B.P.R.D. volume 9:1946 (tpb)

B.P.R.D. volume 9 takes a break from the frog storyline and gets back to its roots, hunting monsters and Nazis. This volume is written by the ever present Mike Mignola as well as Joshua Dysert. The artwork is handled by Paul Azaceta.

This volume examines the beginnings of B.P.R.D. and how it got it’s funding. Taking place in 1946 amid postwar Berlin Professor Bruttenholm finds himself teamed up with an eerie Russian team and disheartened group of US soldiers who just want to return home. Together they investigate rumors of paranormal Nazi experiments. They soon discover the Nazis intent when they are confronted by an army of test-tube vampires. Prepare yourself for a frightening journey with this story.

This is a great story with a suspenseful build up to the action. I really felt bad for the US soldiers who lived through the autrocities of the war and just want to go back to a normal life. You find yourself rooting for them throughout the story. It’s nice to see Bruttenholm finally get a back story worthy of his character as well.

The art had me avoid this book for a while. At first glance I wasn’t a fan of the work done by Azceta but the more read the more I realized how well it actually complimented the story. His work gave the story a dark, depressing feel to it. So it really goes to show you not to judge something before you give it an honest chance.

Throughout this volume the team uncovers mysterious underground labs, mass graves, and heinous Nazi experiments. Not that different from what actually went on during World War 2. Overall this was a great read with a fantastic Mignola cover I might add.