Hellboy Winter Special Review: Winter Wonder Hell
Review by Nolan P. Smith
(Victor Valley)—Mike Mignola’s iconic paranormal investigator, Hellboy, has been through hell, literally. The demon with the right hand of doom has become a staple in not only the world of comics, but also on the silver screen with two blockbuster films. With the winter season comes a treat for all, as we get four new tales set in the aptly titled Mignolaverse.
The first story we get is set in a time of swords and sorcery, written by Mignola himself along with Scott Allie, with art by one of most recognizable artists in comics, Tim Sale (who also provides the amazing cover for this special). The story doesn’t have old horn head himself in it, but rather lays some background to the world we know of in the Hellboy and B.P.R.D. books. Fans take note, of course, of a familiar weapon that has popped up in previous Hellboy stories. It’s great to see this historic setting, and to see the craziness Hellboy encounters was just as weird back then. Sale’s artwork is always a treat, and I would love to see more of his style with this casts of characters.
The next story, written by Mignola and Chris Roberson with art by Michael Walsh (Secret Avengers), as is set in the B.P.R.D.: 1953 universe, as we see a younger Hellboy and psychic Susan Xiang as they seek answers to a dark past in Wyoming. With spirits abound, this is the kind of story we all love about the Hellboy stable of books.
The third story is written by best-selling novelist Chelsea Cain (Heartsick) with art by one of my favorites Michael Avon Oeming (Powers), and revolves around evil snowmen, Hellboy and a young Liz Sherman. We get some insight to the childhood of Sherman, and the awkwardness of Hellboy and the Professor when around other people. Oeming’s artwork is perfect for this universe, and Cain writes some great insight into Hellboy lore.
The last story is a short, humor filled run in with Lobster Johnson with a two-page story by Dean Rankine. It’s always great to see Johnson around, so this was a welcome addition.
Fans of Hellboy will love this winter special. It’s a sample of everything that makes the character and the universe he inhabits great.
Rating: 9 out of 10.
This review was created in conjunction with QBC Toys and More, a local comic book and collectible shop located in Victorville, CA. Featuring new comic books every week, collectibles, action figures, original artwork, and more, QBC has something for the pop culture lover in us all. You can find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/QBCToysandMore/.
