The HELLBOY comic titles have a huge following and it is carried over to a wide range of titles on different characters and even the BPRD itself, including the unappreciated SIR EDWARD GREY: WITCHFINDER. Readers have demonstrated enough of an interest in the characters and the 'mythology' of the BPRD to support the artists taking the time necessary to give depth and dimensionality to the characters. HELLBOY is more than a snarky, muscle-bound, demonic gunslinger. He is a man, with unique origins trying to find his place in a world in which he, and everyone else around him, knows that he does not belong. This is a world, which hates him, but it is the only world he knows, and he has come to love it. HELLBOY is a fascinating and unique character, and this creative team is giving readers a chance to see how he evolved into the fascinating character that he has become today. Read Full Review

If you're looking for a jump on point for Hellboy or B.P.R.D., then HELLBOY AND THE B.P.R.D. is the perfect place for you to start reading. The issue is a ton of set-up but it's smooth and a really enjoyable read. It's great to see Maleev doing the art for a Hellboy book, and I'm pretty excited to see where this one goes. Overall, this is one of the best issues this week. Read Full Review

Alex Maleev and Dave Stewarts' artwork works perfectly with his style and look matching that of the story. Maleev's artwork in Hellboy and the B.P.D.R is truly sublime. Alex gets to show off a whole new side of his artwork during exploring Mignola's universe, and this can already be seen in the first issue. A must read for Mignola fans, Hellboy fans and Maleev fans. Also a great way to start off with the character of Hellboy if you have missed out on Mignola's magnificent creation. Read Full Review

The first issue that delves into the past of Hellboy on his first real mission with the B.P.R.D. was a strong one. We have hints of what is to come and a certain man who is going to be on bad terms with Hellboy before long. Sadly, the case that they are on has been vague and few details have been truly given as to what they will be up against so far. I have to say that I love the return of Professor Bruttenholm on page and can't wait to see how Mignola explores the father/son relationship as the series progresses. Read Full Review

Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. #1 is an enthralling release that will speak to its base. Excellent art, sturdy text and a solid set up lead to a highly recommended outing. Read Full Review

Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. is a welcome addition to the Mignolaverse, beginning the story of Big Red's first field mission. Most of it is spent setting the stage, moving all the characters into place, but it promises a big payoff that I'm definitely looking forward to. Read Full Review

This is a really, really good comic, and I hope lots and lots of people read it. And if not, they're missing out. Read Full Review

"Hellboy and the B.P.R.D." #1 truly is a magnificent introduction to the universe Hellboy occupies. The creative team does a brilliant job of describing the situation, introducing the cast and building anticipation as the issue ends with Hellboy looking towards a very uncertain future. It isn't every month that one of the more critically acclaimed new franchises created in the past twenty years offers readers a chance to climb in on a new ground floor, but "Hellboy and the B.P.R.D." #1 provides just such an opportunity. If you've missed out on Hellboy, or lost track of the adventures of the B.P.R.D., now is your chance to join Hellboy on his first adventure. Read Full Review

The issue is loaded with mystery and menace, but it moves slow as it spends the issue moving everyone into position. The art is by Alex Maleev, and it's excellent - moody, intense and spooky. This is the kind of stuff he was born to draw. Read Full Review

Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. #1 is a great primer issue for what appears to be an interesting new series by Mike Mignola and John Arcudi. This first issue may not have had any action, but it served as a great introduction to the characters and the world. Of course, Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. served as a great refresher for Hellboys world for those that have seen the movies and want to also spend time in the comics. Read Full Review

Hellboy and the BPRD #1 is the first act of an excellent horror film. It establishes its characters and conflicts without relying on cheap tricks. Instead the actions in this comic are allowed to breathe and the characters are provided with depth and weight. There is tension within Maleev and Stewart's artwork, but it is subtle and bides its time waiting to build as the story advances. It should be expected that a team like Mignola, Arcudi, Maleev, and Stewart would create an excellent comic and that is just what they do. Read Full Review

Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. 1952 #1 is a solid start to the series and sets up an intriguing story rich with the potential for some fresh character development, avoiding the pitfalls of prequel stories. And enough is given about Hellboy's origin with ProfessorBruttenholm that even those completely unfamiliar with the character can get on board and enjoy this story. There isn't any action in this issue, and that stands out with the abrupt ending but it was still entertaining and the build up suggests that the pacing will be worth it in more than one way. So I'm looking forward to the next issue and seeing how things unfold. Read Full Review

Those who crave a traditional, action-oriented Hellboy comic may be a little disappointed with this issue. That said, there's a lot to be said for the character-focused approach Mignola and Arcudi take as they begin exploring Hellboy's first mission. Pair that with Alex Maleev's haunting art and you have all the makings of another classic Hellboy story. Read Full Review

The atmosphere created by Maleev is thick and dark, and it's both fun and tense to see Hellboy's first venture into the outside world. Read Full Review

Whats telling about this story is Mignola and Arcudi are in no hurry to get to the fireworks factory, and don't give a damn how this gets cut into issues. They wrote a Hellboy story and Dark Horse can fiure out how to make it to stands. When you read this book, you can sense there is a tasty long story arch ahead, but the sudden cut off frustrates me, rather than entices me to read more. This will be a great trade, and if you can stand the suspense, check it out in issues. Read Full Review

The possibilities are almost endless with what Mignola and Arcudi can do here as they have a lot of figurative years they can cover before Hellboy inevitably leaves the BPRD which would literally takes years to put on the page. As mentioned above, this might as close to perfect as you can get with such a devoted fan base while also trying to attract new readers. Anybody who hasnt ventured into this world, which easily can go against anything else on the shelves, should start here. Dip your toe in, check the water before you inevitably dive in. Read Full Review

All that being said, the book's look and tone are wonderful"plenty of good things going on to have me very excited to see where things go from here. Read Full Review

Since most of us were too young to jump on this title when it first came out, don't make the same mistake twice and pick this up on Wednesday. The ending is unconventional, but this issue perfectly sets up what we should be in store for for the rest of the run. Read Full Review

Alex Maleev's artwork is gorgeous here, and his gritty linework and intense blacks are a perfect fit for the world of Hellboy. Read Full Review

This is a standard installment in the Hellboy universe. Mike Mignola gathers top-flight talent for his property, and the pieces fall into place. That said, this is a very introductory issue. Not much happens, but the exposition isn't so heavy-handed that you feel like you're just getting an information dump. It's paced well enough to keep readers enticed while still setting the stage for the rest of the story. It's a welcome reintroduction to this world and a reminder that Hellboy's still got it after all these years. Read Full Review

Hellboy is a fantastic character with a rich trove of stores. While the main title seems to be on endless hiatus, this will help fill the gap. If you ever wondered about the early Hellboy missions or are just looking to get into the character then this is a great start. I have no doubt the coming issues will be on par with many of the other classics of the character. Give this comic a try. Read Full Review

Fans of this story will likely decry most of the criticisms offered here, and stand satisfied with another Hellboy adventure. And while this story does containsparks that may soonignite the blaze of a truly great story, the creative teamcertainly has their work cut out for them. The standard coming-of-age story, or bildungsroman if you like, shows us an individual who exists in a hostileenvironment (in this case a demon fromhell on Earth) who ultimately pursues adventure and becomes one with the world. Ultimately, the protagonist rises to an authentic version of themselves. When the form is handled well, the emotional payoff ameliorates any reservations one had in the beginning. The true test of Hellboy and the BPRD "1952 will come with the arrival of issue #2, where we'll see these characters exert some agency on the story presently constricting them. Read Full Review

Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. #1 is, in my mind, an opening narration. Its not badly written or badly crafted, but it also doesnt really do what a first issue should. I was left waiting for something to happen rather than wanting to know what would happen next. Theres certainly potential for the series to move forward, now that all the pieces are in play, but this issue alone might not be compelling enough for a new fan and likely won't bring anything new to an old one. Read Full Review