colours are dependably on point. But unless you’re a fanboy and/or completionist, Koschei the Deathless is a completely superfluous add-on to the Hellboy series. Books like this are the definition of “scraping the bottom of the barrel”!
Do we really need to be told how this dude became “deathless”? The answer was always going to be “magic”! And why do we need to see where his timeline syncs up with Hellboy’s? Or see Koschei and Hellboy drinking in a bar in Hell (which is the story’s framing)? It’s just pointless fan service bullshit.
A story about an invincible tough guy with little personality who demolishes everything in his way - dragons, other monsters, etc. - is not interesting to read. The Baba Yaga stuff is just a rehash of better material from the original Hellboy run. I got nothing from Mignola’s writing in this one.
Ben Stenbeck’s artwork is outstanding - the linework and layouts created some really powerful and striking imagery - and Dave Stewart’s colours are dependably on point. But unless you’re a fanboy and/or completionist, Koschei the Deathless is a completely superfluous add-on to the Hellboy series. Books like this are the definition of “scraping the bottom of the barrel”!
October 22, 2018
Nobody has a handle on Russian mythology quite like the American artist and writer Mike Mignola, which is a bit ironic, but also perfectly logical. Mignola has built his entire Hellboy universe around different folklores of the world, and few mythologies are more prevalent in Hellboy than Russian fairy tales. I can guarantee you that almost every Russian person is familiar with characters like Baba Yaga, Leshii, Vasilisa the Beautiful and Koshchei the Deathless, but until I've read Hellboy, Vol. 8: Darkness Calls those characters to me always seemed a bit lame, something that was left over in our culture from the days of yore. Mignola changed all that with his brilliant vision, turning this huge slab of Russian folklore into one of the most kickass things I've ever experienced. And now, with this miniseries, Mignola revisits that part of his universe to tell the tale of Koshchei's life.
I loved everything about this series. It starts with Koshchei in hell, having a drink with Hellboy like an old friend, which in a way he is. There Koshchei remembers how it all started for him, how he became deathless, and how he got turned into a slave by the real villain of the story, Baba Yaga. The tale got really emotional in a few places, but also not without this signature heavy metal feel that Mignola manages to bring to the Russian folklore. The writing quality overall is fantastic and is reminiscent of Mignola's best Hellboy stories, like the aforementioned Darkness Calls and The Wild Hunt. This is in big part thanks to the fact that Mignola wrote this comic himself, without any co-writers — an exceedingly rare treat these days.
And while, sadly, Mignola didn't also draw the book himself, we got the next best thing in the form of Ben Stenbeck's artwork. It's very Mignola-inspired and in certain panels looks virtually identical to the man's style, but it's still different enough to be its own thing. It's hard to describe, but the way the story flows through Stenbeck's artwork is just flawless. And Dave Stewart's colours are fantastic as they always were, he is the glue that keeps the entire Mignolaverse looking so consistent.
Overall, Koshchei the Deathless might me the best standalone spin-off comic from the Hellboy universe, certainly the best I've ever read outside of BPRD. It's got a classic story, great writing and fantastic artwork, and it manages to add even more substance to the characters who were already pretty well-defined. This is a must-read for every fan of the Hellboy universe, and Darkness Calls arc in particular.
I loved everything about this series. It starts with Koshchei in hell, having a drink with Hellboy like an old friend, which in a way he is. There Koshchei remembers how it all started for him, how he became deathless, and how he got turned into a slave by the real villain of the story, Baba Yaga. The tale got really emotional in a few places, but also not without this signature heavy metal feel that Mignola manages to bring to the Russian folklore. The writing quality overall is fantastic and is reminiscent of Mignola's best Hellboy stories, like the aforementioned Darkness Calls and The Wild Hunt. This is in big part thanks to the fact that Mignola wrote this comic himself, without any co-writers — an exceedingly rare treat these days.
And while, sadly, Mignola didn't also draw the book himself, we got the next best thing in the form of Ben Stenbeck's artwork. It's very Mignola-inspired and in certain panels looks virtually identical to the man's style, but it's still different enough to be its own thing. It's hard to describe, but the way the story flows through Stenbeck's artwork is just flawless. And Dave Stewart's colours are fantastic as they always were, he is the glue that keeps the entire Mignolaverse looking so consistent.
Overall, Koshchei the Deathless might me the best standalone spin-off comic from the Hellboy universe, certainly the best I've ever read outside of BPRD. It's got a classic story, great writing and fantastic artwork, and it manages to add even more substance to the characters who were already pretty well-defined. This is a must-read for every fan of the Hellboy universe, and Darkness Calls arc in particular.
October 10, 2020
This is a rather small one shot graphic novel. It brings to a complete circle the tale of Koshchei the Deathless.
Last I saw of KD (I'm abbreviating his name cuz I'm lazy) was in Hellboy's Vol 3 Omnibus (The Wild Hunt). KD had been suborned by Baba Yaga to take out Hellboy. This GN tells the entire story. From start to finish, including the parts from the Omnibus, though told from KD's view.
We see the young KD, as well as how he grew up to be a great warrior. His friendship with a dragon gave him great benefits. Unfortunately, he ran afoul of the Baba Yaga and that fell meeting had repercussions that turned him into the creature that he was. No more spoilers.
A very good "background" GN on a rather cool character. There is nothing earth-shattering about this volume, but it is entertaining. Also if you've read the Omnibus and were curious about KD-then here you have it. Told as a flashback, as KD and Hellboy have a pint in Hell.
If you are a fan of KD and wish to learn more, then I can not recommend this GN enough. The rest of you? Well, it's not a bad "side read", even if you have never heard of KD or the events. but, a warning, should you ever wish to go read that particular series (Wild Hunt), and you ought to as it is superb, this will have spoilers for you as it takes place after and you see events from KD's view. Just FYI.
Last I saw of KD (I'm abbreviating his name cuz I'm lazy) was in Hellboy's Vol 3 Omnibus (The Wild Hunt). KD had been suborned by Baba Yaga to take out Hellboy. This GN tells the entire story. From start to finish, including the parts from the Omnibus, though told from KD's view.
We see the young KD, as well as how he grew up to be a great warrior. His friendship with a dragon gave him great benefits. Unfortunately, he ran afoul of the Baba Yaga and that fell meeting had repercussions that turned him into the creature that he was. No more spoilers.
A very good "background" GN on a rather cool character. There is nothing earth-shattering about this volume, but it is entertaining. Also if you've read the Omnibus and were curious about KD-then here you have it. Told as a flashback, as KD and Hellboy have a pint in Hell.
If you are a fan of KD and wish to learn more, then I can not recommend this GN enough. The rest of you? Well, it's not a bad "side read", even if you have never heard of KD or the events. but, a warning, should you ever wish to go read that particular series (Wild Hunt), and you ought to as it is superb, this will have spoilers for you as it takes place after and you see events from KD's view. Just FYI.
January 30, 2019
Beautiful and tragic in every way.
World: The art in this book is fantastic, the tone and sense of melancholy is in every panel and the colors from Stewart really bring that out. The world buildling here is also a tour de force bringing back so much of the past and also drawing so much from Russian folklore that it’s beautiful to behold. There is a grounded yet magicial nature to the world and it’s so beautifully and poetically done. This is a master at work, pulling all the pieces that readers have had in the past and forming something three dimensional and real.
Story: The story is amazing, it’s the tale of Koshchei and it’s melancholy to the core. The folklore is there and respected and new bits and pieces of Mignola sprinkled into the story is fantastic. The framing of the drinking is perfect for Hellboy and also perfect things for these two characters to do together. The tale is well written and beautiful, I don’t know what else to say.
Characters: Koshchei is so wonderfully done, it’s not deep but enough to convey the emotions that Mignola is trying to share. Hellboy is a nice audience for the story and setting the story in hell and in this time period is beautiful. It’s a nice little reminder of all the characters that have come in the story and those that down the line may still be important.
A wonderfully beautiful tale that fans of the series need to read.
Onward to the next book!
World: The art in this book is fantastic, the tone and sense of melancholy is in every panel and the colors from Stewart really bring that out. The world buildling here is also a tour de force bringing back so much of the past and also drawing so much from Russian folklore that it’s beautiful to behold. There is a grounded yet magicial nature to the world and it’s so beautifully and poetically done. This is a master at work, pulling all the pieces that readers have had in the past and forming something three dimensional and real.
Story: The story is amazing, it’s the tale of Koshchei and it’s melancholy to the core. The folklore is there and respected and new bits and pieces of Mignola sprinkled into the story is fantastic. The framing of the drinking is perfect for Hellboy and also perfect things for these two characters to do together. The tale is well written and beautiful, I don’t know what else to say.
Characters: Koshchei is so wonderfully done, it’s not deep but enough to convey the emotions that Mignola is trying to share. Hellboy is a nice audience for the story and setting the story in hell and in this time period is beautiful. It’s a nice little reminder of all the characters that have come in the story and those that down the line may still be important.
A wonderfully beautiful tale that fans of the series need to read.
Onward to the next book!
November 30, 2018
Caveat: I’ve definitely been out of the Hellboy loop for sometime now. And while this probably wasn’t the best place to jump back in, it was generally a good read.
Caught up between there hereafter and the subterranean, Koshchei darns its own narrative, sewing together numerous strands of Mignola’s nightmare world. With a delightfully cosmogenic veneer, a strongly pagan origin story explains as much the past as much as prognosticates the future. With Eastern European barbarians, magic, and Baba Yaga, what else could one reasonably ask for?
Caught up between there hereafter and the subterranean, Koshchei darns its own narrative, sewing together numerous strands of Mignola’s nightmare world. With a delightfully cosmogenic veneer, a strongly pagan origin story explains as much the past as much as prognosticates the future. With Eastern European barbarians, magic, and Baba Yaga, what else could one reasonably ask for?
April 9, 2019
Classic Mignola, in both art and story.
January 5, 2025
Cynically, it's easy to see this as unneeded backstory into a character that just pops up to give Hellboy some trouble. But having the antagonist sit down in Hell with Hellboy and chit-chat over a bottle of booze is a fantastic idea. And this is Mignola at his best - weaving folk tales into an adventure story.
Ben Stenbeck does a fantastic job melding his style with Mignola's.
This book sort of reminds me of Keanu Reeve's BRZRKR. Similar premise of a unkillable man ruling kingdoms. Fans of that series so definitely check this out.
Ben Stenbeck does a fantastic job melding his style with Mignola's.
This book sort of reminds me of Keanu Reeve's BRZRKR. Similar premise of a unkillable man ruling kingdoms. Fans of that series so definitely check this out.
October 17, 2023
Definitely one of my favorite Mignolaverse books, and Ben Stenbeck is in top form per usual.
July 1, 2024
(4,6 of 5 for excellent background and summary of this great character)
After a prolonged period of BPRD stories, and those were the better ones, this was welcomed relief which brought some "classic Hellboy" feeling. Stenbeck's art is very Hellboy-ish and the Koshchei is very much a character of Hellboyverse's mystical qualities. I liked it even if this story (or more likely stories compendium) doesn't have spectacular action, unsuspected turning points and dramatic adventures and even if the "life" of Koshchei is extraordinary, it feels like a subtle bio-pic, in a good way.
I liked it very much, even if this was more of a straight-forward quick reads.
After a prolonged period of BPRD stories, and those were the better ones, this was welcomed relief which brought some "classic Hellboy" feeling. Stenbeck's art is very Hellboy-ish and the Koshchei is very much a character of Hellboyverse's mystical qualities. I liked it even if this story (or more likely stories compendium) doesn't have spectacular action, unsuspected turning points and dramatic adventures and even if the "life" of Koshchei is extraordinary, it feels like a subtle bio-pic, in a good way.
I liked it very much, even if this was more of a straight-forward quick reads.
April 25, 2022
The setup of this is hilarious. We've got Koshchei and Hellboy in a bar in hell, and K. keeps telling Hellboy how he ended up in hell, and each step Hellboy is like, "Damn, K-Man, you crazy!"
Sometimes I like Hellboy because there's just wacky shit out of fucking nowhere, and we never get any backstory or anything. Just some dude with green eyes who turns into a giant walks out of the mist, fights Hellboy, and then it's over.
Part of the fun of Hellboy is that there's all these characters who feel like they have a backstory, and they walk into the narrative to get dispatched right away.
BUT THEN, some OTHER times, I like these character backstories in Hellboy.
They work better than some others (*cough cough STAR WARS*) because they're not overly cute and referential. You could read this having read NO Hellboy books, and you'd have very close to the same experience as someone who's never Hell-ed a Boy.
I almost feel like...okay, this is a wacky theory. I'm sorry. But now it's in my brain and it needs to come out somewhere. It's like I have this huge fart of an idea, and I can't hold it in, so I run into the other room, which happens to be Goodreads, and blast it all over. I'm so, so sorry, for this and also for that analogy.
I almost feel like Mike Mignola exists in a parallel universe, and he's writing Hellboy in the 80's/90's, and he's hosting frequent contests where you enter and then, if you win, you get put into a comic as a side character. This was a thing back then. And Mike was on a supercocainephetamine bender (ALTERNATE UNIVERSE MIKE, not our Mike) and just started like 50 of these contests at the same time. So now he's got to make 50 semi-characters to make good on his promise of putting real kids into these comics, which get published in an alternate universe.
That's really the most logical explanation for all the side characters in Hellboy.
Sometimes I like Hellboy because there's just wacky shit out of fucking nowhere, and we never get any backstory or anything. Just some dude with green eyes who turns into a giant walks out of the mist, fights Hellboy, and then it's over.
Part of the fun of Hellboy is that there's all these characters who feel like they have a backstory, and they walk into the narrative to get dispatched right away.
BUT THEN, some OTHER times, I like these character backstories in Hellboy.
They work better than some others (*cough cough STAR WARS*) because they're not overly cute and referential. You could read this having read NO Hellboy books, and you'd have very close to the same experience as someone who's never Hell-ed a Boy.
I almost feel like...okay, this is a wacky theory. I'm sorry. But now it's in my brain and it needs to come out somewhere. It's like I have this huge fart of an idea, and I can't hold it in, so I run into the other room, which happens to be Goodreads, and blast it all over. I'm so, so sorry, for this and also for that analogy.
I almost feel like Mike Mignola exists in a parallel universe, and he's writing Hellboy in the 80's/90's, and he's hosting frequent contests where you enter and then, if you win, you get put into a comic as a side character. This was a thing back then. And Mike was on a supercocainephetamine bender (ALTERNATE UNIVERSE MIKE, not our Mike) and just started like 50 of these contests at the same time. So now he's got to make 50 semi-characters to make good on his promise of putting real kids into these comics, which get published in an alternate universe.
That's really the most logical explanation for all the side characters in Hellboy.
May 24, 2025
I adore the Hellboy universe, it is like they scooped my brain clean of interests and put them on the page- so maybe take all my Mignolaverse reviews with a grain or two of salt.
Another great little side story for Hellboy (in Hell). The story of a warrior gifted or cursed with everlasting life and his trials and tribulations including killing a ghost, smashing dragon eggs, fighting his own future self and hiding his soul in a goose (and other things). This is a really nice trade to read that is certainly not crucial to the larger story but it’s a lot of fun
Another great little side story for Hellboy (in Hell). The story of a warrior gifted or cursed with everlasting life and his trials and tribulations including killing a ghost, smashing dragon eggs, fighting his own future self and hiding his soul in a goose (and other things). This is a really nice trade to read that is certainly not crucial to the larger story but it’s a lot of fun
November 28, 2023
"Koshchei the Deathless" is "Hellboy" at its best. This engaging book tells a poignant and often subtly humorous tale about Koshchei's origin and deeply dysfunctional relationship with Baba Yaga. Although, the story itself does not align with many actual Russian myths it rings true in its portrayal of traditional characters and sources.
4.5 stars rounded to 4.
4.5 stars rounded to 4.
December 14, 2020
3.5*. A good fantasy story where Koshchei describes a story to Hellboy in conversational backstory type setup. It has great moments but probably goes on for a little too long
February 5, 2019
Really nice combination of art and story, as Mignola tells the history of Koshchei, a character from Russian mythology. This is about as good as it gets...
March 7, 2023
This was grand, a real fairytale feel to it with the surrounding motif of it just being Koshchei and Hellboy in a bar hanging out. It was good to sell Hellboy again. Very chill.
February 6, 2023
A good story about Baba Yaga told from the point of view of one of her servants/slaves. A good illustration of the cycles an immortal can go through during their existence.
June 15, 2018
This was my first Hellboy/Hellboy Spin-off comic that I read and for that it was glorious. The first thing why I found this story amazing is its usage of Slavic mythology (and others as well) and how it relies on it. But probably if You read any Hellboy comics before You know this, for me, as a newbie (and mythology fan) it is truly impressive. The story of this comic is very well put together and it is nicely articulated as well. The art is bright (dark), very distinctive and characteristic, but if You are an experienced Hellboy comic-reader You are probably aware of this aspect of all Hellboy comics/stories as well. The only thing that I found a bit odd and rushed was the ending, which I don’t think that matched the pacing of the rather dynamic storyline, but at the same time it leaves the reader with an interesting gap inside, at least that’s how I felt. But still very satisfied :D. Can’t wait to read other Hellboy/Hb. Spin-off stories in the very near future! Also, the atmosphere of the protagonist is just so cool, and not only because he is deathless ;)
December 6, 2018
Strangely enough, Koschei the Deathless is both a prequel and epilogue to the Hellboy saga, and was pretty much what I was hoping for. Mike Mignola is best when telling this kind of story, full of passing allusions to old folktales and his own intricate mythology, dripping with dream logic, and pervaded by a gorgeous sadness and desolate remorse. Koschei tells his story to Hellboy in a bar somewhere in Hell. While that sounds like the start of a joke, booze in Hell must be pretty watered-down (yea, it would be) because the telling remains coherent and no fighting breaks out. This ends up filling in some key backstory for both the Baba Yaga and Vasilisa, so this is highly recommended for fans of Darkness Calls.
I do wonder if Mignola initially intended for this to be part of Hellboy in Hell, one of the arcs he cut when he rushed ahead to the end of that series. Now, I would've loved to have seen this drawn by Mignola, but probably best that Ben Stenbeck deserves credit for delivering art that echoes Mignola's style and sets the mood perfectly, but was finished in less than 4 years.
I do wonder if Mignola initially intended for this to be part of Hellboy in Hell, one of the arcs he cut when he rushed ahead to the end of that series. Now, I would've loved to have seen this drawn by Mignola, but probably best that Ben Stenbeck deserves credit for delivering art that echoes Mignola's style and sets the mood perfectly, but was finished in less than 4 years.
February 17, 2021
I liked this one! Has that folkloric feel of the later Hellboys, which I much prefer to the procedural military vibe of the BPRD universe I have read so far. It's trim and fun and fairy tailey and strange, it knocks out an eternal life story at a brisk clip, and works as slightly fluffy little addendum to HELLBOY IN HELL in a way that's maybe not necessary to this story or that one... But which I enjoyed as a dorkus who goes for that sort of stuff. It's kinda the SPIDERMAN: FAR FROM HOME of hellboys.
May 15, 2023
A nice breather before "devil you know"
June 12, 2024
„Koshchei the Deathless” to nowa, prawie bezhellboyowa seria Mike'a Mignoli oraz utalentowanego artysty Bena Stenbecka. Komiks składa się z sześciu zeszytów, które w całości opowiadają historię tytułowego bohatera - Kościeja Nieśmiertelnego. Tym razem Mignola zabiera nas z powrotem do piekła i zanurza w mrocznym, ale fascynującym folklorze rosyjskim, który odgrywał znaczącą rolę w jego poprzednich pracach.
Fabuła rozpoczyna się w piekle, gdzie Koshchei, dawny przeciwnik Hellboya, opowiada mu swoją historię w barze. Koshchei wspomina swoje tragiczne życie, pełne przemocy i niewoli pod władzą Baby Jagi. Każdy etap jego życia jest naznaczony bólem i cierpieniem, a jego nieśmiertelność okazuje się być bardziej przekleństwem niż darem. Mignola, jak nikt inny, potrafi ożywić rosyjską mitologię i nadać jej nowy, intensywny wymiar, co sprawia, że czytelnik wręcz wsiąka w te opowieści pełne grozy i mroku.
Styl narracji Mignoli jest niezwykle wciągający. Historia Koshcheia, choć smutna, jest przedstawiona z dużą dozą emocji i refleksji. Wiele momentów w komiksie porusza do głębi, ukazując wewnętrzne zmagania bohatera i jego trudną drogę do nieśmiertelności. Mignola nie tylko pisze świetne dialogi, ale również tworzy złożone, wielowymiarowe postacie, które zostają z czytelnikiem na długo po zakończeniu lektury.
Graficznie, komiks jest majstersztykiem. Ben Stenbeck, inspirowany stylem Mignoli, doskonale oddaje atmosferę i ton opowieści. Jego rysunki są pełne detali, a każda scena emanuje melancholią i magią. Dave Stewart, który zajął się kolorami, dodaje całości niesamowitego klimatu, sprawiając, że każdy kadr jest prawdziwą ucztą dla oczu. To połączenie talentów sprawia, że komiks jest nie tylko wspaniałą opowieścią, ale również dziełem sztuki.
„Koshchei the Deathless” to obowiązkowa lektura dla fanów Hellboya i miłośników mrocznych opowieści. Mignola i Stenbeck stworzyli komiks, który jest piękny i tragiczny zarazem, pełen głębokich emocji i refleksji nad ludzką naturą. To opowieść, która z pewnością pozostanie w pamięci na długo. Koshchei, jako postać, zostaje przedstawiony w sposób złożony i realistyczny, a jego historia jest zarówno przestrogą, jak i źródłem fascynacji.
„Koshchei the Deathless” to nie tylko świetny spin-off Hellboya, ale również samodzielna opowieść, która zachwyci zarówno nowych czytelników, jak i starych fanów. Komiks ten jest dowodem na to, że Mike Mignola nadal potrafi tworzyć niezwykle porywające historie, a Ben Stenbeck jest godnym następcą jego graficznego dziedzictwa. Gorąco polecam ten komiks każdemu, kto szuka niebanalnej, głęboko poruszającej historii.
Przyjemność 4,3/5
Styl: 4,5/5
Historia: 4,5/5
Ocena: 4,43/5
goodreads - 5/5
thestorygraph - 4,5/5
lubimyczytac - 9/10
Fabuła rozpoczyna się w piekle, gdzie Koshchei, dawny przeciwnik Hellboya, opowiada mu swoją historię w barze. Koshchei wspomina swoje tragiczne życie, pełne przemocy i niewoli pod władzą Baby Jagi. Każdy etap jego życia jest naznaczony bólem i cierpieniem, a jego nieśmiertelność okazuje się być bardziej przekleństwem niż darem. Mignola, jak nikt inny, potrafi ożywić rosyjską mitologię i nadać jej nowy, intensywny wymiar, co sprawia, że czytelnik wręcz wsiąka w te opowieści pełne grozy i mroku.
Styl narracji Mignoli jest niezwykle wciągający. Historia Koshcheia, choć smutna, jest przedstawiona z dużą dozą emocji i refleksji. Wiele momentów w komiksie porusza do głębi, ukazując wewnętrzne zmagania bohatera i jego trudną drogę do nieśmiertelności. Mignola nie tylko pisze świetne dialogi, ale również tworzy złożone, wielowymiarowe postacie, które zostają z czytelnikiem na długo po zakończeniu lektury.
Graficznie, komiks jest majstersztykiem. Ben Stenbeck, inspirowany stylem Mignoli, doskonale oddaje atmosferę i ton opowieści. Jego rysunki są pełne detali, a każda scena emanuje melancholią i magią. Dave Stewart, który zajął się kolorami, dodaje całości niesamowitego klimatu, sprawiając, że każdy kadr jest prawdziwą ucztą dla oczu. To połączenie talentów sprawia, że komiks jest nie tylko wspaniałą opowieścią, ale również dziełem sztuki.
„Koshchei the Deathless” to obowiązkowa lektura dla fanów Hellboya i miłośników mrocznych opowieści. Mignola i Stenbeck stworzyli komiks, który jest piękny i tragiczny zarazem, pełen głębokich emocji i refleksji nad ludzką naturą. To opowieść, która z pewnością pozostanie w pamięci na długo. Koshchei, jako postać, zostaje przedstawiony w sposób złożony i realistyczny, a jego historia jest zarówno przestrogą, jak i źródłem fascynacji.
„Koshchei the Deathless” to nie tylko świetny spin-off Hellboya, ale również samodzielna opowieść, która zachwyci zarówno nowych czytelników, jak i starych fanów. Komiks ten jest dowodem na to, że Mike Mignola nadal potrafi tworzyć niezwykle porywające historie, a Ben Stenbeck jest godnym następcą jego graficznego dziedzictwa. Gorąco polecam ten komiks każdemu, kto szuka niebanalnej, głęboko poruszającej historii.
Przyjemność 4,3/5
Styl: 4,5/5
Historia: 4,5/5
Ocena: 4,43/5
goodreads - 5/5
thestorygraph - 4,5/5
lubimyczytac - 9/10
January 12, 2024
Недавно закінчилась чергова серія з шести випусків, котра відкриває нам ще один аспект напевно найцікавішого і найтаємничішого комікс-всесвіту всіх часів.
Це Кощій ‘’Безсмертний’’ великого Майка Міньйоли в кріслі сценариста і Бена Стенбека в ролі художника.
Що б зрозуміти сюжет вам необхідно вже володіти певними знаннями в Хеллбойверсі. Для початку прочитайте золотий стандарт кожного Хеллбоймана – всі 12 томів ‘’Хеллбоя’’ і Два томи ‘’Хеллбоя в пеклі’’. Звісно, що це чтиво займе у вас багатенько часу, але повірте, без цих книг ви не зможете вловити і частки того шарму і тонких натяків у ‘’Кощії’’.
Як відомо, Майк дуже любить слов’янську міфологію. Це все почалося ще з маленького сюжету про Бабу Ягу і набуло розмаху в Hellboy Vol.8 - Darkness Calls. Перед читачем відкривається багата панорама слов’янського фольклору з усіма можливими драконами, відьмами, домовиками і духами природи.
В ‘’Кощії’’ нам розкажуть не тільки про те, що сталось з Безсмертним після подій Поклику Темряви, але й про дуже важливі деталі про Боґ Руш, Василісу Прекрасну і Бабу Ягу.
Арт Стенбека божественний. Він вже співпрацював з Майком і в інших серіях Хеллбойверсу (згадаймо перший том Вічфайндера, або Хеллбоя і БПРД(Бюро Паранормальних Розслідувань і Допомоги). Колоринг від не менш знаменитого Дейва Стюарта, котрий разом з Майком є першотворцем Хеллбойверсу і як ніхто інший розуміє цей світ. Також є кілька шикарних пасхалок-посилань на Дункана Феґредо.
Кощій Безсмертний це досить жорстока і сумна історія про героя, котрий захищаючи власне безсмертя втратив власну людськість і перетворився на демона (непогана антитеза до Хеллбоя, еге ж ?). Це майстерно передана атмосфера наших улюблених казок з відьомськими шабашами, дивовижними монстрами і чарами. Присутнє деяке перефразування казки про трьох богатирів, втрачене кохання і багато іншого. Все це чекає на свого дослідника і не побоюсь цього слова, героя.
P.S. Якщо ж ви досі не знайомі з цим багатим світом, то це непоганий час що б почати. Хеллбойверс це абсолютно автентичне явище в комікс культурі, це суміш поезії, містики і філософії, котра вдовольнить смаки навіть наймаститіших естетів.
Оцінка 10 з 10. Черговий шедевр.
Це Кощій ‘’Безсмертний’’ великого Майка Міньйоли в кріслі сценариста і Бена Стенбека в ролі художника.
Що б зрозуміти сюжет вам необхідно вже володіти певними знаннями в Хеллбойверсі. Для початку прочитайте золотий стандарт кожного Хеллбоймана – всі 12 томів ‘’Хеллбоя’’ і Два томи ‘’Хеллбоя в пеклі’’. Звісно, що це чтиво займе у вас багатенько часу, але повірте, без цих книг ви не зможете вловити і частки того шарму і тонких натяків у ‘’Кощії’’.
Як відомо, Майк дуже любить слов’янську міфологію. Це все почалося ще з маленького сюжету про Бабу Ягу і набуло розмаху в Hellboy Vol.8 - Darkness Calls. Перед читачем відкривається багата панорама слов’янського фольклору з усіма можливими драконами, відьмами, домовиками і духами природи.
В ‘’Кощії’’ нам розкажуть не тільки про те, що сталось з Безсмертним після подій Поклику Темряви, але й про дуже важливі деталі про Боґ Руш, Василісу Прекрасну і Бабу Ягу.
Арт Стенбека божественний. Він вже співпрацював з Майком і в інших серіях Хеллбойверсу (згадаймо перший том Вічфайндера, або Хеллбоя і БПРД(Бюро Паранормальних Розслідувань і Допомоги). Колоринг від не менш знаменитого Дейва Стюарта, котрий разом з Майком є першотворцем Хеллбойверсу і як ніхто інший розуміє цей світ. Також є кілька шикарних пасхалок-посилань на Дункана Феґредо.
Кощій Безсмертний це досить жорстока і сумна історія про героя, котрий захищаючи власне безсмертя втратив власну людськість і перетворився на демона (непогана антитеза до Хеллбоя, еге ж ?). Це майстерно передана атмосфера наших улюблених казок з відьомськими шабашами, дивовижними монстрами і чарами. Присутнє деяке перефразування казки про трьох богатирів, втрачене кохання і багато іншого. Все це чекає на свого дослідника і не побоюсь цього слова, героя.
P.S. Якщо ж ви досі не знайомі з цим багатим світом, то це непоганий час що б почати. Хеллбойверс це абсолютно автентичне явище в комікс культурі, це суміш поезії, містики і філософії, котра вдовольнить смаки навіть наймаститіших естетів.
Оцінка 10 з 10. Черговий шедевр.
May 21, 2020
I am a huge fan of the Mignolaverse/Hellboy Universe. It’s one of the most meticulously crafted culling of stories in modern media with epic upon epic nestled against the mundane like two characters reliving their past in a bar in Hell. It is with this framing that we learn about the tragic history of Koshchei the Deathless, one of the most memorable characters introduced in Hellboy.
Like a lot of great Hellboy stories, Mignola tapped into folklore to inspire his characters, and he drew from Russian mythos for his interpretation of Koshchei. The character himself has a familiar background according to the mythos: a connection to the Baba Yaga and that his soul was hidden inside an egg inside a duck inside a rabbit inside a goat (the exact order and species varies in the original tales). Mignola interprets Koshchei with a background including immortality with a dragon and the concept of servitude. Ultimately, Koshchei is a tragic character, so it’s nice to see him granted with some relief in a near-empty Hell.
The art by Mignolaverse-favorite Ben Stenbeck is constantly on point, too. It is that classic angular style expected in much of the Mignolaverse that is complemented by striking figures and mood. Dave Stewart, another regular, knocks the bold yet painterly colors out yet again. The art is memorable with excellent angles, colors, and shading.
Honestly, there’s no reason a Hellboy mini should be good other than it’s Hellboy and something we’ve come to expect. I hope we get more minis like this to help enrich the timeline.
Like a lot of great Hellboy stories, Mignola tapped into folklore to inspire his characters, and he drew from Russian mythos for his interpretation of Koshchei. The character himself has a familiar background according to the mythos: a connection to the Baba Yaga and that his soul was hidden inside an egg inside a duck inside a rabbit inside a goat (the exact order and species varies in the original tales). Mignola interprets Koshchei with a background including immortality with a dragon and the concept of servitude. Ultimately, Koshchei is a tragic character, so it’s nice to see him granted with some relief in a near-empty Hell.
The art by Mignolaverse-favorite Ben Stenbeck is constantly on point, too. It is that classic angular style expected in much of the Mignolaverse that is complemented by striking figures and mood. Dave Stewart, another regular, knocks the bold yet painterly colors out yet again. The art is memorable with excellent angles, colors, and shading.
Honestly, there’s no reason a Hellboy mini should be good other than it’s Hellboy and something we’ve come to expect. I hope we get more minis like this to help enrich the timeline.
January 6, 2019
A young, poor man has no particular talents so he becomes a soldier. He discovers his talent is for soldiering, engendering the jealousy of his fellow (less competent) soldiers. They beat him near to death and leave him in the woods. A dragon comes by in the form of a man and promises to heal the soldier if he will be the dragon's servant for nine years. The guy has no choice but to agree. The dragon's affection for him grows. The dragon releases him with a magic shirt that lets no weapon harm him. So the soldier (who is Koshchei) has an even more fabulous career as a mercenary, leading him down a dark path. Eventually, he becomes the servant of Baba Yaga, the Russian witch who had many battles with Hellboy. She uses Koshchei for her own ends, especially to finish off Hellboy.
The story is told as a flashback during a conversation between Koshchei and Hellboy, who are having drinks at a pub in Hell. So the setup is weird and doesn't quite follow logically. But Koshchei's sad tale of woe has plenty of pathos and rich mythology. It's a fascinating read for all its fantastical trappings. The art mimics Mignola's dark and simple style quite well, giving the story plenty of atmosphere.
Recommended, mostly for Hellboy fans.
The story is told as a flashback during a conversation between Koshchei and Hellboy, who are having drinks at a pub in Hell. So the setup is weird and doesn't quite follow logically. But Koshchei's sad tale of woe has plenty of pathos and rich mythology. It's a fascinating read for all its fantastical trappings. The art mimics Mignola's dark and simple style quite well, giving the story plenty of atmosphere.
Recommended, mostly for Hellboy fans.
August 7, 2019
Koshchei and Hellboy meet in a pub in Hell and Koshchei starts telling his life story to Hellboy.
No, it ain't beginning of the joke, this is how this story actually starts.
Koshchei starts from the very beginning and we witness his raise as a warrior, betrayals that brought him into contact with supernatural, first with the ancient dragon and then Baba Yaga, trickster that manages to bind him to her own will and use him as a tool, culminating with Koshchei's attack on Hellboy and his ultimate demise.
It is very difficult not to be at least little bit sympathetic to Koshchei - after becoming for all means and purposes immortal he was still easily manipulated and made to turn on those closest to him. it is not that he is stupid but that he is bored and very much bad-tempered.
Art as it is always case with Hellboy comics is great. Story is more or less rehash of original Hellboy story-line with some additional details so if you are already familiar with the original this book might not be that attractive. On the other hand if you came across this book and did not know what this was all about [like it was case with me] you will enjoy it.
Recommended.
No, it ain't beginning of the joke, this is how this story actually starts.
Koshchei starts from the very beginning and we witness his raise as a warrior, betrayals that brought him into contact with supernatural, first with the ancient dragon and then Baba Yaga, trickster that manages to bind him to her own will and use him as a tool, culminating with Koshchei's attack on Hellboy and his ultimate demise.
It is very difficult not to be at least little bit sympathetic to Koshchei - after becoming for all means and purposes immortal he was still easily manipulated and made to turn on those closest to him. it is not that he is stupid but that he is bored and very much bad-tempered.
Art as it is always case with Hellboy comics is great. Story is more or less rehash of original Hellboy story-line with some additional details so if you are already familiar with the original this book might not be that attractive. On the other hand if you came across this book and did not know what this was all about [like it was case with me] you will enjoy it.
Recommended.
January 14, 2021
This is a spin-off from Hellboy dealing with the history of one of Hellboy’s past defeated foes, the titular Koeishi the Deathless who first appeared in Darkness Calls. But that was before the world ended and Hell had a purpose. Now that it's all over - in the Hellboy universe at least - Koeishi and Hellboy sit at a bar in the ruins of Hell where the Deathless tells his story.
It has been hinted that there was much more to Koeishi's take, but the depth of it was surprising. The tale is steeped in Russian and Slavic mythology, mixed with the weird sensibilities of the Hellboy universe. We see Koeishi's early life and dealings with the Baba Yaga. Her war with Hellboy eventually costs them both much, Koeishi being just one of the causalities.
As usual the story is wild and weird. The sort of story comics were built for. It couldn't have worked in any other medium. Hellboy was built for the comics, which is why it's thrived for so many decades. The artwork is impeccable as always with the colors casting the various moons perfectly. I'm not sure what's in the future for this universe, if anything, but I'm looking forward to it.
It has been hinted that there was much more to Koeishi's take, but the depth of it was surprising. The tale is steeped in Russian and Slavic mythology, mixed with the weird sensibilities of the Hellboy universe. We see Koeishi's early life and dealings with the Baba Yaga. Her war with Hellboy eventually costs them both much, Koeishi being just one of the causalities.
As usual the story is wild and weird. The sort of story comics were built for. It couldn't have worked in any other medium. Hellboy was built for the comics, which is why it's thrived for so many decades. The artwork is impeccable as always with the colors casting the various moons perfectly. I'm not sure what's in the future for this universe, if anything, but I'm looking forward to it.
May 8, 2022
Series: Koshchei the Deathless #1-6
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it
Koshchei the Deathless was sent by Baba Yaga to kill Hellboy in Darkness Calls. He was defeated and now resides in hell. Hellboy found him in Hell and over some drinks, finally got his full backstory.
Koschei’s story was very interesting. It was filled with dragons, magic, death, and of course Baba Yaga’s trickery. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this as much as I did but it was very good. While I didn’t really connect with Koschchei when he tried to kill Hellboy, I did really enjoy his story.
I think the best part of this story is the fact that it is Koshchei retelling it over drinks with Hellboy. I love the thought that Hellboy would hang out in bars with his past enemies and get their stories. It is a pretty great through and I wish more of these backstories started over drinks.
Overall, this was a good backstory for one of Hellboy’s enemies. I enjoyed Ben Stenbeck and Dave Stewart’s illustrations and color work in this one.
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it
Koshchei the Deathless was sent by Baba Yaga to kill Hellboy in Darkness Calls. He was defeated and now resides in hell. Hellboy found him in Hell and over some drinks, finally got his full backstory.
Koschei’s story was very interesting. It was filled with dragons, magic, death, and of course Baba Yaga’s trickery. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this as much as I did but it was very good. While I didn’t really connect with Koschchei when he tried to kill Hellboy, I did really enjoy his story.
I think the best part of this story is the fact that it is Koshchei retelling it over drinks with Hellboy. I love the thought that Hellboy would hang out in bars with his past enemies and get their stories. It is a pretty great through and I wish more of these backstories started over drinks.
Overall, this was a good backstory for one of Hellboy’s enemies. I enjoyed Ben Stenbeck and Dave Stewart’s illustrations and color work in this one.
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
Read
August 9, 2020A terrific standalone Hellboy story. Koshchei the Deathless is having drinks with Hellboy in Hell, telling him his life story. He starts at the very beginning and goes through the time he faced down Hellboy in the Darkness Calls arc. Accordingly, much of his story concerns his tumultuous relationship with Baba Yaga, including what happened to them after Darkness Calls. The rest is a series of Koshchei’s adventures and quests when he was prideful. This isn’t a wildly important story in the grand scheme of the Hellboy universe, but it’s fascinating and well-told. Mignola writes it himself, so of course the treatment of folklore comes off as highly intelligent and respectful. The story is very readable though. And Ben Stebeck brings a fantastical edge to the series; there are many cool creatures here, including dragons, giants, and trolls, plus many scenic landscapes. Casual fans may not get as much out of this as those who’ve read most of Hellboy, but it’s an awesome read regardless. I just love how Mignola writes mythology and folklore.
April 29, 2025
I love that Hellboy now wanders the desolate plains... I mean he sits in a pub in Hell, rubbing shoulders with old enemies, being nostalgic drinking companions. More of that, please! More afterlives haunted not by flames, but by memory.
Unraveling Koshchei’s past was a stroke of brilliance. It pulled me straight back to childhood, to those dusky evenings when my grandmother would recite old Russian folktales in a voice that made them feel half-true, half-dream. There’s a strange, aching power in resurrecting those myths and giving them flesh and sorrow, even when I have zero sympathy for anything Russian nowadays.
Four stars, not five - only because Mignola didn’t draw the whole thing. As much as I admire the other artists, there’s nothing quite like his linework: jagged, mournful, and alive with shadow. His absence is felt like a missing rune in the spellwork of the "Hellboyverse".
Unraveling Koshchei’s past was a stroke of brilliance. It pulled me straight back to childhood, to those dusky evenings when my grandmother would recite old Russian folktales in a voice that made them feel half-true, half-dream. There’s a strange, aching power in resurrecting those myths and giving them flesh and sorrow, even when I have zero sympathy for anything Russian nowadays.
Four stars, not five - only because Mignola didn’t draw the whole thing. As much as I admire the other artists, there’s nothing quite like his linework: jagged, mournful, and alive with shadow. His absence is felt like a missing rune in the spellwork of the "Hellboyverse".
January 23, 2025
A stakes-free, meandering rehash of stuff that was already dealt with in the Hellboy story "Darkness Falls." The fantastic thing about that story, and what makes most of Hellboy work, is the feeling that Hellboy has been plopped into a mythic world of folklore, and is the only guy reacting to any of it like it's insane. The detached, oral-tradition feel of those stories gets a guy going "Can it, lady" and punching a witch in the head.
This is just folklore. Long, contradictory, free of character development or narrative drive. Just a big list of familiar magical things that happened to a guy who can't die, on and on forever. In the right hands that might've been interesting, but again, all of this has been covered in Hellboy already, and none of it is particularly thrilling. This got to a point where I couldn't wait for it to be over.
This is just folklore. Long, contradictory, free of character development or narrative drive. Just a big list of familiar magical things that happened to a guy who can't die, on and on forever. In the right hands that might've been interesting, but again, all of this has been covered in Hellboy already, and none of it is particularly thrilling. This got to a point where I couldn't wait for it to be over.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews