Mike Mignola
Look guys, a new series! Before reading this volume, I only knew that there was a movie out that I never saw and the guy who played the main character had to wear a lot of make-up. Apparently I live under a rock. Anyway, the cover looked interesting and I’ve heard good things about it, so I decided to try it out.
Firstly, I really enjoy the art. It reminds me a bit of Sandman. The main character is pretty awesome. He looks cool and the mystery surrounding his right hand and his origins were built up enough in this volume to make me keep reading. I also really enjoy reading his narration of events and people. He’s got a great voice and a spunky, hilarious personality.
There were two other characters introduced in these issues that I suspect will be joining us again in later volumes–or at least I hope they will continue to stick around. Of the two, I especially like Abe. His name alone is enough to make me adore him. I only have one question for those who have read this volume: There is this weird yellow flake stuff in scenes involving the frog things or the old guy with the harpoon. What is that?
Overall, I very much enjoyed this volume. It was fun to read! If you enjoy stories involving large, red, paranormal investigators with a tail, a weird right arm–especially ones brought into this world by Nazis, then I sincerely recommend you read this. The extras at the end of the volume include a short author commentary about the origins of Hellboy with some illustrations and two extra mini-issues that were used as promotional releases. Hop to it! Go check this volume out from your library! I give it a 4.5/5!