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Hellboy
Hellboy, Vol. 1: Seed of Destruction
Hellboy is one of the most celebrated comics series in recent years. The ultimate artists' artist and a great storyteller whose work is in turns haunting, hilarious, and spellbinding, Mike Mignola has won numerous awards in the comics industry and beyond. When strangeness threatens to engulf the world, a strange man will come to save it. Sent to investigate a mystery with supernatural overtones, Hellboy discovers the secrets of his own origins, and his link to the Nazi occultists who promised Hitler a final solution in the form of a demonic avatar.
117 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1994
469 people are currently reading
60805 people want to read
About the author
Mike Mignola
1,888 books2,557 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 1,316 reviews
December 29, 2013
I love this series. I have for years.
That said, I haven't been a faithful follower of the books. I don't read comics in single issues. I read comics once they're collected in trade paperback, and even then, my purchases are erratic.
But earlier this year I went on a Hellboy binge. I bought everything that I didn't already own, and read it all in just a week or two. Both the main storyline, all the side arcs, and the BPRD series too. About 30 books in all.
How do I feel about it after glutting myself? I still love it. If anything I love it more than before because I have a much better appreciation for the entire story arc that's been taking place.
When I try to think how to describe Hellboy, I find myself a little stumped. I want to use phrases like, "Mythically robust" but that's a wankerish thing to say, and it really doesn't do the series justice.
If forced to summarize this quick and dirty, give it the elevator pitch, so to speak. (That's where you pitch a story to someone in the space of time it takes for your elevator to reach their floor.) here's what I'd say.
"Imagine Sandman. Leave in all the clever trans-mythic brilliance, but remove all the emo bits and replace them with punching and snappy one-liners. Garnish lightly with Nazis. That's Hellboy."
God. That's awful. This is why I don't review books. I'm terrible at this.
Even worse, it implies I don't love Sandman, which I do. Sandman is in my top three. And I'm well aware that it's not emo, it's tragedy. Don't fill my inbox with hate. Okay?
Okay. Let's move on.
Simply said, if you haven't read this series. You really owe it to yourself to try at least the first three trades. It wasn't until I read The Chained Coffin that I *really* came to appreciate what was going on in the series in terms of storytelling. It's marvelous.
That said, I haven't been a faithful follower of the books. I don't read comics in single issues. I read comics once they're collected in trade paperback, and even then, my purchases are erratic.
But earlier this year I went on a Hellboy binge. I bought everything that I didn't already own, and read it all in just a week or two. Both the main storyline, all the side arcs, and the BPRD series too. About 30 books in all.
How do I feel about it after glutting myself? I still love it. If anything I love it more than before because I have a much better appreciation for the entire story arc that's been taking place.
When I try to think how to describe Hellboy, I find myself a little stumped. I want to use phrases like, "Mythically robust" but that's a wankerish thing to say, and it really doesn't do the series justice.
If forced to summarize this quick and dirty, give it the elevator pitch, so to speak. (That's where you pitch a story to someone in the space of time it takes for your elevator to reach their floor.) here's what I'd say.
"Imagine Sandman. Leave in all the clever trans-mythic brilliance, but remove all the emo bits and replace them with punching and snappy one-liners. Garnish lightly with Nazis. That's Hellboy."
God. That's awful. This is why I don't review books. I'm terrible at this.
Even worse, it implies I don't love Sandman, which I do. Sandman is in my top three. And I'm well aware that it's not emo, it's tragedy. Don't fill my inbox with hate. Okay?
Okay. Let's move on.
Simply said, if you haven't read this series. You really owe it to yourself to try at least the first three trades. It wasn't until I read The Chained Coffin that I *really* came to appreciate what was going on in the series in terms of storytelling. It's marvelous.
April 20, 2015
Outstanding concept but lacked deeper characterization
This trade paperback edition collects the comic book issues “Hellboy” #1 to #4, which it’s the beginning of the series. Also including the two previous illustrated short stories published as promos for Hellboy, the main character.
Creative Team:
Creator, illustrator and story: Mike Mignola
Script: John Byrne
HECK, BOY!
If I have a real name, I’ve never known it. I’m called Hellboy.
Hellboy is one of the strongest comic book titles in the area of Indy (Independent) comics and some proof of that can be counted in the four movies (two theatrical live-action, two direct-to-video animated) which they have been positively praised.
And you know that Hellboy is something out of the ordinary when the famous Horror author, Robert Bloch, writes the introduction to the trade paperback.
The premise of the origins of Hellboy, the main character and the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense (BPRD), the organization where he works, are indeed outstanding.
Hellboy appeared as a “baby” in an abandoned church in a British town, during the final days of the World War II due a satanic summon made, in a distant different location, by a special team assembled by the Nazis. An Allied team was already in the church waiting for the product of the Nazis’ paranormal operation, so “Hellbaby” was taken under the care of Prof. Trevor Bruttenholm (pronounced “Broom”). The Nazi High Command thought that the mission was a failure. And for like 50 years, Hellboy and the BPRD have engaged a never-ending battle against demons, monsters and forces of darkness, keeping safe humanity from all that kind of paranormal threats.
WHAT THE HECK?
I’d be the first to admit that I have no shortage of faults.
There is some odd elements and lack of characterization in this first story.
I know, there are more stories in the series and further development, but nevertheless I still think that some odd elements and deeper characterization should be done here.
Due the action shown here, Hellboy’s & BPRD’s existence aren’t secret or confidential, since there is a scene where Hellboy shows in the open and his partner, Liz Sherman flashed a BPRD badge. Cool, no problem with that, but if some dude like Hellboy (a big gorilla-like red skinned demon) walks in the open… why Abe Sapien uses a disguise to hide his out-of-the-ordinary apperance? I mean, if people isn’t shocked or scared watching somebody like Hellboy, surely Abe Sapien won’t do any different.
The heroes are astonishig: Hellboy, Elizabeth Sherman and Dr. Abraham Sapien. The three of them are agents of the BPRD. The three of them with skills and powers beyond the mere mortals. However, during the development of the first story, I didn’t feel that I could be able to know about them precisely beyond of their skills and powers. I know about them due the movies and some internet research, but honestly I think that’s author’s job to make me to get to know the characters in the story and not due outside reference. I want to know how are their personalities, how is their interaction between each other, and while there is obviously interaction between the characters is the very basic one and strictly to the mission. People aren’t their jobs. And not matter how cool looks to be agents of BPRD, at the very bottom, is a job, so I wanted to know (through the story presented in the book) what kind of people really are.
Powers and skills are narrative’s gimmicks to solve troubles and to sell easier the books. Jobs are what pay the bills. So, at the end, it’s author’s ingenuity to develop in the story (not matter if it’s prose or illustrated) a way to make possible to the readers to understand what the characters have inside of their hearts and minds.
Once again, I know that this was only the origin story, and you can’t expect to know everything about the characters since the beginning, but the thing here is that besides a reading of their profiles establishing their powers and skills, during the narrative of the story, I wasn’t able to get inside of the character and feeling that at least I started to know about them. Nope. Zip. Zero. You get the mission and the basic interaction between them dealing with the mission. But beyond that. Nothing else. And while authors can’t give away everything about their characters, I think they should give away something.
I guess that I know the characters due their presentation in the movies, but are they like their movie counterparts? I don’t know. This first story didn’t give something personal about them to compare with.
Having interesting stories is good. But being able to get to know the characters, in the middle of what is going on, is what make good stories into great stories.
RAISE HECK
There’s all these frogs in my room…
After the brief events in 1944 showing the “birth” of Hellboy, the action moves to 1994 where Professor “Broom” calls Hellboy to tell him about a doomed civilian expedition in which he sadly was part of.
Not matter that 50 years have passed Hellboy (thanks to the fact that he is some kind of demon) while obviously is now an adult, he isn’t “old” in the sense of showing any physical deterioration. Hellboy is still in his prime.
The revelation about the expedition (and some WAY unexpected violence tied to it) leads to the formal investigation about the weird elements linked to the doomed expedition (which they will get to know soon enough that it was just the latest of many others before that one).
However, nor Hellboy or his partners are prepared that after 50 years of battling all kind of evil paranormal menaces, finally they are dealing with one directly connected to the reason of why Hellboy is in our dimension.
A patient mysterious villain (that the narrative will tell you who is) was waiting for the right time to accomplish his real goal, not what the Nazi High Command thought what he was doing for them, BUT what he really was doing for him...
...and which Hellboy will have a key role.
While Seeds of Destruction has an aceptable closure in its narrative, you have a “final scene” leading into a kinda cliffhanger which will be resolved in the story Wake the Devil. I didn’t mind this, since I want to read other TPBs of Hellboy, but I would be fooling you if I wasn’t expecting a real ending here and realizing (at the ending of the reading) that I’d need to buy another TPB to get the full story.
So, while I honestly think that the premise of the series shown here is outstanding, my rating to this TPB was due the lack of development in the heroes’ personalities and having a not definitely ending to the story.
But again, certainly I want to read other comic book TPBs and some prose novels of this series.
This trade paperback edition collects the comic book issues “Hellboy” #1 to #4, which it’s the beginning of the series. Also including the two previous illustrated short stories published as promos for Hellboy, the main character.
Creative Team:
Creator, illustrator and story: Mike Mignola
Script: John Byrne
HECK, BOY!
If I have a real name, I’ve never known it. I’m called Hellboy.
Hellboy is one of the strongest comic book titles in the area of Indy (Independent) comics and some proof of that can be counted in the four movies (two theatrical live-action, two direct-to-video animated) which they have been positively praised.
And you know that Hellboy is something out of the ordinary when the famous Horror author, Robert Bloch, writes the introduction to the trade paperback.
The premise of the origins of Hellboy, the main character and the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense (BPRD), the organization where he works, are indeed outstanding.
Hellboy appeared as a “baby” in an abandoned church in a British town, during the final days of the World War II due a satanic summon made, in a distant different location, by a special team assembled by the Nazis. An Allied team was already in the church waiting for the product of the Nazis’ paranormal operation, so “Hellbaby” was taken under the care of Prof. Trevor Bruttenholm (pronounced “Broom”). The Nazi High Command thought that the mission was a failure. And for like 50 years, Hellboy and the BPRD have engaged a never-ending battle against demons, monsters and forces of darkness, keeping safe humanity from all that kind of paranormal threats.
WHAT THE HECK?
I’d be the first to admit that I have no shortage of faults.
There is some odd elements and lack of characterization in this first story.
I know, there are more stories in the series and further development, but nevertheless I still think that some odd elements and deeper characterization should be done here.
Due the action shown here, Hellboy’s & BPRD’s existence aren’t secret or confidential, since there is a scene where Hellboy shows in the open and his partner, Liz Sherman flashed a BPRD badge. Cool, no problem with that, but if some dude like Hellboy (a big gorilla-like red skinned demon) walks in the open… why Abe Sapien uses a disguise to hide his out-of-the-ordinary apperance? I mean, if people isn’t shocked or scared watching somebody like Hellboy, surely Abe Sapien won’t do any different.
The heroes are astonishig: Hellboy, Elizabeth Sherman and Dr. Abraham Sapien. The three of them are agents of the BPRD. The three of them with skills and powers beyond the mere mortals. However, during the development of the first story, I didn’t feel that I could be able to know about them precisely beyond of their skills and powers. I know about them due the movies and some internet research, but honestly I think that’s author’s job to make me to get to know the characters in the story and not due outside reference. I want to know how are their personalities, how is their interaction between each other, and while there is obviously interaction between the characters is the very basic one and strictly to the mission. People aren’t their jobs. And not matter how cool looks to be agents of BPRD, at the very bottom, is a job, so I wanted to know (through the story presented in the book) what kind of people really are.
Powers and skills are narrative’s gimmicks to solve troubles and to sell easier the books. Jobs are what pay the bills. So, at the end, it’s author’s ingenuity to develop in the story (not matter if it’s prose or illustrated) a way to make possible to the readers to understand what the characters have inside of their hearts and minds.
Once again, I know that this was only the origin story, and you can’t expect to know everything about the characters since the beginning, but the thing here is that besides a reading of their profiles establishing their powers and skills, during the narrative of the story, I wasn’t able to get inside of the character and feeling that at least I started to know about them. Nope. Zip. Zero. You get the mission and the basic interaction between them dealing with the mission. But beyond that. Nothing else. And while authors can’t give away everything about their characters, I think they should give away something.
I guess that I know the characters due their presentation in the movies, but are they like their movie counterparts? I don’t know. This first story didn’t give something personal about them to compare with.
Having interesting stories is good. But being able to get to know the characters, in the middle of what is going on, is what make good stories into great stories.
RAISE HECK
There’s all these frogs in my room…
After the brief events in 1944 showing the “birth” of Hellboy, the action moves to 1994 where Professor “Broom” calls Hellboy to tell him about a doomed civilian expedition in which he sadly was part of.
Not matter that 50 years have passed Hellboy (thanks to the fact that he is some kind of demon) while obviously is now an adult, he isn’t “old” in the sense of showing any physical deterioration. Hellboy is still in his prime.
The revelation about the expedition (and some WAY unexpected violence tied to it) leads to the formal investigation about the weird elements linked to the doomed expedition (which they will get to know soon enough that it was just the latest of many others before that one).
However, nor Hellboy or his partners are prepared that after 50 years of battling all kind of evil paranormal menaces, finally they are dealing with one directly connected to the reason of why Hellboy is in our dimension.
A patient mysterious villain (that the narrative will tell you who is) was waiting for the right time to accomplish his real goal, not what the Nazi High Command thought what he was doing for them, BUT what he really was doing for him...
...and which Hellboy will have a key role.
While Seeds of Destruction has an aceptable closure in its narrative, you have a “final scene” leading into a kinda cliffhanger which will be resolved in the story Wake the Devil. I didn’t mind this, since I want to read other TPBs of Hellboy, but I would be fooling you if I wasn’t expecting a real ending here and realizing (at the ending of the reading) that I’d need to buy another TPB to get the full story.
So, while I honestly think that the premise of the series shown here is outstanding, my rating to this TPB was due the lack of development in the heroes’ personalities and having a not definitely ending to the story.
But again, certainly I want to read other comic book TPBs and some prose novels of this series.
November 6, 2025
Ich kenne weder den Comic noch den Film zu Hellboy, ich war einfach nur neugierig. Und da ich Hörspiele grundsätzlich sehr mag, wollte ich mal reinhören. Ich muss sagen, ich bin sehr positiv überrascht. Das Hörspiel ist super vertont, und die Geschichte fand ich auch sehr spannend. Auch etwas gruselig und zum Teil eklig (Froschwesen), aber alles auf eine positive Art. Den zweiten Teil möchte ich nun auch noch hören!
August 21, 2009
After the movies, I didn't expect much from the comic. They were fun, but a bit cheesy. The film's director, Guillermo Del Toro tends to make films that are all flash and no substance, like Blade II and Pan's Labyrinth. I assumed that the Hellboy movies were just executed better, but I now realize that the movies fell far short of the source material.
The comics are moody, charming, and uniquely stylized. The dramatic inking and chiaroscuro lighting combines with the simple, evocative lines to create a fiercely dynamic visual experience. It's interesting to note that even though the films concentrate on visuals, they still never reach the stark beauty of the comic.
As lovely as the art is, what's remarkable is the depth of the story. Few artist/authors combine the necessary skills so adroitly. Few names suggest themselves for comparison: Winsor McCay, Frank Miller, Bill Watterson, Will Eisner.
The strength of Mignola's stories is his knowledge of myths and legend. From Norse Sagas to English Fairytales, Christian Apocrypha to Russian Folk Stories, Cthulhu to Nazi conspiracies, the breadth and depth is impressive. What may be more impressive is Mignola's ability to combine these disparate threads into a cohesive whole, and to present these bits of cultural history alongside a giant, wisecracking red guy without the losing the comic's serious, even terrifying tone.
It's no wonder that the films ended up more goofy than scary, since maintaining this careful balance is difficult at best. Mignola keeps a strong undercurrent throughout his stories. Instead of simply combining esoterica into an unwieldy mass (like Grant Morrison), Mignola makes the fables themselves the undercurrent of the story and lets the characters coast atop the strangeness (not unlike Lovecraft).
Usually, cross-genre stories like this end up losing me when they sacrifice plot and character for the sake of oddity. Mignola, however, rarely forgets to center his stories around straightforward plots and character motivation. Mignola doesn't really hit his stride until later in the series, but the first entry is still strong and enjoyable.
My Suggested Reading In Comics
The comics are moody, charming, and uniquely stylized. The dramatic inking and chiaroscuro lighting combines with the simple, evocative lines to create a fiercely dynamic visual experience. It's interesting to note that even though the films concentrate on visuals, they still never reach the stark beauty of the comic.
As lovely as the art is, what's remarkable is the depth of the story. Few artist/authors combine the necessary skills so adroitly. Few names suggest themselves for comparison: Winsor McCay, Frank Miller, Bill Watterson, Will Eisner.
The strength of Mignola's stories is his knowledge of myths and legend. From Norse Sagas to English Fairytales, Christian Apocrypha to Russian Folk Stories, Cthulhu to Nazi conspiracies, the breadth and depth is impressive. What may be more impressive is Mignola's ability to combine these disparate threads into a cohesive whole, and to present these bits of cultural history alongside a giant, wisecracking red guy without the losing the comic's serious, even terrifying tone.
It's no wonder that the films ended up more goofy than scary, since maintaining this careful balance is difficult at best. Mignola keeps a strong undercurrent throughout his stories. Instead of simply combining esoterica into an unwieldy mass (like Grant Morrison), Mignola makes the fables themselves the undercurrent of the story and lets the characters coast atop the strangeness (not unlike Lovecraft).
Usually, cross-genre stories like this end up losing me when they sacrifice plot and character for the sake of oddity. Mignola, however, rarely forgets to center his stories around straightforward plots and character motivation. Mignola doesn't really hit his stride until later in the series, but the first entry is still strong and enjoyable.
My Suggested Reading In Comics
August 30, 2013
It's been a number of years since I first read Seed of Destruction, the first Hellboy book, and, having read all of them at this point, I decided to go back and re-read the first book because my memories of it were hazy. Well, as I suspected, it's not a great first volume - but Hellboy is an incredible series, so don't be put off by this shaky start. The later books get better and better and better. But this first one...
I had completely forgotten that Mike Mignola didn't write the first Hellboy book - John "Man of Steel" Byrne did. That one surprised me. I'm sure Mignola had a hand in the story but the script is entirely credited to Byrne, which explains a lot. Hellboy doesn't quite sound like Hellboy in this - he's less charismatic, less witty, and more sober than in later books. Here he talks more like a generic tough guy than the Hellboy we've come to know over the years. Professor Bruttenholm (pronounced "broom") is killed early on in the book and Hellboy barely bats an eyelid. Not a single tear, just a cursory "he's dead" over the phone. To be fair, the relationship between Hellboy and his adoptive father, the Professor, would be elaborated on in later books so it's interesting to see that in this first volume Mignola had all but dismissed Bruttenholm as a character in the Hellboy universe.
Seed of Destruction is only barely related to the first Hellboy film. The beginning of the book and the film are the same in that it's set during WW2 on a remote island where the Nazis and Rasputin are trying to summon forces to turn the tide in the Nazis' favour and a baby Hellboy shows up. But that's only the first few pages and the film and book separate from there on out. The haunting Cavendish house, the generations-old curse, and the frogs that take up the rest of the book, aren't in the film at all, so don't expect Seed of Destruction to be the first Hellboy film in comics form.
Mignola's art is the best thing about the book. I love Mignola's style, all solid colours and figures verging on the abstract plus Hellboy's character design is just genius (some sketches at the back show how the character evolved from his inception in 1991 to his final design in 1994), and is one of the things I miss about the later Hellboy books. It's interesting that Mignola wasn't confident enough to both write and draw the book which is ironic as Mignola would become a much better writer than Byrne in later books. Byrne's writing is far too descriptive so the panels are filled with text while Hellboy's inner monologue is too clunky and expositional - these aspects would later disappear once Mignola took over writing duties.
All of which is to say that Seed of Destruction isn't a great Hellboy book but is a solid horror/mystery story with plenty of cool moments. There are lots of horror elements, many of which are Lovecraftian, like the tentacle monster at the end and the frog monsters throughout, not to mention the doomed expedition in arctic climes, and the overall gothic feel of the book. Plus it's great to see Mignola slowly putting together what will become a massive universe, gingerly introducing Abe Sapien and Liz Sherman while only hinting at what the BPRD is.
It's a shame this is the first volume as many new readers will read this and some will be turned off from reading more by Byrne's clunky writing and characterisation, and therefore miss out on one of the greatest comic book characters ever created, as Hellboy will become in later volumes. Seed of Destruction may not be an ideal first book but readers who persevere with the series will be rewarded with some of the richest comics you could ever hope to read.
I had completely forgotten that Mike Mignola didn't write the first Hellboy book - John "Man of Steel" Byrne did. That one surprised me. I'm sure Mignola had a hand in the story but the script is entirely credited to Byrne, which explains a lot. Hellboy doesn't quite sound like Hellboy in this - he's less charismatic, less witty, and more sober than in later books. Here he talks more like a generic tough guy than the Hellboy we've come to know over the years. Professor Bruttenholm (pronounced "broom") is killed early on in the book and Hellboy barely bats an eyelid. Not a single tear, just a cursory "he's dead" over the phone. To be fair, the relationship between Hellboy and his adoptive father, the Professor, would be elaborated on in later books so it's interesting to see that in this first volume Mignola had all but dismissed Bruttenholm as a character in the Hellboy universe.
Seed of Destruction is only barely related to the first Hellboy film. The beginning of the book and the film are the same in that it's set during WW2 on a remote island where the Nazis and Rasputin are trying to summon forces to turn the tide in the Nazis' favour and a baby Hellboy shows up. But that's only the first few pages and the film and book separate from there on out. The haunting Cavendish house, the generations-old curse, and the frogs that take up the rest of the book, aren't in the film at all, so don't expect Seed of Destruction to be the first Hellboy film in comics form.
Mignola's art is the best thing about the book. I love Mignola's style, all solid colours and figures verging on the abstract plus Hellboy's character design is just genius (some sketches at the back show how the character evolved from his inception in 1991 to his final design in 1994), and is one of the things I miss about the later Hellboy books. It's interesting that Mignola wasn't confident enough to both write and draw the book which is ironic as Mignola would become a much better writer than Byrne in later books. Byrne's writing is far too descriptive so the panels are filled with text while Hellboy's inner monologue is too clunky and expositional - these aspects would later disappear once Mignola took over writing duties.
All of which is to say that Seed of Destruction isn't a great Hellboy book but is a solid horror/mystery story with plenty of cool moments. There are lots of horror elements, many of which are Lovecraftian, like the tentacle monster at the end and the frog monsters throughout, not to mention the doomed expedition in arctic climes, and the overall gothic feel of the book. Plus it's great to see Mignola slowly putting together what will become a massive universe, gingerly introducing Abe Sapien and Liz Sherman while only hinting at what the BPRD is.
It's a shame this is the first volume as many new readers will read this and some will be turned off from reading more by Byrne's clunky writing and characterisation, and therefore miss out on one of the greatest comic book characters ever created, as Hellboy will become in later volumes. Seed of Destruction may not be an ideal first book but readers who persevere with the series will be rewarded with some of the richest comics you could ever hope to read.
January 9, 2016
Ah. This was quite good. The art suited the pulpy vibe of the story perfectly.
And it is a good story too, underscored by Lovecraftian influences.
There really isn’t much more I can say, other than this: it’s much better than the film.
Recommended.
Even to readers who don’t particularly enjoy the graphic medium.
October 30, 2016
My very first Hellboy comic.
I have seen the two movies and have to say that they were pretty good. Funny, with great make-up and costumes, very good CGI, and the atmosphere they created was fantastic. Thus, I wanted to know if the comics could invoke the same feeling.
Many story elements in this comic reminded me of the first movie. Like how Hellboy comes to our world, who brought him from his world to ours, the Nazi story, his relationship with a certain scientist, his two rather unusual companions, the enemy and ultimate battle.
A few elements were unknown to me but all were worked out wonderfully. Noteworthy is, as a contrast to the movies, that Hellboy is not an oaf as he often appears on screen. He doesn't just smash things around but also reflects on an almost philosophical level. Other than that, the story brings great "history" combined with a lot of fun action.
The art in this is glorious! Dark with stark colour contrasts and sharp edges and many details which was especially pleasant in regards to shown ruins and history elements (something that will always draw me in). I love history and mythology and both seem to get mixed wonderfully in the Hellboy comics, which was my motivation to watch the movies and now to read one of the volumes. Two, actually, since I'll read another one tonight.
I have seen the two movies and have to say that they were pretty good. Funny, with great make-up and costumes, very good CGI, and the atmosphere they created was fantastic. Thus, I wanted to know if the comics could invoke the same feeling.
Many story elements in this comic reminded me of the first movie. Like how Hellboy comes to our world, who brought him from his world to ours, the Nazi story, his relationship with a certain scientist, his two rather unusual companions, the enemy and ultimate battle.
A few elements were unknown to me but all were worked out wonderfully. Noteworthy is, as a contrast to the movies, that Hellboy is not an oaf as he often appears on screen. He doesn't just smash things around but also reflects on an almost philosophical level. Other than that, the story brings great "history" combined with a lot of fun action.
The art in this is glorious! Dark with stark colour contrasts and sharp edges and many details which was especially pleasant in regards to shown ruins and history elements (something that will always draw me in). I love history and mythology and both seem to get mixed wonderfully in the Hellboy comics, which was my motivation to watch the movies and now to read one of the volumes. Two, actually, since I'll read another one tonight.
June 6, 2023
One of the most charismatic antiheroes
And he´s perfectly balancing between too less and too much gore
Many other hardboiled, already close to extreme horror, books and graphic novels are just too hardcore for many readers, while the too cozy and soft genres wait on the other side of the road of subjective preferences. But Hellboy is just the perfect match in between, both brutality and some nicer character elements are combined for a good ride too, well, hell. And his
The backstory has some grains of reality
Because there have really been some freaking kind of paranormal, demon summoning, black magic attempts by Pervitin high wanna be Übermenschen. And that´s, besides the whole in graphic novel universe complexity that stars unfolding, the most disturbing thing about the idea of this series. Serious science would never
Assume the existence of magic or anything fantasy but
What about parallel universes, other and more dimensions, gravity, black and white holes, multiverses, the time before and after our universe existed, and everything involving quantum? Let´s play a mind game with, of course not just pure fantasy, that would be too hard fringe science style, but with science fantasy, so who says that a
Highly evolved supersoldier with genetic engineering, nano integrated weapons in his body, and physics manipulation abilities couldn´t be a real Hellboy? It´s unrealistic that such a creature could already exist, because of the ridiculously low tech level of human civilization, except one assumes that time travel is possible. Then a demonic creature from multi k years in the future or another dimension or parallel uchroniastic universe with magic, where the Nazis succeeded in breeding demons, could come knocking on doors to buy souls for extremely cheap, haunted bling bling made of tooth gold.
Tropes show how literature is conceptualized and created and which mixture of elements makes works and genres unique:
https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.ph...
And he´s perfectly balancing between too less and too much gore
Many other hardboiled, already close to extreme horror, books and graphic novels are just too hardcore for many readers, while the too cozy and soft genres wait on the other side of the road of subjective preferences. But Hellboy is just the perfect match in between, both brutality and some nicer character elements are combined for a good ride too, well, hell. And his
The backstory has some grains of reality
Because there have really been some freaking kind of paranormal, demon summoning, black magic attempts by Pervitin high wanna be Übermenschen. And that´s, besides the whole in graphic novel universe complexity that stars unfolding, the most disturbing thing about the idea of this series. Serious science would never
Assume the existence of magic or anything fantasy but
What about parallel universes, other and more dimensions, gravity, black and white holes, multiverses, the time before and after our universe existed, and everything involving quantum? Let´s play a mind game with, of course not just pure fantasy, that would be too hard fringe science style, but with science fantasy, so who says that a
Highly evolved supersoldier with genetic engineering, nano integrated weapons in his body, and physics manipulation abilities couldn´t be a real Hellboy? It´s unrealistic that such a creature could already exist, because of the ridiculously low tech level of human civilization, except one assumes that time travel is possible. Then a demonic creature from multi k years in the future or another dimension or parallel uchroniastic universe with magic, where the Nazis succeeded in breeding demons, could come knocking on doors to buy souls for extremely cheap, haunted bling bling made of tooth gold.
Tropes show how literature is conceptualized and created and which mixture of elements makes works and genres unique:
https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.ph...
April 8, 2017
This is the second time I've read this, the first being around the time the first or second movie came out, but I remember not bothering with reading the rest. Why? I honestly don't know.
This has a great Cthulhu vibe to it, mixing old Nazis, Rasputin, private eyes, sea gods, and even a misspelling of Ereshkigal, Sumerian goddess of the underworld. What's not to like?
Well, maybe I was just in a mood then or a mood now, but by the time I finished this volume today, I'm in the mood to keep on going and enjoying the series. It's Hellboy! Didn't we all enjoy the movies? lol
This has a great Cthulhu vibe to it, mixing old Nazis, Rasputin, private eyes, sea gods, and even a misspelling of Ereshkigal, Sumerian goddess of the underworld. What's not to like?
Well, maybe I was just in a mood then or a mood now, but by the time I finished this volume today, I'm in the mood to keep on going and enjoying the series. It's Hellboy! Didn't we all enjoy the movies? lol
September 3, 2016
I watched the movies when they came out and I though they where ok but nothing to write home about.After it I had some interest in comic but not enough to put it high on my to read list.My interest rose significantly after The goon/ Hellboy crossover and now after finishing available New 52 Batman comics I finally started this series.
After all this time time I should have learned that movies rarely have much in common with comics they are based on. Movie is classical colorful hero movie with classical movie plotline mandatory schmuck added to set of characters. Comic on the other hand has strong pulpy Lovecraftian atmosphere supported by illustrations in dark pastel colors. Protagonist is also lot different overall.Yes he is still wisecracking but he seems less childish and more balanced flashed out as character.
Overall, great start to the series and this is probably series I will continue in following weeks.
After all this time time I should have learned that movies rarely have much in common with comics they are based on. Movie is classical colorful hero movie with classical movie plotline mandatory schmuck added to set of characters. Comic on the other hand has strong pulpy Lovecraftian atmosphere supported by illustrations in dark pastel colors. Protagonist is also lot different overall.Yes he is still wisecracking but he seems less childish and more balanced flashed out as character.
Overall, great start to the series and this is probably series I will continue in following weeks.
January 23, 2019
Mignola mixes in Nazis, Rasputin, and H.P. Lovecraft into a bubbling, smoking cocktail worthy of Hellboy itself. The scripting here is verbose, but then again it's John Byrne. The story plods in spots. The plotting and voices of the characters gets much better in later volumes, once Byrne is no longer involved. Going back and re-reading this, I'd forgotten how much this lays the groundwork for further stories. Even The Visitor makes an appearance. I love the mixing of Nazis and Lovecraftian lore, I mean are there really any better villains in horror? Hellboy is one of my favorite characters of all time. I'm glad it holds up on re-reads.
November 13, 2018
I always dug Mike Mignola's art as a young teen, he was one of the first comics artists (along with Liefeld and Lee) I felt had a very distinctive style.
That said, the writing on this book was...not the best. I wish I could summon (even demonically!) the enthusiasm people seem to have for the character and the stories but, even though I found them movies pretty OK, I'm not there yet after this volume.
That said, the writing on this book was...not the best. I wish I could summon (even demonically!) the enthusiasm people seem to have for the character and the stories but, even though I found them movies pretty OK, I'm not there yet after this volume.
September 25, 2013
The first book of Hellboy can best be described as The X-Files in Arkham. Totally relevant to my interests. For the most part, it delivers. The villain is a little monologue-y, but that seems to be in character for him. I liked Hellboy's narration, and the art is striking. Aside from the main storyline, there are also a couple of short, action-packed comics there are pretty fun to read.
December 28, 2019
I love Mike Mignola's art style--chunky and dark with occasional flashes of brilliant colors. In this story, Hellboy goes up against a Nazi-sponsored Rasputin, but Rasputin has his own plans. The only weak point in this story is that it isn't really clear why Rasputin is doing what he is doing other than he's just evil.
January 12, 2023
This was a pretty fun book like you are introduced to the world of hellboy and vague hints of his origins and meet the supporting crew like that woman (pyromaniac) and Abe sapien (weird creature) but then the big threat of some weird ancient evil guy who may have summoned our hero (again vague hints) and his big plans to unleash some demons and a bit of "where he was" is shown and its all very fun, the names are too complicated to remember but suffice to say its fun seeing Hellboy fight this being and how he saves the world even at a big cost and this was fun.
You can see from the get-go the love Mignola has for this supernatural stories and all and how well he knows the myth and he crafts it beautifully along with Byrne and there are some other stuff/hints of whats to come so for readers planning to continue reading hellboy stuff, you're in for a ride and I loved the intro to this world and BPRD too! Unique concepts and I can't wait to read more hellboy!!
You can see from the get-go the love Mignola has for this supernatural stories and all and how well he knows the myth and he crafts it beautifully along with Byrne and there are some other stuff/hints of whats to come so for readers planning to continue reading hellboy stuff, you're in for a ride and I loved the intro to this world and BPRD too! Unique concepts and I can't wait to read more hellboy!!
April 14, 2010
I am a man who loves good comic books, and Mike Mignola's Hellboy is exactly that. Good.
It's a solid comic yarn with a charmingly antithetical leading man, fitting pencils, beautiful colour and noirish scripting (helped on by John Byrne in this early volume).
Mike Mignola loves a great action sequence, and Hellboy's big ol' "Right Hand of Doom" and terrible aim with "The Good Samaritan" -- the oversized revolver the eponymous leading man received as a gift from the Torch of Liberty -- ensure that melee style action and battle are at the heart of the pulpy jewel that is Hellboy.
But if you're looking for literary or thematic depth, if you want some philosophy or politics with your graphics, Hellboy isn't for you. It is clever and fun, but not much else. The villains are Nazis and Black Wizards (like Rasputin) and Demons, which doesn't leave much room for ethical debate. The heroes are not complicated, although Mignola tries to pretend they are (consider Professor Bruttenholm's miraculous child rearing skills, which allow him to nurture the demon out of Anung Un Rama. Fun and clever, once again, but too silly to be truly complicated). And the relationships between the main characters are boringly familiar archetypes.
I don't say any of this as criticism, however. I think Mignola's dedication to pulpy goodness is admirable. I don't want all my graphic novels to be Watchmen or Sandman. Just like I don't want all my novels to be Moby Dick or Sound and the Fury.
When I want some fun, some synapse relaxation, I am more than happy to pick up Hellboy and chill. It's the summer blockbuster of the comic book world (its film manifestations, moreover, are damn fine cinematic popcorn fare ), and there is something to be said for plain old entertainment -- no matter the form.
So pick up Hellboy Seed of Destruction when you've got an itch for fun, and I guarantee you won't be disappointed.
Plus, if you're looking for a quick fix without diving into the story proper, this edition offers two mini-adventure Easter eggs, written and penciled as intros to the Hellboy character. A junkyard dog turns into Anubis, a floating Nazi head and a talking Gorilla scientist torture a beautiful woman, and Hellboy saves the day -- quick and dirty like.
If Hellboy is demon hero-lite, these mini-adventures are demon hero-fat free. And heart smart Hellboy is the perfect way to fill any random couple of minutes where you're hankering for a comic book break.
It's a solid comic yarn with a charmingly antithetical leading man, fitting pencils, beautiful colour and noirish scripting (helped on by John Byrne in this early volume).
Mike Mignola loves a great action sequence, and Hellboy's big ol' "Right Hand of Doom" and terrible aim with "The Good Samaritan" -- the oversized revolver the eponymous leading man received as a gift from the Torch of Liberty -- ensure that melee style action and battle are at the heart of the pulpy jewel that is Hellboy.
But if you're looking for literary or thematic depth, if you want some philosophy or politics with your graphics, Hellboy isn't for you. It is clever and fun, but not much else. The villains are Nazis and Black Wizards (like Rasputin) and Demons, which doesn't leave much room for ethical debate. The heroes are not complicated, although Mignola tries to pretend they are (consider Professor Bruttenholm's miraculous child rearing skills, which allow him to nurture the demon out of Anung Un Rama. Fun and clever, once again, but too silly to be truly complicated). And the relationships between the main characters are boringly familiar archetypes.
I don't say any of this as criticism, however. I think Mignola's dedication to pulpy goodness is admirable. I don't want all my graphic novels to be Watchmen or Sandman. Just like I don't want all my novels to be Moby Dick or Sound and the Fury.
When I want some fun, some synapse relaxation, I am more than happy to pick up Hellboy and chill. It's the summer blockbuster of the comic book world (its film manifestations, moreover, are damn fine cinematic popcorn fare ), and there is something to be said for plain old entertainment -- no matter the form.
So pick up Hellboy Seed of Destruction when you've got an itch for fun, and I guarantee you won't be disappointed.
Plus, if you're looking for a quick fix without diving into the story proper, this edition offers two mini-adventure Easter eggs, written and penciled as intros to the Hellboy character. A junkyard dog turns into Anubis, a floating Nazi head and a talking Gorilla scientist torture a beautiful woman, and Hellboy saves the day -- quick and dirty like.
If Hellboy is demon hero-lite, these mini-adventures are demon hero-fat free. And heart smart Hellboy is the perfect way to fill any random couple of minutes where you're hankering for a comic book break.
August 14, 2019
This comic was very great!
June 24, 2017
Why haven't I read this sooner? Mike Mignola pens a great tale in this, Seed of Destruction, my first Hellboy book. I truly enjoyed everything about it from the haunting and atmospheric artwork to the wonderful tale being told. This is what good comics and good artwork look like.
I really liked this "introduction" to Hellboy. It seems Rasputin, even though they don't specifically call him that, survived his assassination attempt by making a deal with the Serpent. The Serpent promised him life and more power if he would champion the Serpent's cause by freeing the Seven Old Gods who slept in their prisons. Rasputin agrees and during the outbreak of World War 2 is approached by Himmler and the SS to help the Third Reich secure victory. Rasputin's ploy is to show the Nazi's his work in summoning a powerful entity to help their cause, without informing them that the said entity (Hellboy) would also be the conduit through which the Old Gods would be freed from their prisons. The rest of the story is Hellboy and the BPRD battling against Rasputin and his plans to summon the Elder Gods and destroy Earth. For that you must certainly read this wonderful tale yourself.
This was my first Hellboy book. I enjoyed every aspect of it. The use of the Lovecraftian Old Gods concept was quite well done. I really enjoyed "Rasputin" and his character. The myhtos underpinning the story is a well done mix of occult rituals and a call to entities similar to H.P. Lovecraft's Elder Gods who thirsted for destruction, blood and death.
The artwork was also very well done and complementary to the story. Mike Mignola is a VERY talented person to be able to tell such a tale and illustrate it himself as well. It is a distinctive type of art, that while lacking some detail conveys a great deal of feeling just by the nature if the backgrounds. The dark somber colors are also fitting for this occult tale of black magic based summoning.
What can I say? Comic book fans, fantasy/horror fiction fans, fans of original art and of course- fans of Hellboy or Mike Mignola should definitely read this starting volume in the series. It will explain Hellboy's origin and introduce you to the rest of the BPRD in the form of Liz, the Pyromancer, and Abe Sapien, who is well uh...hmmm.....well he's Abe Sapien. All of these are reasons to highly recommend this book to anyone who meets the aforementioned criterion. This is seriously well done and I am ashamed I'd never read it before now. Don't be like me. Read this great graphic novel.
I really liked this "introduction" to Hellboy. It seems Rasputin, even though they don't specifically call him that, survived his assassination attempt by making a deal with the Serpent. The Serpent promised him life and more power if he would champion the Serpent's cause by freeing the Seven Old Gods who slept in their prisons. Rasputin agrees and during the outbreak of World War 2 is approached by Himmler and the SS to help the Third Reich secure victory. Rasputin's ploy is to show the Nazi's his work in summoning a powerful entity to help their cause, without informing them that the said entity (Hellboy) would also be the conduit through which the Old Gods would be freed from their prisons. The rest of the story is Hellboy and the BPRD battling against Rasputin and his plans to summon the Elder Gods and destroy Earth. For that you must certainly read this wonderful tale yourself.
This was my first Hellboy book. I enjoyed every aspect of it. The use of the Lovecraftian Old Gods concept was quite well done. I really enjoyed "Rasputin" and his character. The myhtos underpinning the story is a well done mix of occult rituals and a call to entities similar to H.P. Lovecraft's Elder Gods who thirsted for destruction, blood and death.
The artwork was also very well done and complementary to the story. Mike Mignola is a VERY talented person to be able to tell such a tale and illustrate it himself as well. It is a distinctive type of art, that while lacking some detail conveys a great deal of feeling just by the nature if the backgrounds. The dark somber colors are also fitting for this occult tale of black magic based summoning.
What can I say? Comic book fans, fantasy/horror fiction fans, fans of original art and of course- fans of Hellboy or Mike Mignola should definitely read this starting volume in the series. It will explain Hellboy's origin and introduce you to the rest of the BPRD in the form of Liz, the Pyromancer, and Abe Sapien, who is well uh...hmmm.....well he's Abe Sapien. All of these are reasons to highly recommend this book to anyone who meets the aforementioned criterion. This is seriously well done and I am ashamed I'd never read it before now. Don't be like me. Read this great graphic novel.
March 9, 2018
Man, I wanted to like this more. I didn’t.
What’s it about?
There’s this supernatural creature from Hell that a group of paranormal investigators find as a child and call him Hellboy. He investigates supernatural events and fights monsters as he doesn’t want to be an evil demon but a good guy instead, in this arc he has to deal with some creepy stuff involving frogs.
Pros:
Hellboy is a bad-a** and interesting fellow.
The art is fantastic!
This book is very unpredictable. Lots of suspense throughout.
There’s some great supernatural action scenes!
This is a very weird horror story, I’m always a fan of weird horror if done right, I’d say this is fun and done right.
Cons:
The story isn’t horrible but it didn’t interest me very much.
The supporting characters could’ve been interesting but I feel like except for the villain, they didn’t get the attention they deserved. Lots more could’ve been done with them. The villain wasn’t very interesting either, kinda stereotypical comic book villain.
I was SOOOO bored by the villain monologues, holy s***. I can understand why there’d be a bit to give the villain some character but most of this book is taken up by it. Very annoying!
Overall:
Not a bad book but I expected it to be a lot better. I might read the 2nd volume at some point but it won’t be a priority. It’s good for a weird horror comic with cool art but seriously, we didn’t need all that long blabbing from the stereotypical villain.
3/5
What’s it about?
There’s this supernatural creature from Hell that a group of paranormal investigators find as a child and call him Hellboy. He investigates supernatural events and fights monsters as he doesn’t want to be an evil demon but a good guy instead, in this arc he has to deal with some creepy stuff involving frogs.
Pros:
Hellboy is a bad-a** and interesting fellow.
The art is fantastic!
This book is very unpredictable. Lots of suspense throughout.
There’s some great supernatural action scenes!
This is a very weird horror story, I’m always a fan of weird horror if done right, I’d say this is fun and done right.
Cons:
The story isn’t horrible but it didn’t interest me very much.
The supporting characters could’ve been interesting but I feel like except for the villain, they didn’t get the attention they deserved. Lots more could’ve been done with them. The villain wasn’t very interesting either, kinda stereotypical comic book villain.
I was SOOOO bored by the villain monologues, holy s***. I can understand why there’d be a bit to give the villain some character but most of this book is taken up by it. Very annoying!
Overall:
Not a bad book but I expected it to be a lot better. I might read the 2nd volume at some point but it won’t be a priority. It’s good for a weird horror comic with cool art but seriously, we didn’t need all that long blabbing from the stereotypical villain.
3/5
October 15, 2017
So much better on the second reading! John Byrne's writing style is still an annoyance, but oh man, did I miss so many important details from this volume when I first read it. Hellboy is an incredible story, even if it took me a long while to get into it the first time I was reading the books. But the atmosphere, the mythos, the great artwork — it's all already here, in the very first trade. Still, it gets sooo much better in the following volumes — I can't recommend Hellboy enough!
First read: September 1, 2015
Rating: ★★★・・
Second read: October 10, 2016
Rating: ★★★★・
First read: September 1, 2015
Rating: ★★★・・
Second read: October 10, 2016
Rating: ★★★★・
January 10, 2021
Nazi-fighting demon? Satanic Rasputin? Mythical monsters? Sign me up!
Unfortunately when compared to the Sistine Chapel it's no wonder I was disappointed--the editor made this comparison in jest, obviously, but made it nonetheless. Hellboy isn't bad--in fact there's fantastic art, a great story, and some great one-liners--but I was just expecting some indie comic nonstop thrill ride. It's dark fantasy meets historical fiction, but the action reads more like crime procedural meets old school horror (i.e. slooooow). Think Poe meets Lovecraft. I think the pacing is a bit slow and there isn't enough characterization or depth. I'll read onto Vol. 2 but that may be the end of the series for me.
July 2, 2015
Like Hellboy? This is where to start with the graphic novels, if you haven't already read it. You'll like it. I promise.
Not familiar with Hellboy? Start reading here, it's an awesome origin. There's really nothing else like it. Also, see the movies, they're by Guillermo del Toro, and they're really good.
Don't like Hellboy? Well that's on you. What isn't to like about a paranormal graphic novel following a trenchcoat-wearing demon that fights evil monsters and Nazis, occasionally at the same time?
Bonus: This collects not only features Hellboy's origin story, but also has the first two Hellboy stories ever published, used to promote and introduce the character. Woohoo, extra Hellboy!
Not familiar with Hellboy? Start reading here, it's an awesome origin. There's really nothing else like it. Also, see the movies, they're by Guillermo del Toro, and they're really good.
Don't like Hellboy? Well that's on you. What isn't to like about a paranormal graphic novel following a trenchcoat-wearing demon that fights evil monsters and Nazis, occasionally at the same time?
Bonus: This collects not only features Hellboy's origin story, but also has the first two Hellboy stories ever published, used to promote and introduce the character. Woohoo, extra Hellboy!
November 25, 2022
A supernatural premise that tries to ground itself in historical reality, Hellboy provides some interesting ideas without delivering on much of what I personally look for in a story. Whilst many of the plot points and intricacies appealed, the characters didn't quite click, and there were no feelings of personal attachment to any of the main cast by the end. It leaves a lot to be desired, but succeeds in engaging the reader when it comes to storyline.
May 24, 2020
One hell of a first volume!
Mike Mignola's art is always a win. It gives off a gothic feel, and seems to go so well with this comic book. My feelings towards John Byrne's writing is mixed. The narration is written well, but the dialogues are unnecessarily verbose. The characters are yet to be fleshed out, but the introduction is interesting enough to keep the readers captivated.
Mike Mignola's art is always a win. It gives off a gothic feel, and seems to go so well with this comic book. My feelings towards John Byrne's writing is mixed. The narration is written well, but the dialogues are unnecessarily verbose. The characters are yet to be fleshed out, but the introduction is interesting enough to keep the readers captivated.
January 21, 2019
Reread: January 2019:
Actually a lot weirder than the movies, and that's saying something!
Previous Review:
It was really interesting to read the comic for Hellboy after seeing the movie first and so many years ago. It's no secret how much I love Hellboy. I am eternally grateful to the Guillermo Del Toro movie (made with Mignola as his concept and art designer) for introducing me to this wonderful character and world where dark folklore has a vivid life (with some added humor). I think that seeing the movie first did affect my rating. I hate to say this, but I think the movie was more dramatic in many ways than the graphic novel. Maybe that's a good thing that Del Toro and Mignola collaborated so well to make such a fantastic cinematic vision that cemented unforgettable imagery in my brain. Having said that, I did enjoy this graphic novel version.
The storyline is actually quite different in several ways. It was darker (if that is possible), and Professor Bruttenholm (pronounced Broom)'s fate is harder to accept in the graphic novel (I felt it was more poetic in the movie). Having said that, the graphic novel should stand alone, and should be respected for what it is, especially considering that this is the first full-length collection in the series (a few preliminary shorts notwithstanding), and a very strong foundation for a series that has branched out into so many different media (I am still keeping fingers crossed for a TV show).
Hellboy is quite a leading man. His origins are as dark as one can imagine, but he rises above that to be more. That's a moral in itself. Another way in which the movie excels because you can see that pathos played out in the excellent acting of Ron Perlman as Hellboy in the movie and in his relationship with his mentor, who is played by John Hurt. (Okay, stop talking about the movie!!) Anyway, his wisecracks and his power punches add some levity to the dark storyline. Hellboy does get beat up a lot in this book, and I love the line "Gonna be sore in the morning." I love this big, red guy.
Also appearances by Liz Sherman (who has her own angst to deal with), and Abe Sapien. Together, the make a good team.
The villain is nasty with a capital N. His master plan very dark and foul, but he had Hellboy all wrong, because Hellboy is no one's tool. and neither is Liz Sherman.
I do feel that this graphic novel suffered from having insufficient dialogue/text. The panels tell a lot of the story, which isn't bad. Again, I think it comes from having watched the movie first. Ultimately, I have to give this 4.5 stars, not only because of what's there in this graphic novel, but what it has created in the creative arena, and the impact that this series has had on my literary life. Not a small one.
I stand by the assertion that Mignola is a literary hero of mine. I will not be moved from that.
Actually a lot weirder than the movies, and that's saying something!
Previous Review:
It was really interesting to read the comic for Hellboy after seeing the movie first and so many years ago. It's no secret how much I love Hellboy. I am eternally grateful to the Guillermo Del Toro movie (made with Mignola as his concept and art designer) for introducing me to this wonderful character and world where dark folklore has a vivid life (with some added humor). I think that seeing the movie first did affect my rating. I hate to say this, but I think the movie was more dramatic in many ways than the graphic novel. Maybe that's a good thing that Del Toro and Mignola collaborated so well to make such a fantastic cinematic vision that cemented unforgettable imagery in my brain. Having said that, I did enjoy this graphic novel version.
The storyline is actually quite different in several ways. It was darker (if that is possible), and Professor Bruttenholm (pronounced Broom)'s fate is harder to accept in the graphic novel (I felt it was more poetic in the movie). Having said that, the graphic novel should stand alone, and should be respected for what it is, especially considering that this is the first full-length collection in the series (a few preliminary shorts notwithstanding), and a very strong foundation for a series that has branched out into so many different media (I am still keeping fingers crossed for a TV show).
Hellboy is quite a leading man. His origins are as dark as one can imagine, but he rises above that to be more. That's a moral in itself. Another way in which the movie excels because you can see that pathos played out in the excellent acting of Ron Perlman as Hellboy in the movie and in his relationship with his mentor, who is played by John Hurt. (Okay, stop talking about the movie!!) Anyway, his wisecracks and his power punches add some levity to the dark storyline. Hellboy does get beat up a lot in this book, and I love the line "Gonna be sore in the morning." I love this big, red guy.
Also appearances by Liz Sherman (who has her own angst to deal with), and Abe Sapien. Together, the make a good team.
The villain is nasty with a capital N. His master plan very dark and foul, but he had Hellboy all wrong, because Hellboy is no one's tool. and neither is Liz Sherman.
I do feel that this graphic novel suffered from having insufficient dialogue/text. The panels tell a lot of the story, which isn't bad. Again, I think it comes from having watched the movie first. Ultimately, I have to give this 4.5 stars, not only because of what's there in this graphic novel, but what it has created in the creative arena, and the impact that this series has had on my literary life. Not a small one.
I stand by the assertion that Mignola is a literary hero of mine. I will not be moved from that.
January 1, 2020
This was fun and refreshing! The story was unique, the art seemed to vibe really well, and it was a great way to start off the New Year! Happy 2020 everyone!!
July 18, 2018
This is the first handful of Hellboy comics collected by Darkhorse. Hellboy (not his real name, but no one, including him, knows his real name) is self-billed as the “world’s greatest paranormal investigator.” And, maybe this is what attracted Guillermo del Toro to make a movie of his origin and adventures.
One of the attractions of Hellboy is his looks (see cover). But as he says, “I may not be as scary as I look, but I’m every bit as tough.” In fact, Mike Mignola’s Hellboy, may embody most of humanity’s virtues. But most of our species judge a book by its cover, and that lends itself to many of the narratives.
Much of the plot of Volume 1 can be characterized as Mignola meets Lovecraft. Is that decaying mansion with its ancient occupants merely the last stop for a family dynasty or is there something else at work? Ready or not, Hellboy is thrust into a plot that brings together something of his origins and something more ancient and terrifying.
I liked the plot, I liked the characterization, the cover by Dave Stewart and the other ink work by Mark Chiarello. It shows off excellently on my Kindle Fire which allows viewing by either a “normal” comic book page or by each single panel.
One of the attractions of Hellboy is his looks (see cover). But as he says, “I may not be as scary as I look, but I’m every bit as tough.” In fact, Mike Mignola’s Hellboy, may embody most of humanity’s virtues. But most of our species judge a book by its cover, and that lends itself to many of the narratives.
Much of the plot of Volume 1 can be characterized as Mignola meets Lovecraft. Is that decaying mansion with its ancient occupants merely the last stop for a family dynasty or is there something else at work? Ready or not, Hellboy is thrust into a plot that brings together something of his origins and something more ancient and terrifying.
I liked the plot, I liked the characterization, the cover by Dave Stewart and the other ink work by Mark Chiarello. It shows off excellently on my Kindle Fire which allows viewing by either a “normal” comic book page or by each single panel.
January 1, 2019
Having only seen the Hellboy movies, this comic was a bit of a surprise. First of all, this really isn't a comic about over-the-top action. Everything is very dark, subdued, and moody. It's almost as if someone took a Lovecraft story and plopped Hellboy down in the middle of it.
There is, of course, some action, but it really doesn't feel like it's what this book is about. It's really trying to set a certain mood, and I think it does its job admirably. Overall, I am glad that this was different than I expected. There are plenty comics with nonstop action, but to have a good mix of action and creepy atmosphere is a bit rarer to find.
There is, of course, some action, but it really doesn't feel like it's what this book is about. It's really trying to set a certain mood, and I think it does its job admirably. Overall, I am glad that this was different than I expected. There are plenty comics with nonstop action, but to have a good mix of action and creepy atmosphere is a bit rarer to find.
August 23, 2016
As a huge fan of the movies, I came to this book wanting to know more about Hellboy. This is very different from HB1 but I liked it. The Lovecraft inspiration is obvious (and that's ok). I liked the story, I liked the art. I like all the lil bits of new info- like Hellboy can't see in the dark any better than a human can, what?! There is more creatures like him? I'm definitely reading the next one.
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