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Alison Sampson, B.P.R.D., Chris Robertson, comic reviews, comics, Dark Horse Comcis, Dave Stewart, Hellboy, Hellboy and the B.P.R.D 1957 Fearful Symmetry, Hellboy and the B.P.R.D 1957 Fearful Symmetry #1, Hellboy and the B.P.R.D 1957 Fearful Symmetry #1 review, Hellboy and the B.P.R.D 1957 Fearful Symmetry review, Horror, Laurence Campbell, Lee Loughridge, Mike Mignola, supernatural
Hellboy and the B.P.R.D 1957 Fearful Symmetry #1
Review by Paul Bowler
Hellboy is called over to India to investigate a state of bizarre animal attacks in Hellboy and the B.P.R.D 1957 Fearful Symmetry, but what he finds there ends up being far more mysterious than he could’ve ever expected. This new Dark Horse Hellboy one-shot by Mike Mignola and Chris Roberson conjures up a familiar mix of the magical and eerie atmosphere that is so indicative of Hellboy stories of old. Hellboy creator Mignola is an assured hand and Chris Roberson previous work on Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. make for a winning combination here. Although the plot of Fearful Symmetry is fairly standard stuff, their careful attention to detail is honed further with great scripting and dialogue to craft an adventure for Hellboy that is both compelling and quite moving.
One things that’s always fascinated me about tales covering Hellboy’s early years is seeing how the character has evolved from being a timid newcomer, worrying about screwing up, and always eager to do the right thing. Now in Fearful Symmetry Hellboy seems far more sure of himself and is actually getting pretty good at doing this agent of the Bureau For Paranormal Research and Defence thing. It offers a fascinating insight into earlier, simpler times for Hellboy, and provides a stark contrast to the grizzled supernatural adventurer we know he will eventually become.
What’s more this story reunites Hellboy with a a familiar face from the past, Miss Virginia Payne, doctoral student of anthropology. Their reunion is beautifully written, sharing old stories and reminiscing about the summer they spent seven years ago hunting monsters as they travel to investigate the animal attacks in a small village outside Jabalpur. The village itself is locked down and in a state of fear with everyone jumping at their own shadows. After a brief lesson in anthropology, Hellboy and “Ginny” encounter the Were-Creature that’s been attacking the villagers. However, things are never that clear-cut where Hellboy and a B.P.R.D. investigation is involved, and there is a a tragic tale lurking beneath the sudden rash of attacks on the village.
This one-shot features art by the extremely talented Alison Sampson (GENESIS) and intricate colors by Lee Loughridge, and cover by Laurance Campbell with Dave Stewart (Hellboy, Umbrella Academy). The look, tone and feel of the book is pure Hellboy from beginning to end. Sampson brings a smooth clarity and detail to every scene, allowing the action to unfold at a leisurely pace to accentuate the mysterious nature of the story, while subtly layering echos of Mignola’s own distinct style to make this younger Hellboy still comfortingly familiar. Loughridge’s colors are sublime blend of muted shades and bold tones which impressively highlight small details – especially during the more emotive scenes and where day gives way to night.
Although not the most dramatic Hellboy tale, this issue has great emotional depth that sines through in every scene, and the haunting cause behind the Were-Creature attacks is as mystifying as it is heartbreaking. Hellboy and the B.P.R.D 1957 Fearful Symmetry One-Shot #1 is probably one for the die-hard Hellboy fans really, the story was a tad more sombre than I expected, but still engrossing and interesting enough for newcomers to perhaps want to go check out more of Hellboy’s adventures as well.
Writers Mike Mignola and Chris Roberson
Artist Alison Sampson / Colors Lee Loughridge
Letters Clem Robins / Cover Laurence Campbell with Dave Stewart
About The Author
Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS4.You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook