As a result of this, Marvel started their “Point One” plan giving readers a lone issue in a series that could catch them up on what they’d miss and give them the perfect jump off point to continue reading the series. And DC? Well, if you haven’t heard of the “New 52” reboot you’ve been living under a rock. But what about other comics? None of them have yet offered people a place in the middle to start reading, it’s like they want you to read the series like everyone else and go to the beginning.
But I am here to say that Hellboy: House of the Living Dead is the perfect starting point for non-readers to get into the big red ape.
Scripted, of course, by creator Mike Mignola he delivers a miniature story with epic ingredients that will have monster lovers foaming at the mouth. Written as a love letter to the Universal House of Frankenstein and House of Dracula film series, Mignola has taken the feel of those movies and dropped hell’s favorite son into the mix. The result? An action-packed monster mash-up for the ages.
The slow start of the book is quickly forgotten because once this story gets going it doesn’t stop. The comic plays like it was one of the old Universal films, with a genuinely despicable villain and plenty of twists and turns that will keep you on your toes. While fans of the series will notice there’s not a lot of development for Hellboy in this stand-alone graphic novel, there is plenty of different monsters to make the read well worth your time. This book is just a ton of fun. Plus, being a follow-up to the Hellboy in Mexico story it’s not like you can skip it.
Richard Corben (of Heavy Metal fame) brought the story to life with his art, and it’s not like this book didn’t have challenges in terms of content. With Hellboy, a Frankenstein monster, Mexican Luchadores and plenty of other surprises, he really makes the art pop. His designs for the various monsters are also very creative, while staying true to the tropes of the characters that we’re familiar with. I’ve always been leery about the style that Hellboy is always drawn in, but Corben made me a believer. Though mostly using a pallet of grays and blacks, the book’s color communicates the nature of the story perfectly.
Like Hellboy? Then this is probably already on your shelf. But do you like Hellboy and want to start reading the comics? Than this is the perfect place to start. Not only does it give us a nice look into what Hellboy’s life is like – with a very. very brief origin in case you’re unfamiliar – the comic is just a hell of a good time. A must-have for fans of Hellboy and monster movies.
