Hellboy: Weird Tales #6

Dark Horse

Contributors: Will Pfeifer, P. Craig Russell, Doug Petrie, Gene Colan, Craig Thompson, Steve Purcell, John Cassaday

TTFN, Comic book bin regulars. It’s getting cold here in northern Virginia, and as much as I love this Viking climate, I’ve got a vacation in the Bahamas planned. I’ll be back in two weeks, but couldn’t leave my fan base (you’re out there?! Right?!) without a review to tide you over for two weeks.

Hellboy: Weird Tales #6 is another hodgepodge of stories by various industry figures, and includes a stunning cover by Frank Cho. Incidentally, this cover is much nicer than a lot of Cho’s usual work for Marvel.

Will Pfeifer and P. Craig Russell contribute a story about “Grand Guignol” theater. It works, mostly because Pfeifer understands that Hellboy is a very historical comic. Mignola’s voluminous knowledge of weird history makes an already great book even more appealing, and lends an air of depth. It’s nice that Will Pfeifer understands that, and follows suit.

The highlight of the book is a story entitled “Friday” by Doug Petrie and (drum roll, please) Gene Colan. Colan’s work is surprisingly lovely, and adds depth to a relatively unimpressive story.

Craig Thompson’s “My Vacation in Hell” is an inspired, albeit disturbing little piece. The entire vignette is drawn in the style of sixteenth-century woodcuts. Thank goodness Albrecht Durer wasn’t born late enough to be copyrighted. It’s a little bleak, but it also accomplishes something I didn’t think possible: it locates the humor in a rather grim sub-genre.

Weird Tales #6 is enjoyable, and worth it if you like any of the artists involved. If you’re looking for Hellboy, however, stick to Mignola. Save these for once you’ve gotten to know the big guy.     

So long for a little bit, fellow devotees of sequential art. I shall return.