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The World of Hellboy: Standalone Books
Crimson Lotus
The Crimson Lotus, Lobster Johnson's greatest adversary, has her origins revealed in this heart-pounding story of intrigue and magic!The Crimson Lotus began life as a young girl whose family was caught up in the Russo-Japanese war. Thirty years later, she exacts her revenge against those who wronged her with terrifying results! Two spies in China must try to chase her down before they become just another pair of flies in her web.
144 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2019
5 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
John Arcudi
943 books100 followersJohn Arcudi has made a name for himself by scripting comics that manage to combine long-running subplots with impeccable characterization and action sequences, making for some of the most exciting and consistently good comics out today.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
July 11, 2019
Really not up to par with other books from the Mignolaverse. This is billed as a Crimson Lotus origin story but she's a minor character in her own book. The book is really a spy book set in China where the Crimson Lotus comes in as a generic bad guy to fight them. The only part of her origin that was shown was a bit from her childhood that I didn't even realize was about her. I thought the kid was the female spy until I read other reviews, not Crimson Lotus. Overall, just a really, empty surface story. I didn't care for Mindy Lee's art in this. It's very animation oriented and didn't really fit in with other Mignolaverse books.
Received a review copy from Dark Horse and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
Received a review copy from Dark Horse and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
August 30, 2023
A not very interesting supernatural James Bond-y story in japan-occupied China in the 30’s.
Crimson Lotus is just a generic villain and her so-called origins are so vaguely hinted at it’s laughable.
The deus-ex-machina closing the main action is annoyingly forced and the final twist so predictable it’s embarrassing.
I didn’t care much for Mindy Lee’s cartoony art either
Crimson Lotus is just a generic villain and her so-called origins are so vaguely hinted at it’s laughable.
The deus-ex-machina closing the main action is annoyingly forced and the final twist so predictable it’s embarrassing.
I didn’t care much for Mindy Lee’s cartoony art either
April 3, 2019
Another much like the Rasputin book...
World: The art is good for the most part but why oh why can the artist not write correct Chinese characters for the signage? Is it really that much of an effort? Would you write nonsense for English language signs? Argh this annoys me when artists don’t make an effort, they can make the effort to set the books in a nice setting but won’t do 30 mins of research with google. The world bulding is okay, it’s very basic in it’s structure, there is Japan and then Harbin China. Harbin looks like any other asian locale and so does the small island. The characters are interesting and it does call back to the Mignolaverse and Lobster Johnson which is a plus. Add to that the political and war climate during that time in Asia it’s a nice setting. Not very deep, and very surface level but it’s a nice change from Western settings for the Mignolaverse.
Story: The story is aight, it’s not really a Crimson Lotus story, there are pieces here and there but it’s really a spy tale with Chinese spy’s that I already forgotten their names cause the story was only okay. The chase for the supernatural, doesn’t really happen all that much in until the end and the rest of it is rather a ho hum middle of the road spy book with all the cliches of fighting on top of a train and even a tunnel. We don’t really get the origin of Lotus and where she came from and her power set and who she’s working for and the relationship with her when she’s a child and a classic HB villain is barely touched upon. In the end this was a rather ho hum mean nothing side quest that does not really add anything to the Mignolaverse of note.
Characters: I wanted to learn more about the Crimson Lotus, an Asian character was going to be interesting and her relationship with Daimo would be nice but we don’t get any depth here at all for her character, other than the original part on the island. Everthing else is paper thin, why is she working for who she’s working for, what’s her drive, what are her powers, what are those monkeys?? None of it is clear and barely touched upon so by the end of the book she’s barely developed. Then there are the two mains in the book which are also paper thing and don’t really add anything, I got no personality from them and it was rather just run of the mill spy characters that did nothing in particular. Add to that the tie ins to the Mignolaverse which I won’t spoil here are few and far between and when it does happen it’s nice but not really the impact that Mignola was expecting and rings rather hollow.
It was not a great book, it didn’t really do anything for the Mignolaverse.
*read individual issues*
World: The art is good for the most part but why oh why can the artist not write correct Chinese characters for the signage? Is it really that much of an effort? Would you write nonsense for English language signs? Argh this annoys me when artists don’t make an effort, they can make the effort to set the books in a nice setting but won’t do 30 mins of research with google. The world bulding is okay, it’s very basic in it’s structure, there is Japan and then Harbin China. Harbin looks like any other asian locale and so does the small island. The characters are interesting and it does call back to the Mignolaverse and Lobster Johnson which is a plus. Add to that the political and war climate during that time in Asia it’s a nice setting. Not very deep, and very surface level but it’s a nice change from Western settings for the Mignolaverse.
Story: The story is aight, it’s not really a Crimson Lotus story, there are pieces here and there but it’s really a spy tale with Chinese spy’s that I already forgotten their names cause the story was only okay. The chase for the supernatural, doesn’t really happen all that much in until the end and the rest of it is rather a ho hum middle of the road spy book with all the cliches of fighting on top of a train and even a tunnel. We don’t really get the origin of Lotus and where she came from and her power set and who she’s working for and the relationship with her when she’s a child and a classic HB villain is barely touched upon. In the end this was a rather ho hum mean nothing side quest that does not really add anything to the Mignolaverse of note.
Characters: I wanted to learn more about the Crimson Lotus, an Asian character was going to be interesting and her relationship with Daimo would be nice but we don’t get any depth here at all for her character, other than the original part on the island. Everthing else is paper thin, why is she working for who she’s working for, what’s her drive, what are her powers, what are those monkeys?? None of it is clear and barely touched upon so by the end of the book she’s barely developed. Then there are the two mains in the book which are also paper thing and don’t really add anything, I got no personality from them and it was rather just run of the mill spy characters that did nothing in particular. Add to that the tie ins to the Mignolaverse which I won’t spoil here are few and far between and when it does happen it’s nice but not really the impact that Mignola was expecting and rings rather hollow.
It was not a great book, it didn’t really do anything for the Mignolaverse.
*read individual issues*
May 10, 2021
It fits the style of the other Hellboy-adjacent tales, but the deus-ex conclusion to the big fight is inexplicable and bizarre if you don't know the mythos and the ending is like none of the others - unresolved and unsatisfying, begging for a sequel rather than wrapping up the tale.
August 3, 2019
You'll note that Mignola's name isn't on the spine of this one, and it shows, though I don't necessarily mean that in a bad way. This feels very much like an espionage story that just has some supernatural trappings. Like the Rasputin and Black Flame books, with which it feels of a piece, the title character is still a villain and a secondary figure, even while we get to see her origins.
The art here is by Mindy Lee, who has worked on a bunch of other stuff. It's cartoony and it pops, reminding me of a Jackie Chan Adventures comic I once had.
The art here is by Mindy Lee, who has worked on a bunch of other stuff. It's cartoony and it pops, reminding me of a Jackie Chan Adventures comic I once had.
March 2, 2020
Really meh....set in Hellboy universe but nowhere as good.
August 25, 2021
So, as a Hellboy (Mignolaverse) fanatic I now own every book of Hellboy and the many spinoffs, and... If you, reading this review right now are like me, you can skip it.
Don't get me wrong, parts of this are good and do have merit. I really liked the art style and the Crimson Lotus is cool, and kinda underutilized in the Lobster Johnson comics, so I was excited to see more of her and her monkeys. Also (spoilers) Vasilisa showing up was great. I always enjoy that little demon.
Howeeeveeer. While the art was good, I found the action very hard to follow. None of the attacks where like, telegraphed in previous panels, with people being hit and thrown into walls by seemingly nothing. Also, the Crimson Lotus wasn't the main character in her own book? Weird choice.Our main protags were alright, if not a little underdeveloped.
So all in all it's ok. I don't think it's a great fit in the Hellboy universe and as a stand alone comic I don't think it would work at all, but like. I've read worse fiction than this. Lol
Don't get me wrong, parts of this are good and do have merit. I really liked the art style and the Crimson Lotus is cool, and kinda underutilized in the Lobster Johnson comics, so I was excited to see more of her and her monkeys. Also (spoilers) Vasilisa showing up was great. I always enjoy that little demon.
Howeeeveeer. While the art was good, I found the action very hard to follow. None of the attacks where like, telegraphed in previous panels, with people being hit and thrown into walls by seemingly nothing. Also, the Crimson Lotus wasn't the main character in her own book? Weird choice.Our main protags were alright, if not a little underdeveloped.
So all in all it's ok. I don't think it's a great fit in the Hellboy universe and as a stand alone comic I don't think it would work at all, but like. I've read worse fiction than this. Lol
November 13, 2019
3
I tend to avoid the spin-off books as much as possible, but Mike Mignola has created a world for Hellboy that is hard to avoid. Crimson Lotus is an okay book. Does it really need to exist? Probably not. It is interesting to see where some characters come from, but overall it never lends too much backstory. In fact the character is more of side character in her own book, which is an odd decision.
Why the 3?
The artwork doesn't disappoint and the storyline is serviceable. I'm a little shocked they chose this particular storyline for this book, it just never serves a purpose. I didn't hate the book, even after being subjected to the reviews on here first. I expected a dud, but it's not the worst comic book I have read. It should've been better and maybe with a little more structure it might've been. I'm not going to slag this book as I have a soft heart for Hellboy, but it doesn't add anything. Good for some interest, but you could skip this.
I tend to avoid the spin-off books as much as possible, but Mike Mignola has created a world for Hellboy that is hard to avoid. Crimson Lotus is an okay book. Does it really need to exist? Probably not. It is interesting to see where some characters come from, but overall it never lends too much backstory. In fact the character is more of side character in her own book, which is an odd decision.
Why the 3?
The artwork doesn't disappoint and the storyline is serviceable. I'm a little shocked they chose this particular storyline for this book, it just never serves a purpose. I didn't hate the book, even after being subjected to the reviews on here first. I expected a dud, but it's not the worst comic book I have read. It should've been better and maybe with a little more structure it might've been. I'm not going to slag this book as I have a soft heart for Hellboy, but it doesn't add anything. Good for some interest, but you could skip this.
May 26, 2025
I’ve actually read this one almost through twice now. I don’t like having to read from PDF files. This one actually comes from the same world as Hellboy without actually having him around in it. I feel like this was very well written and I really enjoy the art style in it. For anyone who is a fan of the macabre.
January 4, 2021
This wasn’t really what I was expecting. I didn’t feel like the story was as fleshed out as it needed to be. There was very little origin and it seemed like the focus wasn’t where it needed to be to make this a great story. I did really enjoy the illustrations thought. They were beautifully done.
July 7, 2023
That was better than I was expecting to be honest. It's nothing amazing or essential but if a story about the second sino-japanese war written by John Arcudi interests you then it's worth a look. If not then you're not missing anything.
June 23, 2021
This is fun, but the build up was better than the wrap up.
June 26, 2019
The uncommon setting (Manchuria under Japanese occupation) isn't enough to save this empty spinoff. The Crimson Lotus herself barely gets any focus and everything is far too actiony. I thought witches were supposed to be subtle and sinister? I don't see any potential if this ends up getting more volumes.
February 14, 2022
Rating: 2 stars - It was ok
Crimson Lotus is one of Lobster Johnson’s adversaries. This is supposed to be the Lotus’s origin story but I feel it wasn’t very much of an origin story. We don’t really get any information about why she became the Crimson Lotus or how she learned magic. There is just a brief scene from her childhood and she wasn’t even the main focus of it. This whole comic focused more on the two Chinese spy’s trying to capture the Crimson Lotus.
Overall, this wasn’t a great comic because it wasn’t really an origin story, nor was it very interesting.
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
Crimson Lotus is one of Lobster Johnson’s adversaries. This is supposed to be the Lotus’s origin story but I feel it wasn’t very much of an origin story. We don’t really get any information about why she became the Crimson Lotus or how she learned magic. There is just a brief scene from her childhood and she wasn’t even the main focus of it. This whole comic focused more on the two Chinese spy’s trying to capture the Crimson Lotus.
Overall, this wasn’t a great comic because it wasn’t really an origin story, nor was it very interesting.
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
November 7, 2022
Kinda just fine. I liked a couple bits, liked the classic spy thriller vibe. Art is up and down. I enjoy the style a lot in splash pages and as single illustrations, but I don't feel that it flows particularly well narratively, and the closeups on faces feel generic and cartoony. It's like a level of detail thing. Gesture and posing and composition is really strong and stylish, but the character moments don't hold enough information to communicate correctly or something. I'd be very curious to see their other work, tho, it's really great in many ways. I bet they'd really sing in a less talky project.
March 27, 2019
Well that was kind of a mess. A story mostly not about The Crimson Louts that amounted to what? Mostly ? Didn't even allude to .
Disappointing.
Disappointing.
November 28, 2023
Dropping down to 3/5 on this read through. Zero character development or background on Crimson Lotus. Enjoyed the story and Mignolaverse cameos, but barely a Crimson Lotus book.
June 3, 2020
Il Mignolaverse inaugurato con Hellboy si espande sempre di più e dopo aver approfondito vari personaggi, finalmente viene posta sotto i riflettori la storia del Loto Cremisi, che apparsa come antagonista di Lobster Johnson ha talmente incuriosito i lettori da meritarsi una testata propria, scritta da John Arcudi e disegnata da Mindy Lee, con i colori di Michelle Madsen. Il fumetto, come tutti quelli legati ad Hellboy, è pubblicato da Magic Press in Italia.
Ci sono due tipi di persone che possono approcciarsi a questa lettura, ovvero quelli che conoscono già il personaggio del Loto Cremisi e coloro che invece, più o meno appassionati del mondo di Hellboy, sono attratti dal nome o dalla copertina, ma non conoscono tutte le altre storie e i vari collegamenti. In questo caso preferisco adottare il punto di vista del neofita, perché chi conosce già il Mignolaverse sicuramente si troverà a suo agio nella lettura, ma è fondamentale capire se può essere utile a catturare l’interesse di nuovi lettori e la mia risposta è: sì.
Nonostante un inizio leggermente caotico, in cui nel giro di poche pagine si viene sballottati in diverse ambientazioni per introdurre i personaggi principali ed il mondo in cui agiscono, Arcudi riesce a non disorientare il lettore, rendendolo invece parte integrante della narrazione in modo da far sentire storia, protagonisti e paesaggi quasi familiari già dagli inizi.
La storia ruota attorno a due spie cinesi fuori dal comune: Dai Jieh (letteralmente un 007 asiatico del 1932) e l’affascinante agente Shengli, dedita alle arti magiche quanto il Loto Cremisi ma decisamente alle prime armi rispetto a lei. Loro sono sulle tracce del Loto per impedirle di attuare una tremenda vendetta nei confronti dei responsabili della morte dei suoi cari (che avrebbe terribili effetti su scala internazionale), eppure sembra più che sia lei a tenerli in pugno.
Il ritmo battente della narrazione segue sempre il veloce susseguirsi degli eventi, enfatizzando ancora di più la frenesia delle azioni; l’unico momento totalmente fuori dal resto della narrazione è quello iniziale in cui si vede una giovanissima Miryoku nel 1904, periodo di guerra fra Russia e Cina, prendere la strada per diventare il Loto Cremisi. Il flashback è brevissimo e proprio per questo è di grande impatto: non si sofferma su come lei sia cresciuta, sui suoi studi, le difficoltà, bensì punta tutto sull’evento che ha cambiato la sua vita (inoltre la presenza del personaggio di Rasputin rende questo momento ancora più intrigante ed esoterico). Tutto il resto del fumetto è orchestrato da John Arcudi con un’ottima sinergia fra azione e spionaggio, combattimenti e spiegazioni.
Fra arti magiche, intrighi, inseguimenti e combattimenti la lettura procede scorrevole e coinvolgente. Il Loto Cremisi è un volume unico molto valido, che merita senza dubbio di essere scoperto. Il personaggio è interessante e ben sviluppato (come anche gli altri protagonisti del volume), inoltre vedere la nascita di un antagonista porta sempre con sé un certo fascino: il mondo non è mai sazio delle storie dei cattivi.
I disegni sono stati affidati a Mindy Lee che gestisce benissimo espressioni, azioni e sfondi, anche se a volte il suo stile un po’ spigoloso fa perdere la qualità di alcuni particolari e non potrebbe riscontrare il gusto di tutti i lettori (seppure sia decisamente in linea con lo stile di Mignola, quindi chi apprezza la serie dedicata al diavolo rosso dovrebbe apprezzare anche il suo tratto).
Il fumetto si presenta corposo e in 144 pagine racconta quanto basta per soddisfare lettore senza lasciarlo con l’amaro in bocca. Un piacevolissimo valore aggiunto alla fine è dato dalla presenza dello studio dei personaggi e di come si siano evoluti anche a livello grafico, la spiegazione di com’è stata realizzata una scena della storia ed infine i bozzetti delle copertine (negli Stati Uniti fumetti come questo vengono pubblicati in più uscite come spillati, difatti questo volume racchiude cinque albi).
Leggere Il Loto Cremisi è come vedere su carta un film di 007 con ambientazioni differenti, incentrato sull’antagonista e con un pizzico di magia. È un’ottima lettura sia per gli appassionati dell’universo creato da Mike Mignola che per chiunque voglia affrontare una nuova storia del suo universo.
Ci sono due tipi di persone che possono approcciarsi a questa lettura, ovvero quelli che conoscono già il personaggio del Loto Cremisi e coloro che invece, più o meno appassionati del mondo di Hellboy, sono attratti dal nome o dalla copertina, ma non conoscono tutte le altre storie e i vari collegamenti. In questo caso preferisco adottare il punto di vista del neofita, perché chi conosce già il Mignolaverse sicuramente si troverà a suo agio nella lettura, ma è fondamentale capire se può essere utile a catturare l’interesse di nuovi lettori e la mia risposta è: sì.
Nonostante un inizio leggermente caotico, in cui nel giro di poche pagine si viene sballottati in diverse ambientazioni per introdurre i personaggi principali ed il mondo in cui agiscono, Arcudi riesce a non disorientare il lettore, rendendolo invece parte integrante della narrazione in modo da far sentire storia, protagonisti e paesaggi quasi familiari già dagli inizi.
La storia ruota attorno a due spie cinesi fuori dal comune: Dai Jieh (letteralmente un 007 asiatico del 1932) e l’affascinante agente Shengli, dedita alle arti magiche quanto il Loto Cremisi ma decisamente alle prime armi rispetto a lei. Loro sono sulle tracce del Loto per impedirle di attuare una tremenda vendetta nei confronti dei responsabili della morte dei suoi cari (che avrebbe terribili effetti su scala internazionale), eppure sembra più che sia lei a tenerli in pugno.
Il ritmo battente della narrazione segue sempre il veloce susseguirsi degli eventi, enfatizzando ancora di più la frenesia delle azioni; l’unico momento totalmente fuori dal resto della narrazione è quello iniziale in cui si vede una giovanissima Miryoku nel 1904, periodo di guerra fra Russia e Cina, prendere la strada per diventare il Loto Cremisi. Il flashback è brevissimo e proprio per questo è di grande impatto: non si sofferma su come lei sia cresciuta, sui suoi studi, le difficoltà, bensì punta tutto sull’evento che ha cambiato la sua vita (inoltre la presenza del personaggio di Rasputin rende questo momento ancora più intrigante ed esoterico). Tutto il resto del fumetto è orchestrato da John Arcudi con un’ottima sinergia fra azione e spionaggio, combattimenti e spiegazioni.
Fra arti magiche, intrighi, inseguimenti e combattimenti la lettura procede scorrevole e coinvolgente. Il Loto Cremisi è un volume unico molto valido, che merita senza dubbio di essere scoperto. Il personaggio è interessante e ben sviluppato (come anche gli altri protagonisti del volume), inoltre vedere la nascita di un antagonista porta sempre con sé un certo fascino: il mondo non è mai sazio delle storie dei cattivi.
I disegni sono stati affidati a Mindy Lee che gestisce benissimo espressioni, azioni e sfondi, anche se a volte il suo stile un po’ spigoloso fa perdere la qualità di alcuni particolari e non potrebbe riscontrare il gusto di tutti i lettori (seppure sia decisamente in linea con lo stile di Mignola, quindi chi apprezza la serie dedicata al diavolo rosso dovrebbe apprezzare anche il suo tratto).
Il fumetto si presenta corposo e in 144 pagine racconta quanto basta per soddisfare lettore senza lasciarlo con l’amaro in bocca. Un piacevolissimo valore aggiunto alla fine è dato dalla presenza dello studio dei personaggi e di come si siano evoluti anche a livello grafico, la spiegazione di com’è stata realizzata una scena della storia ed infine i bozzetti delle copertine (negli Stati Uniti fumetti come questo vengono pubblicati in più uscite come spillati, difatti questo volume racchiude cinque albi).
Leggere Il Loto Cremisi è come vedere su carta un film di 007 con ambientazioni differenti, incentrato sull’antagonista e con un pizzico di magia. È un’ottima lettura sia per gli appassionati dell’universo creato da Mike Mignola che per chiunque voglia affrontare una nuova storia del suo universo.
December 19, 2024
En la vastedad del Universo propio desprendido de los comics de Hellboy y sagas añadidas como AIDP o Bogavante Johnson. Que no solo añaden infinidad de personajes con sumo potencial, si no que entrelazan unas cronologías que miran tanto al pasado, presente y futuro de esas historias. Es una oportunidad constante el ofrecer buenas propuestas (o cuanto menos, de cierto interés), pero también el solo inflar catálogo de forma inane... Pesando más en este último punto, este Crimson Lotus se descubre como algo bastante frustrante en su apuesta como historia añadida al "Hellboyverse". Pareciendo prometer arrojar más luz en torno a esta antagonista de habilidades místicas de corte asiático. Resulta que esta historia la tiene como "amenaza en las sombras", a cierto parentesco con el Drácula de Bram Stoker (o más bien Nosferatu). Por lo tanto, la propuesta argumental busca unos héroes en una dispar pareja de espías en el crispado panorama de la Invasión japonesa de Manchuria. Se establece una dinámica de espionaje derivada de la aventura y acción "cuasi Indiana Jones" para lo que sale a la luz un galante espía de los servicios de inteligencia chinos que se ve envuelto en una trama más inesperada fuera de su ámbito "terrenal".
Es cierto que tenemos a un autor habitual del "Hellboyverse" como John Arcudi dando empaque al conjunto y cierta familiaridad con los tropos y dinámicas. Pero en consonancia con el estilo bastante "ajeno" a los habituales imaginarios "Mignolescos" de Mindy Lee. Crimson Lotus podría valerse mejor como historia original en su colisión de la trama de espionaje clásico a las posibilidades de la incursión del mundo mágico y sobrenatural de su tramo final. Pero no es suficiente los cameillos iniciales y finales de personajes claves de los tejemanejes oscuros que conciernen a Hellboy y la AIDP para valorar esta miniserie como obra funcional en consonancia de este universo comiquero. Sí que de todas formas ofrecerá una lectura ciertamente entretetenida.
Es cierto que tenemos a un autor habitual del "Hellboyverse" como John Arcudi dando empaque al conjunto y cierta familiaridad con los tropos y dinámicas. Pero en consonancia con el estilo bastante "ajeno" a los habituales imaginarios "Mignolescos" de Mindy Lee. Crimson Lotus podría valerse mejor como historia original en su colisión de la trama de espionaje clásico a las posibilidades de la incursión del mundo mágico y sobrenatural de su tramo final. Pero no es suficiente los cameillos iniciales y finales de personajes claves de los tejemanejes oscuros que conciernen a Hellboy y la AIDP para valorar esta miniserie como obra funcional en consonancia de este universo comiquero. Sí que de todas formas ofrecerá una lectura ciertamente entretetenida.
March 9, 2021
A spy story set in 1930s China featuring one titular Japanese witch. Lobster Johnson doesn't make an appearance, but Rasputin shows up for a few panels to do generic villain things. For something from the Mignolaverse, this is fairly grounded and generic. It is well drawn. For an espionage pre-WW2 thriller with magic and monsters, the story is forgettable. Established characters who appear are 1) wasted and don't contribute much to the story and 2) steal the spot light from the Crimson Lotus.
Missed moments: a chance to look at the Crimson Lotus and her history with Ben Daimio. Honestly, we barely learn anything about the Lotus. Where did she learn her magic? What is her goal? What is up with the monkeys? She feels like a beat villain in her own stand-alone release. This can't compare to Koschei or Rasputin. Koschei's story is better because he has a strong, weird, fascinating history that his release isn't afraid to look at. Rasputin's release doesn't feature much of the mystic but it is an excuse to show the start of Professor Brutenholm's journey before finding Hellboy. The Crimson Lotus's story fails to make what should be an interesting character interesting and also adds little to the Mignolaverse. Worth skipping unless you want to see the Crimson Lotus again after Lobster Johnson.
Missed moments: a chance to look at the Crimson Lotus and her history with Ben Daimio. Honestly, we barely learn anything about the Lotus. Where did she learn her magic? What is her goal? What is up with the monkeys? She feels like a beat villain in her own stand-alone release. This can't compare to Koschei or Rasputin. Koschei's story is better because he has a strong, weird, fascinating history that his release isn't afraid to look at. Rasputin's release doesn't feature much of the mystic but it is an excuse to show the start of Professor Brutenholm's journey before finding Hellboy. The Crimson Lotus's story fails to make what should be an interesting character interesting and also adds little to the Mignolaverse. Worth skipping unless you want to see the Crimson Lotus again after Lobster Johnson.
August 7, 2019
I never read Lobster Johnson novels so had no idea what to expect here.
Although story begins with Crimson Lotus' origin story ... of sorts ..... (is there a place Rasputin never showed up :) ) she very quickly becomes background element, shadowy character that takes revenge on people that killed her father (with and without the help of Japanese occupation force in China) and seeks the mysterious statue stolen by Rasputin during Japan-Russia conflict in beginning of 20th century.
Main characters here are two Chinese spies (story takes place in 1930's) trying to prevent Crimson Lotus from obtaining the ancient artifact. One spy is cocky, James Bond-like westernized agent with quick wit and guns while the other is a serious one, a sorcerer, girl aware of what is going on and what is at stake.
With all of the above story was great until end. For me end seemed a little bit too rushed. We had final fight, tension but in the end it all looked like "what was the fuss all about?"
Art is gorgeous and although cartoony I find it very good indeed.
Recommended to fans of Hellboy's lore and universe.
Although story begins with Crimson Lotus' origin story ... of sorts ..... (is there a place Rasputin never showed up :) ) she very quickly becomes background element, shadowy character that takes revenge on people that killed her father (with and without the help of Japanese occupation force in China) and seeks the mysterious statue stolen by Rasputin during Japan-Russia conflict in beginning of 20th century.
Main characters here are two Chinese spies (story takes place in 1930's) trying to prevent Crimson Lotus from obtaining the ancient artifact. One spy is cocky, James Bond-like westernized agent with quick wit and guns while the other is a serious one, a sorcerer, girl aware of what is going on and what is at stake.
With all of the above story was great until end. For me end seemed a little bit too rushed. We had final fight, tension but in the end it all looked like "what was the fuss all about?"
Art is gorgeous and although cartoony I find it very good indeed.
Recommended to fans of Hellboy's lore and universe.
May 11, 2020
I really enjoyed Crimson Lotus but it should be clear that this is NOT an origin story. It's really misleading the way these character spin-offs are being marketed. Crimson Lotus is a quality story but it suffers from a lot of the same issues as Rise of the Black Flame. We get a glimpse of the Lotus's motivations but little on how she became one of Lobster Johnsons toughest rivals. Nor do we get any explanations on her magic use and talent. Honestly, she barely gets any page time.
On the other hand this book introduces some really interesting characters to the Mignolaverse that I would like to see again. Fortunately, adding cool characters and a plot that is somewhat linked to the Lotus works here but it makes for a terrible origin story. Something else that worked was Mindy Lee's art style. Her character designs really popped and Agent Dai was a total babe! Sorry!
The Crimson Lotus is more of a spy story with the Lotus being the main villain. If you go in wanting a spy adventure you will enjoy this. If you had your heart set on a true origin story for the Crimson Lotus, this probably won't be for you. Though, give it a try at least.
On the other hand this book introduces some really interesting characters to the Mignolaverse that I would like to see again. Fortunately, adding cool characters and a plot that is somewhat linked to the Lotus works here but it makes for a terrible origin story. Something else that worked was Mindy Lee's art style. Her character designs really popped and Agent Dai was a total babe! Sorry!
The Crimson Lotus is more of a spy story with the Lotus being the main villain. If you go in wanting a spy adventure you will enjoy this. If you had your heart set on a true origin story for the Crimson Lotus, this probably won't be for you. Though, give it a try at least.
September 16, 2024
Bumped up a star for the fun art. But honestly, this is one of the weakest books in the Hellboy universe. Now, that's not saying much given the usual standard of quality. This story isn't bad by any means. It's a decently entertaining little spy thriller set in 30's Manchuria. That's cool and all, but the title of the book promised that it would be about the Crimson Lotus, a mysterious character who has permeated Hellboy lore for a while now (in BPRD and Lobster Johnson). And this story just...isn't about her at all. She appears as the main antagonist, but we don't learn anything about her or her connection to the broader world. We sort of learn what's up with the weird monkeys, but it turns out they weren't really anything important or interesting. As a standalone story, this is okay, and still enjoyable, but as a Hellboy universe story, I'm just not sure why it exists. The actual protagonists are nobodies who are never seen again. Feels like the main purpose of the story is to do a spy thriller with the backdrop of the Chinese resistance fighting Imperial Japan, which is cool and all, but why is it Hellboy? And why is it titled Crimson Lotus? The world may never know.
January 23, 2021
I've read a couple of these volumes now that share the "origin" stories of B.P.R.D.-verse villains, and I've found them all to be duds. They feel more like encyclopedia entries than stories, struggling to stretch out perhaps an issues-worth of material to a full trade paperback.
"Crimson Lotus" shares the origin of the Lobster Johnson villain of that same name. It's dark and tragic but not very interesting. There's a hunt for a magic statue with spectacular powers, featuring spycraft and magical battles in the streets of occupied China. The secondary cast of characters that John Arcudi invents for the series is interesting enough, but they aren't given much to do besides fight with one another until we fill the fifth issue.
The art by Mindy Lee is good. I enjoyed her fluid figures and lively character designs. I also appreciated the setting, which offered some baseline tension between the occupying Japanese army and the native peoples. The magical battles and subsequent escapes all feel pretty arbitrary, though, and nothing about the story seems essential.
"Crimson Lotus" shares the origin of the Lobster Johnson villain of that same name. It's dark and tragic but not very interesting. There's a hunt for a magic statue with spectacular powers, featuring spycraft and magical battles in the streets of occupied China. The secondary cast of characters that John Arcudi invents for the series is interesting enough, but they aren't given much to do besides fight with one another until we fill the fifth issue.
The art by Mindy Lee is good. I enjoyed her fluid figures and lively character designs. I also appreciated the setting, which offered some baseline tension between the occupying Japanese army and the native peoples. The magical battles and subsequent escapes all feel pretty arbitrary, though, and nothing about the story seems essential.
May 24, 2022
Crimson Lotus is a Lobster Johnson villain (so before Hellboy's time). Her story begins during the Russo-Japanese War when an ancient artifact (pre-historic, maybe even pre-earth) is found in Manchuria. Her family suffers greatly. Thirty years later, a pair of Japanese spies in occupied China search for the artifact. Crimson Lotus, along with her army of little, creepy monkeys, is also searching for the artifact. Magic and monkeys are a bad combination, especially with the Lotus bent on revenge!
The story moves along at a good pace after the various elements are put together (the opening is fairly convoluted). The action is fun though as an origin story it does not have a lot going for it. Crimson Lotus gets her origin in the first ten or fifteen pages then it's just a fun supernatural spy action story where the focus is on the spies, not on Crimson Lotus. I enjoyed reading this but probably won't read it again.
Mildly recommended.
The story moves along at a good pace after the various elements are put together (the opening is fairly convoluted). The action is fun though as an origin story it does not have a lot going for it. Crimson Lotus gets her origin in the first ten or fifteen pages then it's just a fun supernatural spy action story where the focus is on the spies, not on Crimson Lotus. I enjoyed reading this but probably won't read it again.
Mildly recommended.
July 19, 2025
If only the comic lived up to its covers... Those were full of promise, mood, and mystery. But once you step inside, things fall apart. The art is uneven: the main characters look like they came from "Samurai Jack", while everyone else seems drawn in a completely different style.
John Arcudi’s work on "B.P.R.D." was excellent, but here, the tone of the Mignolaverse is almost absent. It doesn’t feel dark, strange, or mythic - just flat. And as an origin story for Crimson Lotus, it barely delivers. We get the opening, then it turns into a standard spy tale with little depth or surprise.
Not a disaster, but a real letdown. The pieces are there, but none of them fit.
John Arcudi’s work on "B.P.R.D." was excellent, but here, the tone of the Mignolaverse is almost absent. It doesn’t feel dark, strange, or mythic - just flat. And as an origin story for Crimson Lotus, it barely delivers. We get the opening, then it turns into a standard spy tale with little depth or surprise.
Not a disaster, but a real letdown. The pieces are there, but none of them fit.
January 15, 2020
This was fine, I guess, but I’m not sure what the point was? It was billed as Crimson Lotus’ origin story, but with the exception of the first six or so pages when Rasputin kills her father during the Russo-Japanese War, she kind of retreats to the background and becomes almost a minor character. Instead, the story follows two Chinese spies as they try to keep some dark artifact away from her during the Japanese occupation of China before World War II. Also, the ending was the very definition of a deus ex machina.
September 3, 2024
a weak entry to the Mignolaverse
This added very little to the character of the Crimson Lotus, and I was hoping for a bit more info on Lobster Johnson (which I also didn’t get). The story instead focused on a couple of Chinese spies, but I can’t say I was particularly invested in their struggle against the Crimson Lotus.
The artwork in this volume felt very loose and cartoony, and not what I want from a Mignolaverse book. Some nice covers by LJ artist Tonci Zonjic unfortunately can’t redeem this one.
This added very little to the character of the Crimson Lotus, and I was hoping for a bit more info on Lobster Johnson (which I also didn’t get). The story instead focused on a couple of Chinese spies, but I can’t say I was particularly invested in their struggle against the Crimson Lotus.
The artwork in this volume felt very loose and cartoony, and not what I want from a Mignolaverse book. Some nice covers by LJ artist Tonci Zonjic unfortunately can’t redeem this one.
October 19, 2025
(3,2 of 5 for decent spy action in the Hellboyverse stage)
This was a little bit better than House of Lost Horizons. The art was better, the storytelling was better. But not much and still below the Hellboyverse standards. For me, the main issues were that there is a handful of characters, none of them properly introduced, so I was a bit confused about who is who and what agenda each character has. It eventually comes together nicely, but it was quite far in the story. So Crimson Lotus was disappointing, too.
This was a little bit better than House of Lost Horizons. The art was better, the storytelling was better. But not much and still below the Hellboyverse standards. For me, the main issues were that there is a handful of characters, none of them properly introduced, so I was a bit confused about who is who and what agenda each character has. It eventually comes together nicely, but it was quite far in the story. So Crimson Lotus was disappointing, too.
November 24, 2019
As other reviewers have pointed out, this isn't a villain's origin like Rise of the Black Flame or Koschei the Deathless. It's an adventure yarn set in 1930s China with the Crimson Lotus seeking a McGuffin and two Chinese agents (British-educated spy and female mage) trying to stop her.
Not deep, but pleasant enough for me. However the last-minute deus ex machina that resolves everything cost it a star.
Not deep, but pleasant enough for me. However the last-minute deus ex machina that resolves everything cost it a star.
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