This is my first foray into Hellboy graphic novels, and I was honestly expecting more.

I'm coming into the series having seen the movies. I was expecting a lot of action and familiar characters, none of which I got. But here's the thing: it was a good read.

I can see the appeal of Hellboy, especially when it jumps into the weird and absurd. I can see bits and pieces the movies took from here, especially the villain.

The story itself was well done. I look forward to reading volume 2 now that I know what BPRD are up against. ( )

Hellboy, in 1952 a mere youth, goes on his first B.P.R.D. assignment, to Brazil to investigate monster killings. As usual with the stories set in the 1950s, Mignola and company adds elements of the sci-fi films of the decade to their basic recipe of Universal monsters, cosmic horror, 1930s pulp, and a wisecracking hero. What fun. I took a half star off only because they have done even better. ( )