B.P.R.D Hell on Earth #114 – Review


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True to its name, B.P.R.D Hell on Earth is all about, well, hell on earth. If you love post-apocalyptic shenanigans and a plot that teases apart how the government (and BPRD) might respond to this mess, then you’ll love this current run. But be warned: issue #114 is not an entry issue; while there’s setup for the new arc, it’s mostly about wrapping up what’s come before.

Here’s the word from Darkhorse:

Liz Sherman brings a fiery assault to the mad doctor’s hospital and his army of mutant monsters, while the B.P.R.D. plans a sneak attack on Manhattan—now under the Black Flame’s control.

One of this title’s greatest contributions to the universe Mignola has created is that it’s rather successfullyScreen shot 2013-12-17 at 6.48.08 AM cleaved its supporting vast from Hellboy — Liz especially is now a real character with real stories all to herself. And more than anything issue 114 establishes Liz as a hero with the depth and magnetism to carry an entire show alone. That said, the plot structure of issue 114 is a little odd — writers Mike Mignola and John Arcudi crafted a compelling wrap-up of the mad doctor storyline, and then jumped right into the setup for the next issue. The result is an issue that feels like two tales trying to exist in the same book — something that won’t be noticed in the trade, but might cause whiplash in the monthly reader. This is all to say issue 114 is not the most beautifully choreographed book this team has delivered, but I guess it got the job done.

Speaking of jobs, Tyler Crook is doing an awesome one with the art on this book. His style is oodles more expressive than Mignola’s ever was and for longtime fans used to seeing B.P.R.D characters rendered in heavy lines where facial features are more suggested than illustrated, it’s fun to see Crook’s take on how they might look up close.

Overall, B.P.R.D continues to impress, and prove that although Hellboy might be what draws fans in, it’s the larger Universe that will make them stay.

4/5

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