Horror is deeply rooted in the ideas of humanity. From the first monster and man dynamic ever recorded, humanity has been an essential element that defines man from monsters. Modern creators have attempted to challenge this conception, and nowhere is this more apparent than "Hellboy."
"Hellboy" is the creation of artist Mike Mignola. By blending elements of cosmic horror, pulp heroes and folk tales, the comic has been a standout in comic book shops since its introduction in 1993 at San Diego Comic-Con.
The following year, Mignola and one-time collaborator John Byrne wrote "Seed of Destruction." Mignola would build upon this initial volume in his writing as he seeded Hellboy's narrative and visual style.
Mignola's art is the most striking feature of his work. For example, his use of shading borders on tenebrism as exemplified in works by Caravaggio or Adam de Coster. Figures often appear from shadows with slithers of color and body in view.
In the comic, Mignola uses this to a striking effect to create an atmosphere in his art. This lends itself to the horror themes of the comic, as castles and dark forests are portrayed in a unique and minimalistic fashion.
This style becomes an established visual language of "Hellboy" moving forward. Artists like Duncan Fegredo and Richard Corben bring a different style and figure to the comic, but they often adhere to the visual language of tenebrism.
The story follows the titular character's inception into the world. After a secret ritual during WWII to end the world is interrupted, Hellboy, who is fated to bring about humanity's destruction, is born. The story follows Hellboy as he attempts to defy faith in favor of helping quell paranormal threats, eventuating in his journey to self-discovery.
Hellboy's journey can be categorized into arcs and stories. The arcs often push the narrative forward in chronological order. The interstitial stories like "The Corpse" or "The Crooked Man" serve to flesh out the world.
Like Neil Gaiman's "The Sandman," the "Hellboy" series blends short stories and long-form narratives that fleshes out the scope of the narrative universe. The comic's literary allusions and folkloric influences often define the comic among other horror comics.
Hellboy's adventures reflect the character's humanity in contrast to his demonic appearance. Appearing as a red, horned humanoid, Hellboy is often placed in the position of the other. As in most horror media, like "Frankenstein," readers are impartial to empathize with him as he struggles with ideas of expectation, faith and belief.
By the final chapters of the series, narrative elements are often tied up into a contained narrative. Unlike most comics, "Hellboy" has a beginning, middle and end to its narrative that reflects a rich history of folklore, literary allusions and character development. Its final chapters mark a finite bow onto the horror epic.
"Hellboy" has spun off into successful comics like "Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense" and "Abe Sapien," which expand the "Hellboy Universe" beyond the protagonist. On screen, "Hellboy" has been adapted three times, with a recent announcement that a fourth adaptation is in the works. A new video game is also in development, adapting Mignola's original art style.
Hellboy's journey across the comic is built upon ideas of discovery and humanity inherent to the horror genre itself. The interest in adapting "Hellboy" to every medium possible reflects the impact of the comic itself. "Hellboy" is not so much a franchise as a study of character. Its speculative themes offer introspective narratives on humanity and faith as readers track the ever-changing protagonist, Hellboy, across his 30-year journey toward discovery.
Benjamin Ervin is a senior studying English literature and writing at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk more about it? Let Benjamin know by emailing him be425014@ohio.edu.
