Summary
The iconic creation of Mike Mignola has appeared in a bounty of memorable comic books over the years. Hellboy is a beloved fictional character, and as he enters into yet another live-action reboot, it’s worth taking a look at the bestHellboycomics that helped to define the character and those that should definitely be read to see the potential of this character on screen.
TheHellboycomics often indulge inmystery, horror, and noir, providing audiences with a window into the weird and wonderful worlds that this red devil inhabits. Whether it’s his own solo series or a collection of short stories, the many genres and mythologies that Hellboy intertwines with make him an exciting read.
7Seed of Destruction
Goodreads Score: 4.15/5 (75,875 Ratings)
Seed of Destructionacts as the first volume to the epicHellboyseries, so audiences who have yet to engross themselves in this great character and its world, should start here.Seed of Destructionis a great start to the series and features plenty of weirdness, a moody atmosphere, and a mixture of demons and Nazis that provides an exciting read from page to page.
Seed of Destructionis the origin point, and whilst the characters may not be the most fleshed out as they would be in future comics, the art is top-notch and really helps to sell the mood of Hellboy. It’s a solid horror/mystery that blends genre and theme together for the start of the character.
6Wake the Devil
Goodreads Score: 4.21/5 (18,129 Ratings)
Hellboy and Company venture through ancient Romanian castles in search of vampires and Nazi scientists, bringing forth anew age of horrorand oppressors.Wake the Devilrelies on the occult and further mysteries and mythologies to build its universe into something memorable and unique, expanding upon the origins of Hellboy with great success, and even an ounce of intentional humor that makes the characters seem more human.
Wake the Devilis another classic Hellboy story that features all the weirdness that the series should embrace, like Nazi vampires and Rasputin’s resurrection. For those who want to continue through the Hellboy hype train, reading the second volume that continues on even better fromSeed of Destructionis the way to go.
5The Chained Coffin and Others
Goodreads Score: 4.23/5 (19,598 Ratings)
Putting aside an overarching narrative,Hellboy: The Chained Coffin and Othersfollows short stories ofHellboy’s adventuresto further explore the world of horror and mystery. Each story involved in The Chained Coffin and Others has some layer of folktale from across the globe, showcasing Hellboy’s fist and wit against the evils of the demonic world that seeps over.
Suppose fans of horror and action want to read a good story about a demon paranormal investigator who does battle with werewolves and other gothic oddities. In that case, this is a must-read for them, especially when the art takes center stage once again.
4The Right Hand of Doom
Goodreads Score: 4.33/5 (11,768 Ratings)
The Right Hand of Doomprovides readers with further context into Hellboy’s world, including the nature of his giant red fist. What’s even better about this volume ofHellboycomics is the inclusion ofPancakes, a very short story that involves Hellboy as a child, forsaking his unknowing fate as the harbinger of the apocalypse simply because he enjoys eating pancakes.
Even outside of the humorous and adorable moments of Hellboy’s childhood,The Right Hand of Doomthrills and chills in all the right ways thanks to new revelations and homages to old tales that might seem unfamiliar.
3The Wild Hunt
Goodreads Score: 4.48/5 (5,643 Ratings)
As ancient giants awaken on the British Isles, Hellboy joins up with a group of monster hunters to bring them to their final resting place. Steeped in betrayal and a lurking final death,The Wild Huntbrings further intrigueinto the legend of Hellboy’s character, and how he could be solely responsible for saving mankind from a dreaded threat, all thanks to the revelations of dark heritage involved.
To see Hellboy at a point in his life where he seems so reluctant to fulfill his destiny, yet unable to stop himself from walking the path towards it, is a story at its most exciting. The Wild Hunt perfectly sets the stage for what awaits Hellboy, and provides audiences with a tease of the world’s end, showing how under pressure Hellboy truly is.
2The Crooked Man and the Return of Effie Kolb
Goodreads Score: 4.25/5 (3,314 Ratings)
Hellboy’s journey through a classic Appalachian horror is exciting and scary, and the premise for the newHellboymovie from Brian Taylor with Jack Kesey putting on the devil horns. The comic itself features the original and its sequel, wherethe ghastly Crooked Manpurchases souls from those desperate enough to do so.
It’s a terrific and terrifying read and one that might surprise fans since the art is helmed by Richard Corben rather than Mike Mignola. It’s disturbing and mysterious in all the right ways, and it’s no surprise that it’s being used as the basis for theHellboyreboot.
1The Storm and the Fury
Goodreads Score: 4.43/5 (3,228 Ratings)
A war between good and evil finally unravels in blood and intrigue, as Hellboy tries to survive a deal with the diabolical Baba Yaga to stop the dreaded Queen of Blood from ravishing mankind and life itself.Hellboy: The Storm and the Furyfeels like agrand climax to Hellboy’s life, whilst also setting up the future for his character. It’s a rewarding read for those who have been with Hellboy from the beginning.
Mythologies are integral to the DNA of Hellboy, andThe Storm and the Furyseem to indulge in many of them, whilst putting Hellboy directly into the middle of them. Hellboy’s character is deeper than ever, and the conclusion to a mighty tale is one worth reading.
