Dark Horse Comics 2017
Written by Mike Mignola & Chris Roberson
Illustrated by Christopher Mitten
Coloured by Dave Stewart
Lettered by Clem Robbins
Good vs Evil in the early days of WWII!
A conspiracy involving the Third Reich and a dead member of a sinister secret society sets Professor Bruttenholm on his first mission--to find the man who'd soon bring Hellboy to earth.
The mad Russian sorcerer Rasputin had been thought dead since 1916, when a group of noblemen sought to end his influence over the tsar. Now Rasputin works with the most twisted members of Hitler's inner circle, and he's about to cross paths with the man who'll go on to found the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense.
The surest way to grab my attention is use Rasputin! I love the myth, the legend and the whole mystique that surrounds the Mad Monk. I think he is one of history’s most enigmatic characters so with the title alone I was in. Of course this creative team is amazing, well seasoned and when they put something it’s always on point with its execution. Also that this is before Hellboy is brought to our world and Bruttenholm becomes his guardian. So it’s firmly in the Hellboy Universe but at a time where things can be done with this sort of freedom.
The opening here is utter perfection and while it doesn’t answer the question it kind just adds to the mystique and powers of Rasputin. Not to mention that the Dragon spoke to him and has at this time stopped and he has no idea if that voice will return of if his time with it is done. How he’s brought to the Reich is well done indeed and it’s a good bit of characterisation here that really makes you want to keep going.
Ah Bletchley Park, one of the most famous locations in all of Britain during WWII is where we fine the Professor, being put to use listening to German chatter trying to decipher what they are saying, what’s important and what’s not. This is actually a pretty genius way for the Professor to find a situation where his love of the occult comes into play. It is a seamless transition and one that works so extremely well and I like that because we all know Adolf had a strong and bizarre fascination with the occult so this story feels right for this time period. There’s nothing about that feels forced or out of place it just encompasses what is needed to make believable and that’s why it’s so good.
Christopher’s work on the interiors is his usual stuff. He works so well with these guys and bringing these characters to life. His eye for storytelling through page layouts with their angles and perspective is as impressive as ever. His utilisation of backgrounds always makes me happy. I enjoy the weight of his linework and how it makes me feel, with find and squiggly moments, Plus he can do horror without it being too much, too obvious or too gory. He’s got the right touch to be creative and imaginative without have to resort to basic tricks.
I like the way this whole issue is structured as it’s flow is amazing as we weave through the ordinary into the extraordinary in ways that fascinate. As if it weren’t enough that we were getting an incredibly interesting occult style story, I mean Rasputin is involved here. Nope the boys are like yes it’s WWII and Adolph and his people are involved so lets go one step further. They do so effectively too and I gotta say while I think it could’ve been a story in its own right by adding it to this one it really ups the ante.
There’s a reason these guys are so well respected and beloved in the industry and those reasons are right here on display. This is already an amazing story whose potential is industrious and fascinating.