One of my goals in 2021 is to read more. See other books I've read or listened to here.
Another of my all time favorite comics, Hellboy: Seed of Destruction by Mike Mignola only gets better every time I reread it.
As crazy nazi sorcerers try to call about the end of days, a hell boy appears on Earth. He is taken in by Professor Bluttenholm who leads the bureau of Paranormal Research and Development.
This is a great story that reaches into all the subsequent Hellboy books. The origin of Hellboy is short in this book, and the rest is taken up with the story of the death of his mentor and father figure. Finding out the story behind his death leads Hellboy from the arctic circle to Connecticut, the swamps of Cavendish Hall—which is revealed to be an Aztec temple. We learn all about the methods and techniques that Hellboy employs in his work. We are introduced to Hellboys gentle, but firm and thoughtful approach to life and his peculiar circumstances. Hellboy is a pretty instantly endearing character. We also meet some of the other unique members of the BPRD and see some of their backstories. Overall this is an amazing introduction to a character and set of characters that grow and change over many novels and titles. These books are heavily inspired by gothic writing, sci fi, fantasy and art. There are references through out the series to HP Lovecraft, HG Wells and many other notable authors and artists. I would highly recommend this book to those who like gothic sci fi or horror, those who like dark atmospheric settings, and those who may have watched any of the Hellboy movies and found them lacking.
I am so in love with Mignola’s art. What is one of your favorite graphic novels for the art?
This book is featured in my Feb Wrap Up.