Comic Review: Hellboy In Love #1

Publisher: Dark Horse

Writer: Christopher Golden

Artists: Matt Smith & Chris O’Halloran

Letterer: Clem Robins

With all of the paranormal and, cults lot of Hellboy stories feel like the end of the world could be approaching. Still, many of the great stories with Hellboy feel small. Most of the stories since Hellboy in Hell are miniseries, and they are usually quite enjoyable. Hellboy in Love fits that description, putting the titular hero on a mission to get a briefcase back from the goblins that stole it. He is accompanied by Anastacia, a researcher, and the briefcase’s owner. Of course, a cult is somehow involved, but readers will spend more time having fun with writer Christopher Golden’s script than dreading the possible end of the world.

The majority of Hellboy in Love #1 involves Hellboy and Anastacia pursuing the goblins. The opening act is full of action as the two try to fend off the horde, while the rest of mostly banter and setup. Christopher Golden has a great script here. Anastacia and Hellboy have great chemistry, completing each other well with all of their banter. For those who may not care much for the budding romance, the action and premise hold up well too. This is a well-paced issue that ends with the two characters at a punk-rock concert to thwart yet another sinister plan.

Of course, the biggest draw in this issue is the “In Love” part of this miniseries’ title. The relationship is there, and it feels natural throughout this issue. Golden doesn’t rush the two into romance, instead allowing for the two to naturally get to know each other and their motivations through their chase. They bicker, they note each other’s strengths, and they steal glances. A lot of glances.

Artist Matt Smith does a superb job at adding to the script, adding tons of expression to the characters. When Anastacia isn’t calling Hellboy good-looking numerous times, she is saying it with her eyes. Outside of the expressions, Smith and colorist Chris O’Halloran do a splendid job of progressing the action naturally across the panels. Everything flows well, and readers will be rewarded for paying attention to detail.

Finally, Clem Robins successfully adds sound to every page of Hellboy in Love #1. The sound effects draw in the eyes, allowing for readers to hear the sounds of train cars on the tracks. The crashes, screams, and impacts all amplify the panels without distracting the reader from what really matters. It’s excellent lettering that elevates the comic.

Hellboy In Love #1 is a nice break from the usual Hellboy story. The characters are great together, and fans of the franchise and even newcomers should feel welcome to dive into this promising story.