I’ve been a relative newcomer when it comes to the world of Hellboy. I’ve been reading the B.P.R.D. mini-series and saw the movies. I’ve read one or two of the early trades, so when it comes to the whole Hellboy actually in Hell part, that’s news to me. I know it happened, but didn’t read the story… so with that being the case I read the first two issues of this series wondering where it was going to go. So, to sum it all up for folks, Hellboy sacrificed himself while protecting the world and has wound up in Hell (couldn’t figure that last part out from the title, could you?).

I figured the first two issues and the series as a whole would be a battle against demons as Hellboy attempts to make his way back to the living. But, it’s not that. Not even close. Think more “this is your life” as Hellboy is guided through the afterlife. Hellboy in Hell is a mix of a couple of things, A Christmas Carol mixed with references to Shakespeare, the story is slow, very slow and interesting because of that.

It’s interesting to me, because the plot defies what I expected. I really thought it’d be a lot of fight scenes and action, a lot of what you’d see in B.P.R.D. or a previous comic with Hellboy. There’d be some investigation, then some fights with cute quips. But, that’s not at all. This is a slow comic. A lot of talking and a lot of reflection.

That becomes evident in the second issue where we get Hellboy’s origin and again he’s presented with his supposed destiny, to rule Hell and conquer Earth. Written and art by Mike Mignola, the story is pretty decent so far. It should be interesting to see where it goes. What really stands out to me is the colors by Dave Stewart, the pallet really stands out to me, in a good way. The art is the style you’d expect from Mignola, but that art is enhanced by Stewart’s color choice. As a whole color choice is something that stands out in all of the Hellboy related comics.

Two issues in and I’m invested in Hellboy’s world enough to want to find out where this all goes. I’m not quite sure there’s enough there though to drag in new fans who haven’t followed the character. So, good for long time fans to read, but new folks might want to start elsewhere (and you should absolutely check out the numerous Hellboy trades).

Story and Art: Mike Mignola Colors: Dave Stewart

Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Buy

Dark Horse Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review