Status
Available
Call number
Publication
Dark Horse (2004), Edition: 2nd, Paperback
Description
Dark Horse presents new editions of the entire Hellboy line with new covers, beginning with Seed of Destruction, the basis of director Guillermo del Toro's blockbuster films. Hellboy is one of the most celebrated comics series in recent years. The ultimate artists' artist and a great storyteller whose work is in turns haunting, hilarious, and spellbinding. Mike Mignola has won numerous awards in the comics industry and beyond. When strangeness threatens to engulf the world, a strange man will come to save it. Sent to investigate a mystery with supernatural overtones, Hellboy discovers the secrets of his own origins, and his link to the Nazi occultists who promised Hitler a final solution in the form of a demonic avatar. Includes stories from San Diego Comic-Con Comics #2 and the Comic Buyer's Guide.… (more)
Media reviews
The book is an action-adventure, not out of place compared to so many other comics with outrageous-looking heroes and mystical events, but the sense of being part of something bigger sets it apart.
User reviews
LibraryThing member tapestry100
Mike Mignola's first collection of his Hellboy series, Seed of Destruction sets the tone and feel for the rest of the series. With a story and art by Mike Mignola and a script by John Byrne, Seed of Destruction introduces us to Hellboy, a demon brought over to our dimension by Rasputin in an effort
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by the Nazis to gain supernatural help during WWII. Hellboy is brought to our dimension as a young child, hence the name that sticks, and when we are introduced to him as an adult, Hellboy is working for the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense, or BPRD, where he investigates supernatural phenomena. Truth be told, I don't think there was too much to this story, but it was a well-crafted introduction to the mythos and characters of Hellboy. Show Less
LibraryThing member justabookreader
I don’t know where to start with this so please be patient. It’ll probably be short anyway…not for lack of enjoyment or appeal but more from the fact that, as I said, I don’t know where to start.
Hellboy, on a trip back to the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense, finds Professor
I don’t read graphic novels nearly enough and I’ll even admit to buying most of those currently in our house knowing my husband likes them but really what I’m looking for is an excuse to buy more of them because I think they’re cool. I have a not so secret love of the Hellboy movies and this one is the basis for the Hellboy II: The Golden Army movie although I will say that a lot is imagined in the movie because this one is rather bare on the details. I’m all right with that and can see what was used and what was ditched. I know there are a lot of bloggers out there that don’t like movie adaptations of books but with a graphic novel, I think you have to allow more leeway.
The artwork is done well but I don’t feel the horror that it’s supposed to inspire, hence the only 3.75 stars. It does give you the same destructive feel that is always present with Hellboy though and I like that this personality trait came through. If you aren’t familiar with these characters, I’m not sure this is a good starting place although this is the first in this particular series storyline but not the comic series itself. Actually, that’s just what I think; I didn’t Google that so if I’m wrong, I’m wrong. Without much background, you’re dropped in and moved along at a fast pace. I enjoyed that but can see how it might induce confusion.
If you’re familiar with the story and characters, or share my guilty pleasure for the movies, I’d recommend this one.
Hellboy, on a trip back to the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense, finds Professor
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Bruttenholm struggling to remember something. Before he is able to explain his thoughts to Hellboy, an attack takes place killing the Professor and sending Hellboy and his cohorts, Elizabeth Sherman and Abraham Sapien, on a dangerous mission that answers no questions and leaves them knowing more terror is to come.I don’t read graphic novels nearly enough and I’ll even admit to buying most of those currently in our house knowing my husband likes them but really what I’m looking for is an excuse to buy more of them because I think they’re cool. I have a not so secret love of the Hellboy movies and this one is the basis for the Hellboy II: The Golden Army movie although I will say that a lot is imagined in the movie because this one is rather bare on the details. I’m all right with that and can see what was used and what was ditched. I know there are a lot of bloggers out there that don’t like movie adaptations of books but with a graphic novel, I think you have to allow more leeway.
The artwork is done well but I don’t feel the horror that it’s supposed to inspire, hence the only 3.75 stars. It does give you the same destructive feel that is always present with Hellboy though and I like that this personality trait came through. If you aren’t familiar with these characters, I’m not sure this is a good starting place although this is the first in this particular series storyline but not the comic series itself. Actually, that’s just what I think; I didn’t Google that so if I’m wrong, I’m wrong. Without much background, you’re dropped in and moved along at a fast pace. I enjoyed that but can see how it might induce confusion.
If you’re familiar with the story and characters, or share my guilty pleasure for the movies, I’d recommend this one.
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LibraryThing member Kisners42
Mike Mignola's art in this series rocks of course (as usual).
The story also relatively interesting, however I found that I'd read enough hype about it that I was expecting more somehow. Still it wasn't bad.
- Peter K.
The story also relatively interesting, however I found that I'd read enough hype about it that I was expecting more somehow. Still it wasn't bad.
- Peter K.
LibraryThing member lifeasafrog
Although the story line is hard to follow at times, once you understand the premise you will appreciate the deep and fascinating book.
LibraryThing member euang
The birth of a legend: This is a truly magnificent graphic novel. Mike Mignola has created something wonderfully different and original... The artwork is excellent- a unique style that fits the 'dark' nature of the story. I recommend this novel to anyone fascinated by the occult, by fairy tales, by
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aliens and witches and goblins. Show Less
LibraryThing member ragwaine
I'm very glad to say that I liked this a lot. Even the art, which up until now I thought I would totally hate, was pretty cool. The characters were cool and original, the bad guy was really evil and evil looking and his masters are cthulhu-like monsters. What more could you ask for? I can't say
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it's as good as -Top 10- or -Transmetropolitan- but I'll definitely be reading the next couple graphic novels. Show Less
LibraryThing member theforestofbooks
Finally got hold of this after it being on order for months. Thoroughly enjoyable. At times Mignola’s writing reads poetically, with a smooth easy rhythm. I found the beginning pages a little confusing as the narration seemed to switch. Once Hellboy became the sole narrator (not a phrase I
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thought I’d ever write!) the story flowed. There is a degree of the abstract within the artwork. Faces and backgrounds not clearly defined. Instead there is an emphasis on shadow and light; dark backgrounds throwing the glorious bright red of Hellboy almost off the page at times. It is artwork that works well within the nature of the story. Show Less
LibraryThing member comfypants
I'm not a fan of spooky/paranormal stories, but Hellboy's such a great character, it's lots fun to read. And the book and movie are different enough that one doesn't lose anything after you've seen/read the other (unlike certain other comic books starting "Sin" and ending in "ity").
LibraryThing member krystyne1973
This graphic novel is a great story about a demon looking character that isn't anything like you would think. He is loving and heroic, he even loves cats. He is adopted by a man during the war and taken under his wing. He learns of other odd looking characters with special abilities. Together they
I was drawn to these books after the movies came out. I had never heard of these character until then. I know many people don't let their kids watch the movies or read the books because of the title. This is a shame because the character is quiet noble and the story line is very good. My sons were very interested and we started purchasing the books. I love this character and all the graphics in the book.
In a classroom, I would use this book for a class of HS seniors (because of the language). I would have them divide into groups and create their own comic strip. They could either draw it out or use power point presentation.
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fight against a group of nazi occult worshipers. The art work in the book is pretty good.I was drawn to these books after the movies came out. I had never heard of these character until then. I know many people don't let their kids watch the movies or read the books because of the title. This is a shame because the character is quiet noble and the story line is very good. My sons were very interested and we started purchasing the books. I love this character and all the graphics in the book.
In a classroom, I would use this book for a class of HS seniors (because of the language). I would have them divide into groups and create their own comic strip. They could either draw it out or use power point presentation.
Show Less
LibraryThing member jayrogers
The hellboy books are really quite a fine example of graphic design and a singular vision of comedic horror. Or should I say gothic comedy?
LibraryThing member Brian55
Art work was outstanding; story plot and dialogue was a little thin at times.
LibraryThing member regularguy5mb
A paranormal mystery with a detective who's a demon with a big, stone right hand, what's not to love? Hellboy is one of my favorite characters. He's a big red demon with the personality of Sam Spade or Philip Marlowe who, as a member of the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense, investigates
This is the first Hellboy story, the Seed of Destruction, the one that started it all. Sets up the Bureau, tells Hellboy's mysterious origins, and introduces the "frogs." The whole thing is very pulp, which I love. It's a blend of detective story and Lovecraftian horror with Rasputin pulling the strings while working for the Nazis. There's a lot going on, and it's all brilliant.
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the strange and unexplained all over the world. He is the World's Greatest Paranormal Investigator.This is the first Hellboy story, the Seed of Destruction, the one that started it all. Sets up the Bureau, tells Hellboy's mysterious origins, and introduces the "frogs." The whole thing is very pulp, which I love. It's a blend of detective story and Lovecraftian horror with Rasputin pulling the strings while working for the Nazis. There's a lot going on, and it's all brilliant.
Show Less
LibraryThing member bhutton
Interesting to compare to the movie. I enjoyed the story and can't wait to get into more of the mythos.
LibraryThing member thenumeraltwo
Good bit of Gothic horror comic. Read with Wikipedia constantly open to find out more about the multiple myths Mignola mentions. The parody arty statement is that "he uses shadows well," but I'm nothing if not unoriginal, so I'll also mention the sparing lines and less sparing blocks of shade.
LibraryThing member bobbybslax
Mignola's use of color and shadows is interesting to view, but the story didn't hook me. It's fine, and of course the characters are unique, but it felt like more of the same.
LibraryThing member coffeesucker
Excellent storytelling and artwork!
LibraryThing member Kavinay
I don't even know is the story is that great. Lovecraftian elder gods etc. A
are okay, but what really stands out is Mignola's art. Artists with a strong inking background make a unique and powerful visual style that's unique to comic books. It's not just an homage to Jack Kirby either but also a
are okay, but what really stands out is Mignola's art. Artists with a strong inking background make a unique and powerful visual style that's unique to comic books. It's not just an homage to Jack Kirby either but also a
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perfect marriage of heavy blacks to occult subjects. Show Less
Subjects
Awards
Eisner Award (Nominee — 1995)
Language
Original publication date
1994-10
Physical description
128 p.; 10.16 inches
ISBN
1593070942 / 9781593070946