Hellboy: The Wild Hunt (2nd Edition)

I love Hellboy, and this is a great collection, and a wonderful addition to the Hellboy saga.

I've just finished reading "The Wild Hunt" (9th volume in Hellboy series). In my humble opinion, Hellboy is the best continuing comic-book series being published at the moment. Period Mike Mignola turns a page definetely over in the development of the Hellboy character and pathos when, for the first time, we get to fear Hellboy as Hellboy gets to fear himself. The treatment of European Mythology has also changed from previous Hellboy installments: not only the setting, now are the story. As for the art part of the book, Duncan Fegredo keeps up to his best. As in the previous volume ("Hellboy, Vol. 8: Darkness Calls"), he truly achieves a Mignola-like ambience and pace and, at the same time, he gives Hellboy art its own volume and perspective. Of course, reading "Hellboy, Vol. 8: Darkness Calls" is absolutely necessary before entering "The Wild Hunt".

In The Wild Hunt, Mignola masterfully continues to unfold the Hellboy universe with yet another captivating chapter in the horned-one's struggle to overcome his bitter birthright. In particular this effort manages to bring a strong sense of forboding and dread to the Hellboy saga while still weaving in a few new revelations and beings apparently more dangerous and dreadful than any witnessed to date. Another plus is the continuing contribution to the Hellboy series from illustrator Duncan Fegredo. More than a few of us have had the unfortunate experience of picking up a Mignola creation featuring his stunning artwork on the cover...only to open the pages to find a less than stellar effort from the artist or artists rendering the actual story (vol. 1 of the Lobster Johnson graphic novel serves as a sad example.) Suffice to say, Duncan Fegredo's work is nothing short of amazing and truly captures the original drama, styling and artistry of Mignola's work. At times, dare I say it?...Fegredo even surpasses MM. Overall, an exceptional addition to the series.

First off, this is a great story, especially for Hellboy fans who have been craving some answers. My main beef with the Wild Hunt was that in reading it in issues, with a month or more between chapters, the pacing was frustratingly slow. This is a more contemplative, brooding Hellboy than what we've seen in the past. For those who have grown tired of his "I sleep better not knowing" attitude toward his ancestry and purpose, you will be relieved to know that this has been cast aside. The actions Hellboy has taken against his own kind throughout his life, and his avoidance of his fate, all come to an head in this chapter. In short, this is an essential read for Hellboy fans. More than anything, it gets the ball rolling for some major stuff to happen in the upcoming story arcs. Although there isn't as much monster-stomping action, the art is subtly gorgeous. It might not be as fast paced as previous minis, but by the end all there are some big reveals, and the pieces are in play for some fabulous stories to be told in the near future.

i just finished the wild hunt, and i love it. every hellboy book gets better and better in my eyes. well except the ones with the short stories. while excellent in their own right they don't compare to the continuing story. this does in a big way and i am mad at myself for blowing through it in 2 days because now i will have to wait months if not a year until the next book comes out. here's to hoping the new bprd and witchfinder can carry me til then.