Hellboy and the B.P.R.D 1954: Ghost Moon #1

Writing: Mike Mignola and Chris Roberson
Art: Brian Churilla
Colors: Dave Stewart
Publisher: Dark Horse

Hellboy and the B.P.R.D continue their 1954 adventures in a tale that treads unfortunately familiar ground but is rounded out with a refreshing artistic endeavor.

The team of paranormal researchers and ass-kickers, head to China, Kowloon Walled City, specifically, to investigate a kind of combination missing persons-ghost case as is traditional Hellboy fare. Then, again as is traditional of these stories, the agents, one the ever-knowledge about this exact situation, come across more than they bargained for in the form of a kind of soul-sucking possession and horse-bull man-monsters…for lack of a better term.

It’s a story typical of the world, but it does get to the action a bit quicker and tighter than other outings have which is a refreshing change of pace. It’s especially clear, too, Roberson has nailed these characters, and their depiction here is no exception, the narrative is just missing a bit of authentic intrigue.

Entirely authentic, however, is Brian Churilla’s entrance to the Hellboy universe at large. A great boon to this issue is the way Churilla depicts the issues at hand. Straddling the line between Mignola-simple and detailed, the artistic effort brings the characters and the setting itself to life in a lively way that is oftentimes missing from Hellboy books when Mignola isn’t behind the inks.  Particularly good are the pages featuring Chairman Mao, a bloody red discovery in the night, and a full page dedicated to the otherworldly soul siphoning that Susan finds herself in tune with – all strengthened by Dave Stewart’s ever-apt colors.

Ultimately, it’s not a stronger Hellboy outing but it isn’t particularly offensive either. An issue that exists somewhere in the middle, dedicated fans may find it familiar but satisfying too.