The first arc is wrapping up, and we are still trying to wrap our heads around what exactly Mike Mignola’s version of Hell is – what we do know is that this is some high quality comic booking!
Written and Illustrated by Mike Mignola
After a bizarre family reunion, Hellboy can barely process the new information, and the things he’s done, since arriving in Hell. But Mike Mignola has one more revelation before concluding this initial monthly run of the story we’ve been building to since 1994 . . .
Brian: Well, David, here we are, at the end of the first arc of “Hellboy in Hell.” With the not-quite-monthly time frame, we’re going to have at least 8 weeks to chew on the contents of this issue and try and suss out as much as we can to tide us over until #5 hits. This was another issue full of allusions, both to past Hellboy stories, and to classic pieces of literature and music. What were your initial impressions of the issue?
David: For once, this was one where I read it once and was completely onboard. It was, in some ways, a lot more straightforward and it reveals – at least to me – what the tie was between this series and The Abyss of Time. We knew there would be incredible art, but this one seemed to give us a look behind the curtain and start rolling us in a definite direction.
In short, I dug it. What about you?
Brian: It was definitely the most straightforward of the issues thus far, “The Abyss of Time” connection has been made stronger, and the artwork was, as usual, phenomenal. This issue featured almost no “action,” and was mostly flashback, but it didn’t feel like filler, or exposition, it felt essential.
So yes, I dug it as well.
Let’s start by talking about the connection to “The Abyss of Time.” Obviously, the Heliopic Brotherhood of Ra is back in a big way in the Mignolaverse. Do you see this being the tissue that will connect “Hellboy in Hell” back to “B.P.R.D.,” or are these going to just be parallel tracks?
David: Well, by far the biggest connection between Abyss of Time and HiH was the return of Edward Grey. That room in Abyss of Time where they found the sword – which was Edward Grey’s – was the room where Grey was pulled into Hell. So that’s a huge tie, and basically, Edward Grey has become this point of connection between the two stories in a way. Also, think about it like this: Grey is dead now. The next arc of B.P.R.D. is about Johann leading a rescue mission to Chicago after The Abyss of Time. Johann has the ability to channel ghosts.
Interesting…
But I see them as running on parallel tracks that are not destined to come together. It’s just interesting that there is more of a visible tie now, and as soon as Hellboy’s protector revealed himself, I actually mouthed “YES!”
Brian: I was equally enthused when reading this issue. I love it when things connect and complement each other as well as this and “Abyss of Time” do. But I think you’re right; I don’t see the two books crossing over too much beyond sharing themes.
So, Hellboy is “free” – how do you see Red spending his time now? What does “free” even mean?
David: I think the idea is that, with Satan dead and Astaroth and Hellboy’s brothers…elsewhere in a sea monster’s belly or whatever, the expectations of his red right hand and of his heritage have been lifted off of his shoulders…for now. I mean, we saw as much that Edward Grey was being duplicitous in saying that, but in Hellboy’s mind, he may be free.
So now, maybe he’ll take in a show. I hear they have killer puppet theaters in Hell. Or maybe catch up with some old friends and family. Basically, I think these next few issues could be a chance for Mignola to get really weird and take us in directions we never even thought possible. In short, things are gonna get weird, man. What do you think?
Continued belowBrian: I expect weird, weird shit, David. To say much more than that is pure conjecture, and I do that enough in various columns on Multiversity. I do think we’re in for at least one “carefree” issue, though, without too much pressing on Hellboy’s mind. Just strolling through Hell, as it were.
I want to talk about the last time we see Hellboy in the issue. Since he died, the big red guy has been the big grey guy. But here, he strikes a match, and he’s red again. I assume this isn’t just the light of the match reflecting back at him. I think it is an indicator of the burden (temporarily) lifted from him. What do you think?
David: You know, initially I was going to say I think it was just tied to the dreariness of Hell, as it’s a place that isn’t well known for its favorable lighting. But then I flipped through the issue again, and yeah, I think it might be because of something like you said. It’s interesting looking throughout and seeing what is given bold colors: it’s really just fire and blood. So maybe he’s got a little bit of life coming back into him? With most any other creator, I’d look at it as a reflection of lighting strictly, but with Mignola? It probably means something.
Granted, I do want to note that technically speaking, that last panel where he is red is the only one where he is not “indoors” (I say that in quotes because it is often difficult to classify location in Hell).
Let’s talk about Angus Weir and Edward Grey. Any guesses as to what their further roles in the story are?
Brian: I see more involvement from Grey than I do Weir, but I think both will be active players. I could see either an issue of HiH or a one-shot spinoff detailing what task Grey is taking responsibility for, to alleviate Hellboy’s load. As for Weir, if Hellboy is going to be chilling in his hood, I’m sure he’ll pop up now and then, if only to be right neighborly.
Anything else you want us to cover before dolling out a grade?
David: Well, I do have to say, watch out for Weir. Clearly he’s a factor, as they gave him a good bit of narrative in this issue, and he’s the guy who knows what is coming along with Grey. They’re both players, and I think the fact that he’s another guy who stuck his nose up at Hell gives him at least a narrative connection with Hellboy. I think the players are being introduced, and both Grey and Weir are undoubtedly going to be here for the long haul in my book (and Mignola’s, I suppose).
To me, this was the best issue yet. I gave the first issue an 8.5, and I’ll give this one an 8.6 to note its superiority. Let’s do this, Hellboy in Hell! Give us our esoteric worst!
Brian: Although this was the most clear and focused issue, it was also my least favorite. I love me some puzzling comics! It was still excellent – I’ll give it an 7.75.
Now we play the waiting game for #5. Fingers crossed for June!
Final Verdict: 8.175 – Buy! (We are particular about the accuracy of our reviews – down to the thousandth of a point!)
