Hellboy: In The Chapel of Moloch (One Shot)

For a relatively "new" comic character, Hellboy has achieved amazing success.

In the 15 years (more or less) since his creation by writer / artist Mike Mignola, Hellboy has appeared in a number of one-shots and mini-series. He's been the subject of two major live-action films. He's appeared in two animated films.

Now, at last, he's back with Mignola writing and drawing again in a story titled Hellboy: In the Chapel of Moloch.

Once again, Mignola somehow combines several disparate sources and cooks up a cracking good yarn. He brings the mood and supernatural edge of an H.P. Lovecraft story, mixes in some art influences (Goya is at the heart of the matter), and throws in a Jack Kirby riff with the characterization of Hellboy, the demon who's always ready with a wisecrack and never fazed by the horrific shapes of evil he must face.

With great skill, he brings that all together and creates a terrific story. Of course, his outstanding art is part of the equation - capturing the mood, the setting, the tension and the pure energy of the inevitable confrontation - this is Mignola at his best.

Any Hellboy comic is worth buying, but when Mignola is in charge, then you have a comic that is not to be missed.

Grade: A-