Hellboy: The First 20 Years

author: Mike Mignola

name: Wayne

average rating: 4.20

book published: 2014

rating: 4

read at: 2014/06/01

date added: 2014/06/01

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

'Hellboy: The First 20 Years' is an anniversary special celebrating the series that started in March 1994. With a great introduction by artist Peter de Seve, and a self-deprecating one from Mike Mignola. Although there was an Art of Hellboy book about 10 years back, this book aims to just show the characters evolution over the years.



With the original drawings of Hellboy where he appears almost furry, to sketches, full paintings, and comic con artwork, we can see the creative process at work. Mike Mignola's style is all his own and it's a great one. With his sloped shoulders and one hand larger than the other, Hellboy is not anatomically perfect. The art is shot through with angles and imperfect looking characters. This isn't to say the art is imperfect. It gives the work an iconic and identifiable style.



Peter de Seve talks about Mike Mignola's influences. There are shades of Bernie Wrightson and Frank Frazetta. Jack Kirby is listed as a possible. His work with shapes is certainly evident in the style. It's great art in the series and good to see here on it's own.



I was given a review copy of this graphic novel by Diamond Book Distributors and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.





via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://ift.tt/1hqxK5O