Now that we’re fully in the era of B.P.R.D. actually being an ongoing series, we’ve taken a second to reflect upon those books that preceded it. The mini-series that comprised the initial 99 issues of B.P.R.D.’s life featured incredible work from a bevy of creators, but none more so than Mike Mignola, John Arcudi and Guy Davis (not to mention colorist Dave Stewart). We highlight their work, as well as the work of one other creator in today’s Multiversity Comics Countdown which breaks down the five best B.P.R.D.’s minis so far.
Share what your favorites were in the comments, and don’t forget to pick up B.P.R.D. #101 this week. It’s a doozy and (SPOILER ALERT!) gets a rave review from our Mignolaversity team tomorrow.
For those who have not been reading B.P.R.D. but want to, it’d be a bad idea to read this.
5. B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth: The Long Death
Written by Mike Mignola and John Arcudi
Art by James Harren
Why this ranks (Brian): The most recent entry on our list also acted as the coming out party for James Harren, a new member of the “B.P.R.D.” team. Issue #3’s epic battle between the Wendigo and Daimio stands as one of the best action sequences of a series that has made its bones on great action sequences.
But beyond that, the mini also tackled the growing distance between Johann and humanity, while never being heavy handed. This is one of the best examples of a mini pushing the story forward, while coloring in around the edges and giving greater import and focus to some of the fringe elements of the Mignolaverse. While there might be a lot here to explain to a new reader, this is where I would point someone who wanted a relatively recent “B.P.R.D.” story.
It is also where I’d point anyone who wants to read a great comic.
David: I had to give this one bonus props for a few reasons:
1) James Harren is a god amongst men, and in a series that has many, many incredible artistic performances, this might be my favorite ever.
2) This was pretty phenomenal in how it tied back into the Universal Machine and Killing Ground much, much later. Daimio and our buddy the Wendigo felt like forgotten threads at this point, but bringing them back to highlight the internal struggle of Johann was truly spectacular work.
4. B.P.R.D.: Garden of Souls
Written by Mike Mignola and John Arcudi
Art by Guy Davis
Why this ranks (David): This is a strange one for me because, although it was the seventh volume of B.P.R.D., it was also the first B.P.R.D. anything I had read. I bought it in issue form and started working through it, and even though much of it confused me, I was hooked: it may have been a mystery, but what an engaging mystery.
Ultimately, it ranks on the list for other reasons too. “Garden of Souls” introduced Panya, a character who has been ever present and feels like she is gaining in import with every passing mini. It also further confirmed Abe Sapien’s true identity, as the Island of Misfit 18th Century Philosophers he visits do just that and more with their crazy steampunk scuba outfits. Oh yeah, and that body that Johann inherits that the Zinco Corporation plans as a home for Rasputin’s spirit? That’s introduced here.
Plus, it gives Guy Davis the chance to draw freaking steampunk scuba guys, hybrid animals, and all kinds of other fantastical things. What a heck of a thing this mini was.
3. B.P.R.D. The Universal Machine
Written by Mike Mignola and John Arcudi
Art by Guy Davis
Why this ranks: Is this the most important of minis? Probably not. But it is a really, really amazing one that gets us back to the basics of what we love about B.P.R.D.: it’s all about the characters.
In this five-issue mini, we get a really incredible occult adventure featuring Kate Corrigan and the green Andrew Devon (both of whom are more important than ever these days), but we also get flashbacks to the history of the rest of the cast. Daimio’s pays off sooner rather than later, but I really enjoyed the texture the others flashbacks added to the cast. It’s a really incredible mini-series that finds our pieces not really moved forward, but our understanding of the pieces increased exponentially. When you get down to it, minis like The Universal Machine are the ones that inspire us to love this book, and it maintains its position in my heart for reasons such as that.
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2. B.P.R.D. The Black Flame
Written by Mike Mignola and John Arcudi
Art by Guy Davis
Why this ranks (Brian): This, simply, is where everything started for me. This was the first “B.P.R.D.” mini I read, and it had a little bit of everything: heartbreak, action, weird sci-fi touches, just about everything I like in a comic. But looking back on it now, this is the seed that spawned so many other stories. From JH O’Donnell popping up, to Zinco going full on evil, every corner of this book is stuffed with foreshadowing.
What is most interesting, however, is how optimistic this mini seems compared to the current world of “B.P.R.D.” Abe is walking around, Daimio wants out, Liz isn’t MIA – things seem downright peachy, minus poor Roger. We thought the world was coming apart during “The Black Flame,” but any of the current Bureau members would gladly swap those times with the current day. This mini does everything you hope a comic should do – it stimulates visually and story-wise, both in the here and now and in the foreshadowing of the future.
Poor Roger.
1. B.P.R.D. Killing Ground
Written by Mike Mignola and John Arcudi
Art by Guy Davis
Why this ranks (David): Often lost in the shuffle of B.P.R.D. is that it, at its core, is a bit of a horror comic. There are all kinds of elements throughout that are horror-like, but we’re often missing out on a full commitment to that idea. Killing Ground? Man, that mini was out-of-control, featuring Daimio going nuts in his were-jaguar form, the Wendigo’s departure, the destruction of Johann’s body, and much, much more. It’s often hellish, claustrophobic and filled with danger, but so very well done.
It also has Johann carousing, getting drunk like Andre the Giant and taking a bevy of ladies home with him, as well as Guy Davis bringing all of that and more to life in, you know, typically great Guy Davis sort of ways. It was just an incredible game changer that fed all kinds of story lines going forward, and it continues to have repercussions up into this week’s issue.
