Hellboy and Professor Trevor Bruttenholm team up for some quality father-son time at a New York potter’s field where they try to unravel the mystery of a spectral being haunting the packed graveyard. Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. 1957: Forgotten Lives is a haunting tale that feels like it breaks the Hellboy mold a bit taking the story in a somber and touching direction.

Written by Mike Mignola and Chris Roberson, Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. 1957: Forgotten Lives is a story about family and being remembered once you are no long on this planet. There’s something rather sad and touching at the same time. As the issue plays out, it’s sure to get readers to reflect on those they miss and what they can do to keep their memories alive. An interesting timing, there’s two individuals who passed away years ago that were close to me around this time so the release of this comic is rather fitting for me. I felt my mind wandering a bit thinking about each of them, and in the end the sadness of the story delivered a little smile to my face.

While the story’s connect the dots feels a little too convenient, that really isn’t the point. The point is for Hellboy and Professor Trevor Bruttenholm to have some time together and think about those they’ve lost and reflect on the quality time they don’t spend together. It’s a touching story in many ways.

The art by Stephen Green with color by Dave Stewart and lettering by Clem Robins nails the story with a style that reflects the melancholy tale. There’s a dour aspect at times to the story that the visuals nail. Professor Trevor Bruttenholm staring out the window reflecting on the years might be one of the saddest panels in comics this year but it’s also a panel we can all relate to. Bruttenholm looking defeated might be a second. But, despite the rather sad nature of the story, the art never feels like it drags the story down into depressing territory, which it easily could. There’s a gloomy cloud that follows the tale that the visuals perfectly capture.

Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. 1957: Forgotten Lives is a fantastic one-shot anyone can pick up and enjoy. It’s a story we can all relate to. Remembering our friends or relatives or those that influenced and entertained us is something we all experience. Despite that sadness the story at the end feels like a celebration in a way. It doesn’t fall down the usual path of Hellboy punching things, instead, it delivers a much story that is much more a challenge for us to reflect and think about those we love.

Story: Mike Mignola, Chris Roberson Art: Stephen Green
Color: Dave Stewart Letterer: Clem Robins
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Dark Horse provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology – Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW