Hellboy in Hell, Library Edition by Mike Mignola, art by Mike Mignola

Dark Horse, 2017

ISBN-13: 978-1-50670-363-3

Available: Hardcover

Hellboy in Hell, Library Edition contains storylines originally collected in the trade paperbacks The Descent  and The Death Card, and takes place after The Storm and the Fury.  In the opening chapter, we witness Hellboy’s liberation from an abyss by Sir Edward Gray, followed by a battle with a demon he once defeated, and a Dickensian introduction to Hellboy’s journey through Hell. It is the perfect beginning to the end. We witness Hellboy’s travels: Pandemonium denying his birthright and throne; the creation of his immobile army by the Fisher of Souls (who tells him “there is only one object that can breathe life into that army—your own right hand” p. 49); the birth of Hellboy; uncomfortable family reunions; a battle for the unwanted throne; facing old enemies thought long gone; and, ultimately, fulfilling his destiny to destroy Pandemonium. Shakespeare and Dickens references are scattered throughout, which really helps solidify what is happening at certain points in the story.

Mignola’s art is superb, as usual. The atmosphere and feeling of each chapter, with shadows and oppressive environments, set the tone for the overall book, even when there are brightly rendered scenes such as in Chapter 7, “The Trials of Dr. Hoffman”.

Looking at other reviews for this book, it seems that the consensus is clear: it’s sad to see the end of such a remarkable character, but what a graceful ending it is. I could not think of a better send-off for Hellboy. It still feels too soon for his saga to be over, but there is so much more to the character revealed in this last tome. I can’t go beyond that, lest I spoil the book for potential readers.

Additionally, this volume contains “The Magician and the Snake,” by Katie Mignola (age 7) and Mike Mignola (“much, much older”) and “The Exorcist of Vorsk: A puppet story told in Hell” by Todd and Mike Mignola. The first story in particular is moving in its storytelling simplicity. Also included is Mignola’s sketchbook material. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Lizzy Walker