Hellboy's Best Comics

Highlights

Seed of Destruction: A great origin story full of weirdness, Nazis, and demons. A solid horror/mystery read with top-notch art.
Wake the Devil: Classic Hellboy story with occult, vampires, and humor. Perfect continuation from Seed of Destruction.
The Wild Hunt: Intrigue, betrayal, and dark heritage. Hellboy’s destiny and the world’s end. A thrilling stage setter.

As a long-time fan of Hellboy, I have had the pleasure of following his adventures through various comic series and stories. Among them, three stand out as particularly captivating and impactful: “The Wild Hunt,” “The Crooked Man and the Return of Effie Kolb,” and “The Storm and the Fury.”

Mike Mignola’s legendary creation, Hellboy, has graced numerous unforgettable comic book stories throughout the years. This cherished fictional character continues to inspire as he prepares for another live-action adaptation. To appreciate the depth and potential of Hellboy on screen, check out these top Hellboy comics that have significantly influenced his development and are must-reads:

Hellboy comics delight readers with their exploration of mystery, horror, and noir elements. These genres offer a peek into the bizarre and enchanting realms inhabited by this red demon. Regardless of whether it’s his standalone series or anthologies, Hellboy’s encounters with diverse mythologies make for an enthralling read.

7 Seed of Destruction

Goodreads Score: 4.15/5 (75,875 Ratings)

Created by: Mike Mignola & John Byrne

The first book in the captivating Hellboy series, titled “Seed of Destruction,” serves as an excellent introduction for newcomers. This volume sets the stage for the epic tale and is filled with an intriguing blend of the unusual, a haunting ambiance, and an engrossing mix of demons and Nazi adversaries. Reading it promises to keep you hooked from beginning to end.

The beginning of “Seed of Destruction” sets the stage, even if the characters aren’t fully developed as they will be later in the series. The artwork, however, is exceptional and effectively establishes the ominous atmosphere of Hellboy’s world. This engaging horror-mystery lays the foundation for the character by skillfully combining genre elements.

6 Wake the Devil

Goodreads Score: 4.21/5 (18,129 Ratings)

Created by: Mike Mignola

In the thrilling adventure Wake the Devil, Hellboy and his team explore eerie Romanian castles, unearthing vampires and rogue Nazi scientists. This chilling tale expands on the supernatural lore and enigmatic backstories that underpin the series, breathing new life into Hellboy’s origins. A delightful dash of humor humanizes the characters, adding an unexpected layer to the horror and oppression they encounter.

The second Hellboy tale, titled “Wake the Devil,” retains the unique quirkiness of the series with its depiction of Nazi vampires and Rasputin’s revival. For fans eager to delve deeper into the intriguing world of Hellboy, this volume is a must-read as it builds upon the success of “Seed of Destruction.”

5 The Chained Coffin and Others

Goodreads Score: 4.23/5 (19,598 Ratings)

Created by: Mike Mignola

Instead of focusing on a single continuous storyline, “Hellboy: The Chained Coffin and Others” presents a collection of short tales detailing Hellboy’s encounters with the supernatural. These stories draw upon various folklore traditions from around the world, providing opportunities for Hellboy to employ his strength and cleverness against the malevolent forces lurking in the shadows.

For those with a passion for horror and action, I would highly recommend this story. It features a demon investigator engaging in thrilling battles against werewolves and various other gothic creatures. The captivating artwork is an added bonus, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.

4 The Right Hand of Doom

Goodreads Score: 4.33/5 (11,768 Ratings)

Created by: Mike Mignola

In “The Right Hand of Doom,” readers delve deeper into Hellboy’s universe and learn more about the origins of his iconic red fist. What makes this installment of the “Hellboy” comics particularly appealing is the addition of “Pancakes,” a heartwarming and brief tale where young Hellboy, unaware of his destiny as an apocalyptic figure, savors the simple pleasure of eating pancakes.

As a huge fan of Hellboy, I can’t help but be captivated by “The Right Hand of Doom” even beyond its amusing and endearing portrayal of his childhood. This masterpiece manages to send shivers down my spine and keep me on the edge of my seat through fresh discoveries and loving tributes to ancient stories that I may not have been familiar with before.

3 The Wild Hunt

Goodreads Score: 4.48/5 (5,643 Ratings)

Created by: Mike Mignola & Duncan Fegredo

In the ancient lands of Britain, long-dormant giants begin to stir. Hellboy teams up with a band of monster hunters to prevent these awakened behemoths from causing havoc and returning them to their rightful resting places. The enigmatic “Wild Hunt” tale unfolds, filled with deception and the looming specter of death. Hellboy’s legend deepens as he uncovers shocking truths about his own dark heritage, potentially making him humanity’s last hope against an imminent, ominous danger.

Observing Hellboy in a stage of life where he appears hesitant to embrace his fate yet powerless to deviate from it, creates an enthralling narrative. The Wild Hunt skillfully prepares the audience for what lies ahead, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the impending end of the world and highlighting the immense pressure Hellboy is facing.

2 The Crooked Man and the Return of Effie Kolb

Goodreads Score: 4.25/5 (3,314 Ratings)

Created by: Mike Mignola, Richard Corben, Joshua Dysart, Duncan Fegredo, Dave Stewart & Jason Shawn Alexander

As a lifelong fan of horror comics, I can tell you that Hellboy’s journey through the haunting Appalachian terrain is nothing short of thrilling and terrifying. The new Hellboy movie, helmed by Brian Taylor with Jack Kesey donning the horns, promises to deliver an experience that will leave us on the edge of our seats.

As a longtime fan of the Hellboy universe, I was initially taken aback when I picked up this graphic novel and discovered that Richard Corben, not Mike Mignola, was behind the art. However, my surprise quickly turned to intrigue as I delved into this terrific and terrifying read. The disturbing and mysterious elements of the story were right up my alley, and it became clear to me why this work is serving as the basis for the Hellboy reboot. Corben’s unique artistic style added a fresh perspective to the familiar characters and lore, making for an exciting and unpredictable reading experience. I highly recommend this graphic novel to both new and seasoned fans of the Hellboy universe.

1 The Storm and the Fury

Goodreads Score: 4.43/5 (3,228 Ratings)

Created by: Mike Mignola & Duncan Fegredo

In the epic finale of “Hellboy: The Storm and the Fury,” the long-standing battle between good and evil reaches its boiling point, filled with gore and suspense. Hellboy battles to keep his life as he honors a pact with the malevolent Baba Yaga, aiming to prevent the monstrous Queen of Blood from devastating humanity and the natural world. This gripping tale serves both as an exciting culmination for Hellboy’s journey and a tantalizing preview of what lies ahead for his character. A must-read for devoted fans who have followed him thus far.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but appreciate how deeply rooted mythologies are in Hellboy’s very core, as portrayed in “The Storm and the Fury.” These tales come alive around Hellboy, drawing him into their heart-pounding narratives. The complexity of Hellboy’s character continues to unfold, making for a captivating read. And trust me, the epic conclusion to this tale is not something you’d want to miss.

2024-07-23 15:34

Hellboy’s Best Comics