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Hellboy: The Complete Short Stories Vol. 1 Review

Writer: Mike Mignola

Artists: Richard Corben, Duncan Fegredo, Mick McMahon, Fábio Moon, Gabriel Bá, Dave Stewart, Matt Hollingsworth, James Sinclair, Clem Robins, Pat Brosseau.

Editor: Scott Allie

Collection Design: Cary Grazzini & Justin Couch

Digital Art Technician: Christina McKenzie

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

 

Having never read a single Hellboy comic up until this volume, I’ll say right now that this is the best gift if you have somebody you want to know about Hellboy.

The short stories presented cover the earlier years of Hellboy’s existence, from the late 40’s, to the early 60’s, with a brief stint over the 80’s, and take the main character all over the world, in places such as Norway, Mexico, Ireland and Malaysia, dealing with monsters of their local folklores in ways only Hellboy can do: with punches and blows.

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As an introduction to the to the so called Mignolaverse, the book works magnificently. From the first to the last, the stories ease you into the world of this character that, while familiar to those who have watched the movies, has much more to offer when not restrained to a Hollywood budget and standards.

As for favorite stories, I’m divided between the lyrical Midnight Circus, the collection of stories set in Mexico, or the award winning Crooked Man. This last one, set deep into the Apalachia, tales a tale about witches and their craft, deals with the devil and christian faith in a mixture that would fit right into an old school country song.

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If I haven’t stressed this enough, here it goes again: this book is a find. The stories are a treat if you’re already a fan of the big red guy, and the perfect introduction if you have never heard of him before. The sketchbook pages are the cherry on the top, if you like the backstage details of comics.

Overall: 10/10

 

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