In 1944, a group of Nazi occultists led by Grigori Rasputin attempts a ritual to summon the Ogdru Jahad, the Seven Gods of Chaos, to turn the tide of World War II. They instead manifest a red, horned infant in an English church, who is rescued and raised by Professor Trevor Bruttenholm of the B.P.R.D. Decades later, Hellboy travels to a decaying manor to investigate his mentor’s death. He battles a frog-like monster and confronts his own origins as the literal Harbinger of the Apocalypse while seeking to stop the resurrected Rasputin from releasing the dragon-gods.
Fans of gothic horror and supernatural detective fiction read this volume for its blend of pulp mystery and Lovecraftian lore. Readers finish the book with an introduction to Mike Mignola’s heavy use of negative space and stark shadows, which define the visual language of the series. It provides a foundation for the character’s internal conflict between his demonic nature and his choice to serve humanity. Those interested in the intersection of folklore and occult history find a narrative that treats mythological entities as tangible threats.
Escapist; an easy read.
Best for readers like The Curious Generalist. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 1994
- Language
- EN
