HELLBOY (4 out of 10) Directed by Neil Marshall; Screenplay by Andrew Cosby; Starring David Harbour, Milla Jovovich, Sasha Lane, Daniel Dae Kim, and Ian McShane; Rated R for strong bloody violence throughout, and language; Running time 120 minutes; In wide release April 12, 2019.

I got about halfway through this article and lost it to the underworld as I did not click ‘save’ and honestly it’s an accurate reflection of my feelings about Hellboy. 

Not going to lie, I forgot this movie was coming out. Aside from a few golden tweets about it, it flew under my radar until I went to the theater that day to see Shazam! so…not great.

The opening sequence tries to set the scene of what would be an excellent, metal movie with immediate gore and swears. Ian McShane introduces the history of the soon-to-be villain, The Blood Queen (Milla Jovovich), and her downfall thanks to King Arthur and Excalibur (which surprisingly doesn’t exist just to be history garnish as King Arthur usually is). 

And that’s where any sort of “epic” and “metal” movie stops. After that opening scene, Hellboy gets stuck in a reboot rut, suffering in the shadow of it’s magnifcient older and much cooler brothers. Hellboy (David Harbour) is introduced in a scene created to show us that our scary protagonist does have the capacity to care about people? I guess? Hellboy’s dad (Ian McShane) plays an important role in Hellboy’s life, dictating his actions and guiding Hellboy’s angst through different missions of their paranormal agency, and while it’s obvious their relationship is important, strained, and full of secrets…we don’t care. McShane yells real good, but beyond that, the father/son relationship falls flat. 

Hellboy has some additional features that make you wish for a third installment from Guillermo del Toro. The Babayaga, a nightmarish and limber woman, makes an appearance in her home-prison on bird legs. She exists in this film as a reminder that del Toro does not have a monopoly on creepy things and to set up a potential sequel. The Blood Queen’s subject that works to piece her back together is an overly animated pigman that is more cute and annoying than overtly threatening. 

On top of the mishmash of scenery and underwhelming action sequences is such an incredible soundtrack that goes to waste. Muse, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Alice Cooper, Motley Crue, even a Spanish version of “Rock You Like A Hurricane”, all wasted. Also wasted? A cameo appearance by Thomas Haden Church that has you saying, “is that…Thomas Haden Church under there?”

How does it compare to the original source material, the comic created by Mike Mignola? I’m not an expert in the subject but based on my brief reads, comic-Hellboy is layered and someone that you actually care about. Harbour’s portrayal is insanely stiff and feels more like an impression of Hellboy rather than an embodiment. Sasha Lane’s performance tries to make up for the blandness of Harbour’s, and Daniel Dae Kim is there too as more of a deus ex machina instead of a compelling character.

If you like gore and a strange mix of a soundtrack, go and get your demon on. Otherwise, you’re better off rewatching Ron Perlman’s portrayals.  

Hellboy in Hell #7 Review

Guest post by Alex Sousa 

One of the highlights of the “Hellboy” series—and all of its spin-offs—has always been Mike Mignola’s distinct visual style. It’s a refreshing pleasure to have him back on regular series duty, covering both words and art, after his six-year hiatus. Now, finally, after waiting since May of last year, Mignola is back on the scene with more tales of Hellboy’s exploits beyond the grave.

Mignola’s return to creative duties in issue seven isn’t as earth-shattering as it was when he began the first six issues of the “Hellboy in Hell” run, but this current arc is entertaining and exemplary when it comes to the atmospheric, moody depictions of an underworld worthy of comic’s favorite paranormal detective.

Thankfully, the plan going forward is for Mignola to stay on regular art duties. Of course there’s a catch, though. Because of his busy schedule, Hellboy will be sporadic and the run will be comprised of short episodes. Issue #7 is one of those, the first of a two-part arc called “The Hounds of Pluto.”

The story itself feels a little like familiar ground for Hellboy. Even in Hell, it seems, he’s faced with the threat of death. This time, it’s a soul-sucking parasite that has attached itself to him. It’s left him gray and emaciated, forcing him to work his way through a laundry list of curious characters to try and be rid of it before it destroys what’s left of him.

Even in Hell, it seems, he’s faced with the threat of death. 

Even in its familiarity, the story is worthwhile. It builds on the Hellboy mythology as Mignola explores his creative options while remaining true to the trademark storytelling that the series is famous for. While in the past the series has been bogged down in its own darkness, Mignola has brought back the levity that makes the melodrama bearable. A fish-mongering golem seems just as well placed in the Hellboy universe as a chorus of skeletal jurors. And as Hellboy tries to cure his parasite, it only takes a well-placed “Jeez” from him to remind readers what exactly it is that makes the series work so well.

Mignola’s sequential art is on point for this run. It maintains forward momentum while still treating readers to his brand of artistic flourishes. Panels are interspersed with eerie statues outside a hellish court of justice, anatomical models seam to whisper from the shadows, and lifeless husks look longingly towards an endless sea. As usual, Dave Stewart’s colors only add to Mignola’s line work to create a bizarre underworld for the titular hero to travel through. Bright reds pop over shadowy purples, creating energy and urgency, especially as the combustible climax builds.

A visual standout, though, is a dream-like, pencil-shaded sequence full of mysterious prophecies about an England that may or may not be. It’s a striking departure from Mignola’s usual heavy lines and shadows, which makes it all the more stunning.

The thing that seems the most fun about the current run is seeing Hellboy unsaddled from his responsibilities to the B.P.R.D. There are no secret missions, no conspiracies, no teammates. It’s just Hellboy and his wits against a seemingly endless underworld occupied by a rogues’ gallery of villains.

Given Mignola’s history of short stories, the current run of “Hellboy” seems to be benefitting from the condensed parameters. Hellboy is at his best when the world isn’t at stake, when he has freedom to move and explore. The setting is as fascinating as any of the characters and in its current iteration readers have a chance to really explore it.

8/10

It’s my two favorite things, beer and Hellboy. The short of it is that Rogue Brewery and Dark Horse comics have teamed up for a new ale, a red ale obviously. The full release is below:

Introducing the RIGHT HAND OF DOOM beer

inspired by Mike Mignola’s bestselling HELLBOY graphic novels

 

Portland, OR, February 17, 2015 — To celebrate the 21st anniversary of Mike Mignola’s legendary Hellboy character, Dark Horse Comics and Rogue Ales have collaborated to create the RIGHT HAND OF DOOM, a limited edition beer that will be available online beginning February 22, 2015 at www.rogue.com.

 

“When Dark Horse Comics published the first Hellboy story 21 years ago, I never thought there’d be a Hellboy beer,” said Mignola. “But I really can’t imagine a better time for Rogue to introduce the Right Hand of Doom beer. If Hellboy was real I guess he’d finally be able to buy me a beer.”

 

“Hellboy has appeared in graphic novels and comic books, prose novels, two animated features, two live action films, toy lines and all manner of merchandise,,” said Mike Richardson, President of Dark Horse. “Rogue Ales approached us with the idea of creating a heavy-handed, supernatural red ale and we loved the idea of two independent, Portland based companies coming together to create something new that would be both fun for fans and worthy of the Mike Mignola’s creative legacy.”

 

“This beer is dedicated to the B.P.R.D,” said Brett Joyce, President of Rogue Ales. “RIGHT HAND OF DOOM is brewed with all the same passion and intensity that Mike Mignola and Dark Horse have brought to Hellboy for the past 21 years.”

 

The RIGHT HAND OF DOOM label features a Hellboy drawing by Mignola. The beer will be available for the first time publicly at an event at Things From Another World Comics store in Portland on Friday, February 20 at a signing with Mignola and fellow comic book superstars Matt Kindt (MIND MGMT), Eric Powell (THE GOON) and Brian Wood (REBELS). The event begins at 4 PM, with Mignola’s signing scheduled for 6 PM. The beer will be available nationally via http://buy.rogue.com/Rogue-Hellboy-Right-Hand-of-Doom-Red-Ale; pre-orders are now available.

 

About Dark Horse

Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. The company is known for the progressive and creator-friendly atmosphere it provides for writers and artists. In addition to publishing comics from top talent, such as Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, Brian Wood, Gerard Way, Felicia Day, and Guillermo del Toro, and comics legends, such as Will Eisner, Neal Adams, and Jim Steranko, Dark Horse has developed its own successful properties, such as The Mask, Ghost, Timecop, and SpyBoy. Its successful line of comics and products based on popular properties includes Star Wars, Mass Effect, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, EVE Online, Halo, Serenity, Game of Thrones, and Domo. Today Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic book publisher in the US and is recognized as one of the world’s leading publishers of both creator-owned content and licensed comics material.

 

About Rogue Ale & Spirits

Rogue Ales & Spirits is an agri-fermenter founded in Oregon in 1988, as one of America’s first microbreweries. Rogue has won more than 1,700 awards for taste, quality and packaging and is available in all 50 states and 48 countries. Since 2008, Rogue has remained committed to saving the terroir of Oregon hops, barley, rye, wheat, honey, jalapenos and pumpkins one acre at a time by growing their own.

Lots of announcements from the comics companies at C2E2, held in Chicago this past weekend: X-Men: Battle of the Atom, Elfquest is coming to Dark Horse, and more! (more…)

I’m not one to front. I have no problem admitting that I had no idea what a Hellboy was until I saw the first movie in theaters. Holy Hell was I sold immediately. The solid one liners and insane visuals had me in awe. It was my introduction to what the Hellboy universe had to offer. It was also my first look into the world of Guillermo Del Toro, a dude who has since become one of my favorite people in existence. He fits in right above Henry Rollins and right below Kyle Kinane.

None of my viewing partners had any knowledge of the comics, or any other comics for that matter, so I had to take my research into my own hands. I picked up a few of the trades on the internet and was blown away by how on the head Del Toro’s film was compared to Mike Mignola’s source material. Sure there were a few adjustments. Tinkering is to be expected when any book is transferred to the big screen.

Because the town I was living in at the time lacked a real comic book store, I was unable to quench my thirst for any Hellboy themed merchandise. I set my sights to the internet. I was blown away by the amount of statues and busts and super bummed at the lack of moderately priced figures. I pretty much chalked my search up to a loss and just read as many of the books as I could, sticking to the Hellboy titles and saving all things B.P.R.D for later. I figured it was only a matter of time before my path crossed with that of some sweet Hellboy figure looking for a new home.

Fast forward a few years. I’m on a trip to Universal Studios and me and the main squeeze decide to check out a movie make-up exhibit where a lot of Hellboy movie prosthetics and props were on display. Like every exhibit in every theme park, there was a gift shop. I was stoked to finally have the chance to stock up on a few trinkets and figures. What I wasn’t stoked on were the prices. Especially the price of the 8 inch Hellboy Qee. I was just getting into limited vinyl toys and wanted so badly to add this to my collection. I think I remember the shop wanting $80. This was a little too rich for my taste. When we go back to the hotel I took a look on the interwebs for a better deal. No dice. Not even Ebay or Amazon offered a better deal. I added the item to my wish list. I closed the window. I cried myself to sleep on a fold out couch bed in the living room of our hotel. I wasn’t sleeping on the couch because Emily found my crying as a weakness and thought a night on the couch would toughen me up. I was sleeping on the couch because I was on vacation with Emily, her family, and her younger brother’s girlfriend who looked like Gollum if he had spent all day in the sun and riding on water rides. All the ladies in one room. All the men in the other. All the Patricks stay the shit out of our rooms.

Faster forwarding to a year after that. I had just received a bonus check from work for being the best and wanted to treat myself. As I was depositing the check in the bank, I knew exactly what a fraction of it was going to. Not groceries, not cat litter (use to learn the toilet like an adult), but a sweet ass vinyl figure of a man with a giant red right hand. Sitting down at my desk, a diet green tea Snapple in hand, I fired up the computron and meandered my way on to Amazon.com. What’s this? The 8 inch Hellboy Qee is but $46? Have the clouds parted to allow the Lord above to shower me with glorious rays of low low prices from her bosom?

The figure came and because I’m a dummy who cares little about reselling his figures, I opened it. I play with it. He sometimes fights my Bart Simpson Qee. He’s got a match scheduled with Homer Simpson Qee should the figure ever get released.

If you’re looking to get your hand on one of these bad boys try Amazon and ebay. They don’t go for much more than $50 and I think that’s a fair asking price. No one likes the fact that the new trend in toy collecting is charging an arm and a dick for vinyl figures.

Feel free to follow me on Twitter @patdelaney1985

Thanks for reading.

Earlier in the week Dark Horse announced that Hellboy would shed the mortal coil in the latest / last issue of this recent story arch – “The Fury”. This newest 3 issue run takes events that began 3 years ago in Hellboy: Darkness Calls and brings the story for the universe to a head with the death of the title character in the issue on stands August 10th (last Wednesday). Details on what’s next have been cagey but there are hints that while Hellboy is dead – he isn’t gone. Why would Dark Horse release a massive spoiler like that? Well it may have to do with the manner of the death. It is pretty common in comics to assume that people will inherently come back. It would not be a stretch to think that without the warning of “Yes, he’s dead, really truly dead” people might have reread the final pages a couple of times wondering if what they thought just happened really did.

Personally – I really enjoyed it. I thought it appropriate not only for HB as a character but for the whole universe. Yes – he dies. It has been a bit established that if eaten by a large enough monster he WILL just fight his way OUT of it (so you know it isn’t that). But I can’t imagine him going any other way than how he did. I further loved the stress on the idea through out the the story that the end is never JUST an end – but a beginning as well. So while there is no firm word on what is coming next – you have to wonder what does the afterlife hold for Big Red?

The Fury for all its sense of finality that fans may have some consternation towards does not disappoint. It’s epic, sweeping, and grand. It is pitch perfect Hellboy. I can’t say enough for Duncan Fregedo and his work penciling and to Dave Stewart constantly amazing coloring. The two of them capture and create the lush dark spirit that make the Hellboy books such a pleasure to read. One thing I have always loved in these comics is just the quality and beauty of the work. Having Mike Mignola himself on board writing this story also ads to the sense of this as something concrete and final. Mike made him – and Mike has killed him, and there is no arguing that.

While Hellboy is one of my favorite characters of all time and the big red guy does occupy a special part of my nerdy lil heart – it is the WORLD that Mike Mignola has so artfully and epically crafted on his own and with his latter collaborators that I really love. To say that the world of Hellboy is outright my favorite in the entire comics industry would probably not be an understatement. After reading the Fury my initial thoughts were to reread every Hellboy trade I have (and to buy the ones I don’t)…and to maybe talk to my tattoo artist about finally getting that Hellboy inspired tattoo I’ve been thinking over the past couple of years….

You can find Hellboy: The Fury #3 at stores now, or online at darkhorse.com

Chris Richard Hanson has been doing make-up and special effects for over two decades, working on films like “Hellboy”, “Underworld” and the “Men In Black” series. He’s had the privilege of working under some top directors and learning from some of the finest designers in the industry. And best yet, his shop is based right out of Salt Lake City. Hanson sat down with City Weekly‘s own Gavin Sheehan to talk about his career and the love/hate relationship with CGI.

Gavin’s Underground interview with Chris Richard Hanson

Gavin: How did you officially first break into the business with no experience?

Chris: I did have some experience in cheesy local movies, plus I worked for two years at a medical prosthetics lab making limbs out of fiberglass; they just needed a guy to spread the toxic stuff in molds for 6 bucks an hour, but I discovered silicone rubber material there, and made molds at night of my hands and developed a way to make realistic limbs just by screwing around. I sent all those pictures to FX shops in Hollywood, and just drove there one rainy day with my friend Ryan Peterson, an amazing sculptor who had been hired to work at a big FX studio. I lucked out and got a job making plaster molds on ‘The Santa Clause’ three weeks later. It only lasted like three weeks, and on my birthday, I was abruptly laid off, the show was over. The guy who laid me off laughed and said ‘Happy Birthday! Welcome to Hollywood!!’ again, I should’ve learned…

Gavin: What was the experience like working for The Jim Henson Company, and learning skills from a production outfit with such a rich history for visual effects?

Chris: Weird, very surreal at first. I came home from Michael Burnett, who I had just been laid off from after 18 months of employment, and in one day my old tape deck answering machine was filled, with all these messages from the big guys, including the Hensons! The message said “were doing ‘George of the Jungle’, the movie, and need you to come in and sculpt Gorilla heads” I was stunned. When I went in the next day with my sculpting kit, The place had no Muppets, no “Dark Crystal” creatures or “Labrynth” stuff, they kept saying “oh that’s all over in England, buddy!“ And word came down that the 15 gorillas had been cut down to three, so I sculpted gorilla feet and a giant snake. There was a guy there named Jim Ensign, I believe, and it sounded so much like Jim Henson when the paged him on the speaker my first day. I panicked! ”He’s alive!? How??” But, like everything in that town, it was just a wishful thought with a goofy truth behind it… But seriously, it was a beautiful shop and I felt like I had arrived. My family even knew the Henson name, so now I seemed legit! Now if only Rick Baker would hire me my life would be complete!

Good news for fans of Dark Horse Comics:

Now with their own dedicated iOS app, including availability on the web, Dark Horse Comics is making good on what they were planning to release in January of 2011.

The Dark Horse comics app will launch with hundreds of downloadable comics. It will soon be available for all iOS platforms through the iTunes store. Comics will also be available to purchase and read on modern web browsers at digital.darkhorse.com. New features and platforms — including Android support — will follow shortly.

Things are getting better in the digital comic realm everyday. The next time you hear a friend bitching about Diamond having the corner on the comic book industry and how the whole medium is going to fade into obscurity when the current Scott Pilgrim fans graduate junior college point them to the internet. We now have dozens of outlets to purchase comics. It’s sad to see actual comic stores going out of business and struggling to survive but the gradual control from distributors to publishers will strengthen the industry. Sure, there are still third parties involved such as app developers but the end result will be more comics at the same prices. Thank you Dark Horse, and sorry local comic shop, I’m a few months away from being completely paper free.

Welcome to the seventeenth issue of Convention Sketches!

We feature a convention sketch here every week. We’ve got a whole pile of our own, but we want to see yours, too. Email us convention sketches you want to show off and let us know what website you’d like credited for it. (bigshinyrobot(at)gmail.com)

This week, Sean Leslie from the Wednesday Warriors podcast sent in this great Scott Morse Hellboy he had commissioned at the 2010 San Diego Comic-Con.

It’s a great looking piece and we look forward to see more of Sean’s sketches.