"SEED OF DESTRUCTION": WHEN THE WORLD WAS INTRODUCED TO HELLBOY

Written by Rayhan Bengougou

Hellboy is one of the most popular characters in comic book history outside of Marvel and DC. Artwork by Rayhan Bengougou.

A small off-coast island, a crash of thunder, a spell casted and a demon summoned. In 1994, Mike Mignola would introduce comic readers, to an alternate World War Two, in which it isn't just a war between men, but rather a war between literal monsters from beyond. This is "Seed of Destruction", and this is when the world met Hellboy. 

This book also introduces us into the mind of creator Mike Mignola and his obsession with big and grotesque beings that read from the stories of old and does so in a way that feels classic comic book schlock and larger than life. 

Hellboy isn't complete without some traditional quips. Image by Rayhan Bengougou.

Without hesitation, I can say that "Hellboy: Seed of Destruction" throws the reader into this world that is strange, dark, and full of madness. Almost to the point that it should be grotesque. But it isn't, and that all comes down to Mike Mignola's beautiful artwork, that pairs nicely with the book's tone. 

What should be a gritty and wretched fable about gods and monsters, is instead vibrant and full of life, all thanks to the art style that Mignola has crafted. The use of strong black inkwork, plus with the swirls of hellish red, mossy green and blue, and blinding whites makes for a deliciously Lovecraftian adventure that will captivate your eyes and hold you down to all the epic battles between big red and the darkness that just seem to keep on coming. 

The story too is quite impressive, giving us the proper origin for the demon with the right hand of doom. It's a simple origin, but one packed with excitement and heart, which is what I really loved about this book. It's the heart and soul of it all that makes it stand out. 

It packs a slam dunk of a punch that balances art, story, character development, horror, and heart. Featuring a great plot about Rasputin trying to rule the world, while also being an oddball coming-of-age about a demon unsure what his purpose is. Having to make his own identity in a world full of other wicked creatures and kicking some serious tail. 

The front cover of the "Seed of Destruction" graphic novel featuring artwork by Mike Mignola. Image by Rayhan Bengougou.

Going back to the story, "Seed of Destruction" offers a well written, expansive, and intriguing fable that is complete, yet still giving us a glimpse into what else lies in this universe of weirdness. I truly felt that the comic's slower pace helps give us breathing room from all the action and chaos that reigns throughout the book feel more impactful and exciting, which is a welcomed choice.  

Overall, this first tale of Hellboy absolutely rocks. It has everything you would expect from a traditional comic book. The origin, the battles, the quips, the overall comic package. But mix in a hefty amount of stylish artwork by the master of shadows, a vibrant explosion of characters and world-building that leaves you wanting more, and a blending of the horror genre in unique ways that many have done with a vary of results. 

All that can be said about Hellboy can be found in this first grand adventure and forever cements him as the face for a wave of comics that people loved back then and still do now many years later following on from the year 1994. 

From his first ever appearance in 1993 at San Diego Comic Con, Hellboy has established himself as the face of Dark Horse Comics. Image by Rayhan Bengougou.