Griffin Reads – Hellboy, Vol. 1: Seed of Destruction

Title: Hellboy, Vol. 1: Seed of Destruction

Author: Mike Mignola

Genre: Comics, Horror, Supernatural

Summary: “Hellboy, Vol. 1: Seed of Destruction” introduces readers to the iconic character of Hellboy, a paranormal investigator and demon-spawned creature summoned to Earth during World War II by the malevolent sorcerer Rasputin. Raised by Professor Bruttenholm as a force for good, Hellboy joins the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (B.P.R.D.) to combat supernatural threats. In this volume, Hellboy faces his destiny as the key figure in the end of the world and confronts sinister adversaries in a world of monsters and dark forces.

Content Guide:

• No swearing
• No explicit sexual content.
• Some violence, but not excessively graphic.
• Themes of consequences, fear, and power.

My Thoughts: Hellboy is my favorite comic book character. I love the way he grounds the reader through otherwise disturbing and nightmarish situations. In many ways, my Keltin Moore series has felt the influence of Mignola’s Hellboy. That being said, Mignola was still developing the proper tone and style in this introduction to the character. Most notably, Hellboy became less introspective as the series progressed, with fewer “thought bubble” text boxes, relying instead on Mignola’s distinctive artistic style to set the perfect tone for the dark and mysterious atmosphere of the Hellboy universe. That being said, the narrative in this story still seamlessly weaves together action, mythology, and character development, making it a compelling read for fans of horror, supernatural tales, and comic enthusiasts alike. This volume serves as an excellent starting point for anyone interested in the rich lore and complex protagonist of the Hellboy series.