- Writer: Mike Mignola
- Interior and Main Cover Artist: Tiernen Trevallion
- Colorist: Dave Stewart
- Letterer: Clem Robins
- Variant Cover Art: Mike Mignola with Dave Stewart
Thanks to Dark Horse and Superfan Promotions for the review copy!
This one shot issue of Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. (Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense) tells two self contained stories that require little to no prior knowledge of the series. Setting the tales between 1979 and 1991 gives a bit of a classic vibe, while freeing the story from the constraints of the current mythology.
Interestingly, despite the book’s title, the B.P.R.D. has only a small role in this issue. The classic B.P.R.D. characters I was expecting (Abe Sapien, Liz, Daimo) are nowhere to be found, giving Hellboy the spotlight. Both halves of the issue give the trademark Mignola creepy vibe, coupled with a bit of humor from Hellboy. I preferred the first half, “Her Fatal Hour.”
“The Sending” was a pleasant diversion, but my enjoyment of it was perhaps limited by my unfamiliarity with the character teamed up with Hellboy, Harry. It seemed like there was something I was supposed to know about him to tie the story together. He was certainly likable, but he just lacked context for me and without that context, I was unable to place the story into the Hellboy universe.
The art by Tiernen Trevallion and coloring by Dave Steward are consistant with the other Hellboy and B.P.R.D. volumes. Hellboy seems a bit skinnier in this book than I have seen him drawn before, with less exaggeration of his chest compared to his legs. The first story does a great job of amping up the antagonist monster as the story goes on.
Fans of Hellboy (who don’t mind the B.P.R.D. playing a minor role) will enjoy this title. As a one shot, it is accessible to casual fans who haven’t kept up with the series or people who are curious about Hellboy.
HELLBOY AND THE B.P.R.D.: HER FATAL HOUR ONE-SHOT will be released on December 2nd.
Are you going to pick up the issue? Feel free to chat with me on Twitter or leave a comment below!
