The Fellowship was fortunate enough to obtain an advance
copy of HELLBOY: THE HOUSE OF THE LIVING DEAD hardcover graphic novel from Dark
Horse Comics. Mike Mignola wrote the story, with Richard Corben (HELLBOY: BEING
HUMAN, B.P.R.D.: BEING HUMAN) handling the artwork.
It is 1955 and Hellboy is in Mexico spending time between
wrestling and getting drunk trying to numb the pain of losing a fellow monster
hunter to vampires. He is blackmailed into fighting a Frankenstein type monster
or else a young woman being held hostage will be killed. The mad scientist
found out he would gain favor with the lords of Hell if his creation would
defeat Hellboy. Throw in a werewolf, a hunchback assistant, and more vampires -
just another day at the office for Hellboy.
The team of Mike Mignola and Richard Corben work very
well together. To me, the only other penciller that could capture the world of
Hellboy just as well is…well, Mike Mignola. I like the grittiness of the Corben’s
look. Mingola’s story is straightforward and there is no real surprises, but is
a fun ride and one I would take again. HELLBOY AND THE HOUSE OF THE LIVING DEAD
is in stores now.