Hellcop Vol. 1: Welcome to Hell

Hellcop (2021-) #1-5

by Brian Haberlin, Geirrod Van Dyke (Artist)

When mankind first broke through the walls between dimensions, nothing could have prepared them for what they would find in Known Reality Plane 1301-A: it was absolute Hell. Literally. A covert security force was quickly assembled to patrol the Hellplane and ensure that none of the nastier denizens made their way Earthside. They were dubbed the Pan-Dimensional Security Corps.

The HELLCOPS.

Collects HELLCOP #1-5

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels

160 pages, Paperback

First published March 30, 2022

About the author

An award-winning comic book artist, writer, editor and producer, Brian began his career in comics working at Top Cow Productions, where he co-created the Witchblade franchise. He co-founded Avalon Studios, which published many successful fantasy and sci-fi titles, including: Stone, Aria, Area 52 and M-Rex to name a few.

Brian also served for two years as Editor-in-Chief of Todd McFarlane Productions and penciled and inked its flagship title, Spawn. He currently writes and illustrates Faster Than Light and the upcoming Fury Formula comics series. Brian teaches comic art at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and his work is in the permanent collection at the Smithsonian Museum.

Reviews

[Mohan Vemulapalli · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Hellcop : Welcome to Hell" is the first volume of a brilliant and unfortunately short lived series. In this book, Virgil, an experienced police detective tasked with working in a Hell dimension, stumbles across a sinister far reaching plot as he faces politicians and other demons while attempting to seek justice for his partner. This is a surprisingly poignant book with a lot to offer. Expect the coolest unicycle ever, lots of demons, a Hell dimension that looks a lot like Dune and a whole slew of undiapered and unruly cherubs.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this was fun – and no small effort on the part of the writer/artist. Hell is a cross-dimensional step away, and with all those demons and nasties we have cops there to sort things out and keep us on Earth safe. But when a routine arrest lets Virgil come back with something our computers get all sniffy about, alerts are sounded, things go into motion and he's arrested for the murder of his own partner. With another colleague smuggling him back to Hell, he stumbles through situation after situation and circumstance after circumstance en route to finding some bigger truths. And if he's lucky, a way back here.

This does go down as quality low-brow entertainment, but it's very high quality. Beyond a few classical references (Cerberus-styled dogs, Virgil as our guide ffs) the nature of this Hell being the one we've always understood, and found through a scientific mistake, is done quite lightly – there was certainly scope for it being a lot more Dante-esque. Not all of the story is fabulous, and Virgil's friend up here really has a habit for telling herself just what we need to know about what is off-camera to us, but it's a lively and fun narrative, with some good surprises and a strong sense of what is entertaining. Visually, things veer from the marvellous to the "why does everything have to have a top-down, drone-eye view for no reason every few pages?!", but as I say beyond the colouring and lettering this was a one-man creation, and it's very strong, all things considered. A light-hearted action piece of much distinction, this is at least a strong four stars.

[Paul Allard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining science fiction comic series.

Hellcops work between dimensions and Virgil finds himself embroiled in a conspiracy, spending most of this volume in the dimension they call Hell. There’s plenty of action and it’s quite fast-moving with lots of interesting creatures. The artwork is clear and detailed and a pleasure to look at. There’s more to come although this volume stands alone. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ravyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a smartly written comic where the authors/creators introduce the comics well and let you know right off the bat what kind of world it is while still leaving room for mystery and surprise. I can't wait for more in this series.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those who always wanted a Hellboy/Blade Runner mashup.

[Nicole Mosley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A super fun concept with good world building I just feel like the climax at the end of these five issues was a bit rushed.

[Sal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chaykin-esque art, interesting premise & somewhat standard plot.

[Rob McMonigal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Typical corrupt system and one man has to stop it plot, but the denizens of hell and their depiction made up for it.

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3. Would probably make a better book.

[Andy Cantrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

The art in this is phenomenal, especially the landscapes. The story, on the other hand, was just okay.

[Mateus Malaquias · Rating 1 out of 5]

The plot looks good, however, I can't finish vol 1.