By Dustin Cabeal
Like many comic book readers, I was mentally aroused by Mike Mignola and Adam Hughes working together on a Hellboy comic. Sure, I knew it would be a “lost story” type of deal which has become a favorite of Mignola since sending HB to hell. But Hughes art was enough to make me not give two damns about that. That and I would personally like to see Hellboy come back to life already and start punching the Mignolaverse back into shape.
The story keeps Mignola’s charm of showing more and saying less. If you ask me, that’s what’s always been compelling about Hellboy, its what’s not said. Hellboy is sent to investigate some supernatural events that happened in a church. He gets lost along the way, and a mother spirit helps him out. There, as the title suggests, he runs into Krampus. The story is simple, but the twists are what make it unique. That and the gorgeous artwork.
There’s not much else to say about the story, I’m a fan of holiday comics and have read more than a few this year already. This one is the best I’ve read because it stays within the realism of the world, while also fitting the season. There’s even a line that illustrates the comic perfectly, “There must always be ghost stories at Christmas…” that says it all.
The artwork is one big drool fest. From the scenery to the way that Hellboy is designed in Hughes style. I just wish we could see more of Hughes artwork in general, but I’ll take this particular treat and enjoy it. Krampus, in particular, has a magnificent design that changes as the comic continues. There’s more I could say about the art, but it would just be more gushing and praise. It’s top-notch work by someone who has become masterful. Again, I wish we could see more interiors from Hughes as he’s undoubtedly a brilliant visual storyteller and works incredibly well with Mignola.
Buy this damn comic already. What more do you want to hear? Sure, you might be like, “I’ve never read Hellboy, so it isn’t for me.” Wrong, this book doesn’t require you to know anything about the character and actually teaches you about him as you read. There’s no excuse not to pick up this comic because it’s quite purely a masterful piece of work.
Score: 5/5
Hellboy: Krampusnacht
Dark Horse Comics