Rumors of a monster bring Hellboy to a nearly abandoned town in Sardinia, where the search for the creature leads to a local abbey with a shocking secret of its own. Hellboy and the B.P.R.D.: The Monster of Nivola is a solid one-shot you can pick up and enjoy without ever having read a Hellboy comic before.
One thing that’s great about Hellboy is the ability to just dive in and enjoy a mini-series or a one-shot. It’s the type of horror comic that has a bigger mythos but also keeps things focused and the story written in a way that plays into the bigger story while also being contained. So, as a casual reader of the character, I enjoy diving in and out and checking out releases, but also never feel pressured that I have to read everything to enjoy it.
With a story by Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden, Hellboy and the B.P.R.D.: The Monster of Nivola is another great entry with an underlying theme asking who the true monster is? It’s an issue full of twists and turns, focused more on the backstory of the monster Hellboy is hunting than Hellboy himself. It’s one that questions his actions and our view as the reader. A solid horror comic with depth that leaves you pondering its story well after you’re done reading it.
The art by Daniele Serra is interesting. With color by Serra and lettering by Clem Robins, the comic has a water color style to it that creates a dreamlike feel to the story, making it feel even more like an allegory driving home its point. Things look solid giving a somewhat dour, almost a feel of mourning to it, as Hellboy doesn’t deal with the repercussions of his dealing with the monster but local residents instead. It’s an interesting story that focuses more on those impacted by Hellboy with a sadness, frustrating, and anger to it all.
Hellboy and the B.P.R.D.: The Monster of Nivola is an interesting story that twists things up. It’s not as clear as to who is in the right and the wrong and shows Hellboy’s punch first, ask questions later, style isn’t always the best plan. It’s a perfect comic to pick up and enjoy whether you’re a Hellboy fan or not.
Story: Mike Mignola, Christopher Golden Art: Daniele Serra
Color: Daniele Serra Letterer: Clem Robins
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy
Dark Horse Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle
