The History of Hellboy: Where the Hero Came From and What He Did in Comics and Film

Contents:

• The Printed History of Hellboy
• The Demon is Born
• Rasputin and the Nazis
• The Muscleman, the Fighter, and the Intellectual
• A New Meeting with Rasputin
• Been There, Seen That
• The Death of a Hero and the End of the World
• Hellboy Goes to the Movies
• Guillermo, We've Cancelled
• Reboot, restart
• Now you are Hellboy

On October 18, the Hellboy: Web of Wyrd video game was released, based on a new original story created by Hellboy author Mike Mignola. To mark this occasion, we decided to tell the story of this character's origins in comics and his journey across other media, including video games. Hellboy, now a cult hero, continues to inspire developers and fans around the world, and his unique universe attracts attention across various genres and formats.

Hellboy's Printed History

In 1991, at Comic-Con in Salt Lake City, comic book artist Mike Mignola created a unique character that would later become a comic book icon. During the event, captivated by the atmosphere, he sketched a sketch of an infernal creature—a horned, winged, and hairy monster. In one hand, he held a flail, and a crab and a dead fish were hidden in his belt. Saliva flowed from his mouth, and the inscription "Hell Boy" stood out on his belt buckle. This image became the basis for a popular comic book series and films that have gained recognition among fans of the genre. Hell Boy represents the struggle between good and evil, captivating comic book fans and moviegoers alike.

At first, Mignola didn't believe his sketch could lead to anything significant. At that time, the young artist was just beginning to form his name and understood that to do so, he needed to work with already established characters from Marvel and DC comics. However, just a couple of years later, the situation changed dramatically. Mike successfully adapted Bram Stoker's Dracula and created the stylish comic Gotham by Gaslight, which set the Batman stories in 1889. This success opened up new opportunities for him and inspired him to create his own comic.

Mignola had always been interested in stories about paranormal investigations in Victorian settings. He conceived of a comic in which a group with special supernatural powers fights evil spirits. The horned Hellboy fit perfectly into the team. However, over time, the concept began to change. The setting has been transformed into the modern era, and as a result, only Hellboy remains from the original five evil fighters. Mignola struggled to come up with memorable names for the other team members, which led to the team being cut.

At the time, DC was looking for darker, more serious comics for its new Vertigo imprint. Mignola pitched Hellboy, but editors rejected the character because his name was associated with hell. This decision would shape Hellboy's future, which eventually found its way into the independent comics industry and became a cult favorite.

Fortunately, DC's Vertigo imprint wasn't alone in the comics market. Dark Horse had established itself successfully with its Alien and Star Wars series. Dark Horse owner Mike Richardson was eager to expand his publishing portfolio, including original projects. He wasn't afraid to experiment with a variety of themes, including darker storylines. This allowed the publisher to attract new readers and carve out a niche in the comics industry.

Hellboy debuted in a promotional comic book from SDCC Comics, which was given away for free at San Diego Comic-Con. In this short story, consisting of just four pages, the protagonist engaged in battle with a giant dog, who turned out to be the Egyptian god Anubis. The story ended with a loud bang and the announcement of a full-fledged comic book series, which marked the beginning of a popular franchise.

Mignola had never created comics himself before. Doubting his abilities as a storyteller, he decided to turn to renowned screenwriter John Byrne for help. Unsure how audiences would receive the new hero, Mignola intended to limit himself to a single story arc. "Hellboy: Seed of Destruction" was originally planned as a miniseries, but became a real success, winning two prestigious Eisner Awards, the highest recognition in the world of comics. This project not only established Mignola as a talented author, but also opened new horizons for the character, who subsequently gained immense popularity among readers.

Mignola drew inspiration from pulp magazines, the works of Lovecraft, horror novels, as well as Irish and Slavic folklore. As a result of his work, Koschei the Deathless became the central figure of his own series. The characters and plots he created reflect a unique blend of genres, which makes Mignola's work recognizable and in demand among fans of graphic art and literature.

Hellboy comics have been published since 1994 and continue to delight fans to this day. The Hellboy universe has significantly expanded thanks to many series dedicated to the adventures of secondary characters. The main Hellboy story, written by Mike Mignola, came to a logical conclusion in the miniseries Hellboy in Hell (2012–2013) and The Devil You Know (2017–2019). However, this has not stopped the author from creating new stories that explore different stages of the character’s life. The Hellboy brand remains relevant and continues to attract readers thanks to its unique plots and deep mythology.

The Demon is Born

In the mid-16th century, a young Englishwoman, Sarah Hughes, made a deal with the demon Azzael, one of the lords of hell, selling her soul. Over time, she renounced her dark life, married, and had two children. Both children dedicated themselves to serving the church: her son became a priest, and her daughter, a nun. Sarah Hughes's story illustrates the struggle between good and evil, as well as the possibility of redemption and a change of fate. Sarah remembered the deal they had made, and on the brink of death, she asked her children to protect her soul from the demon. However, the priest and nun were no match for the lord of hell. Azzael easily dispatched them and carried his mother's body to hell. There, the demon burned her corpse to ashes, and from the fire emerged their son, the result of this sinister bargain.

Azzael named his son Anung Un Rama, which in the demonic tongue means "he who bears a crown of fire upon his brow." This infant demon was destined to become the Beast of the Apocalypse and bring about the end of the world. To aid him in this sinister goal, Azzael cut off his son's right hand and replaced it with the Right Hand of Fate, which once belonged to a powerful being named Anum. Anum, in turn, created and imprisoned the Ogdru Jahad, an ancient evil with the goal of unleashing itself and destroying all life on Earth. The Right Hand of Fate was believed to hold the key to freeing the Ogdru Jahad and ushering in Ragnarok, making it a crucial artifact in the prophecies of the end of the world.

When the other lords of Hell learned of Azzael's actions, the demon hid the child, trapping him in a block of ice. The baby spent the next three and a half centuries in this icy captivity.

Rasputin and the Nazis

At the end of World War II, the Nazis sought to change the course of the conflict using occult knowledge. To achieve this goal, a secret society called "Ragnarok" was created. The project leaders turned to the services of the Russian mystic Grigori Rasputin. On December 23, 1944, on a remote island off the coast of Scotland, Rasputin opened a portal to hell. However, events did not develop as expected, and the result was far from the intended plan.

The Nazis probably hoped to create an army of conquered demons ready to carry out the Fuhrer's orders. However, Rasputin had his own ambitious plans, which "Ragnarok" did not fit into. Although "Ragnarok" itself was part of the plans, the participation of Hitler and his associates in Grigori's project was not envisaged.

Rasputin hadn't taken all the nuances into account in his plan. He managed to summon Anung Un Rama from hell, but he materialized several miles from the ceremony and unexpectedly fell on the heads of a detachment of Allied soldiers sent to stop the Nazi invasion of the island. Fortunately, Professor Trevor Bruttenholm, President Roosevelt's adviser on paranormal phenomena, was among them. Realizing that the baby didn't pose a threat, he decided to adopt him and gave him the earthly name Hellboy.

Hellboy spent his childhood on an American military base, which had a significant impact on his formation. Demons and half-demons like him grow very quickly. By the age of ten, Hellboy already looked like an adult, but his emotional and psychological development remained at the level of a teenager. In 1952, he joined the Bureau of Paranormal Investigation and Defense, created by his adoptive father. After successfully completing his first mission, Hellboy was awarded the title of "honored person" by the UN, which emphasizes his uniqueness and significance in a world where supernatural forces and human values ​​intersect.

Bodybuilder, fighter, and intellectual

Hellboy goes to the gym, and his physical abilities significantly exceed those of ordinary people. He carries a pistol, but his marksmanship is poor, so he prefers close combat, using swords, spears, clubs, and hand-to-hand combat. This is understandable, given that his right arm, which possesses incredible strength, can function as a jackhammer. This arm is intended to serve as the key to Ragnarok, but Hellboy finds many other uses for it: it's excellent for hammering nails, kicking down doors, and crushing monster skulls. In arm wrestling competitions, the half-demon would be unbeatable if anyone dared challenge him. Hellboy demonstrates not only his strength but also his ability to use it in the most unexpected situations, making him a unique and formidable opponent.

Hellboy is known for his accelerated regeneration and outstanding durability. He has survived numerous dangerous situations, including machine gun fire, piercing sword wounds, werewolf attacks, falls from great heights, and impacts with cobblestones and concrete slabs. Unlike most demons, Hellboy possesses an immunity to sacred objects, which he maintains as long as he remains good and adheres to his moral principles. This unique ability makes him one of the most enduring characters in the world of comics and films, captivating fans and creating interesting plot twists.

Despite his imposing physical appearance and sometimes fiery temper, Hellboy possesses remarkable mental abilities. He speaks several languages ​​fluently and has extensive knowledge of the paranormal and occult. At one time, he was called the best paranormal detective in the world, which emphasizes his unique skills and professionalism in the investigation of mystical and supernatural events.

The character won the hearts of fans thanks to his dark sense of humor and the ability to find time for dry but witty remarks in any situation. Interestingly, this character trait was inspired by the artist's father. The father, a Korean War veteran who traveled half the world, was a cabinet maker and often returned home with stories of accidents at work. Even the most terrible stories he always told with an imperturbable face, which added a special flavor to his stories. This unique combination of humor and seriousness made the character unforgettable and attracted attention to his adventures.

Reunion with Rasputin

Over more than forty years of service, Hellboy became the leading agent of the Bureau of Paranormal Investigation (BPI). In the early nineties, he formed a strong team, which included folklore professor Kate Corrigan, amphibian man Abe Sapien and pyrokinetic Liz Sherman. These unique characters, each with their own special abilities, helped Hellboy combat various supernatural threats, making them indispensable allies on challenging missions.

Bruttenholm goes missing during an Arctic expedition, and Hellboy and his team set out to find him. However, they are caught in a trap set by Rasputin, who has returned to life and is seeking to carry out his insidious plan. His goal is to bring about Ragnarok and free the Ogdru Jahad. Hellboy, however, refuses to be provoked and thwarts his plans.

From this point on, Hellboy begins actively avoiding his fate, using phrases like "Lady, you've got me confused with someone else" and "Time to run." At some point, he decides to leave the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (BPRD) and embarks on a quest for self-discovery. This time becomes a period of deep reflection and struggle with inner demons for him, during which he strives to understand his true purpose and place in the world.

Been There, Seen That

Hellboy has a colorful and multifaceted biography. He interacted with characters from Greek, Irish, and Slavic mythology, and also crossed paths with such famous heroes as Batman, Buffy, and Sabrina. The half-demon enjoyed discussing his adventures with Salem the Cat, and the young witch invited him to play Lego with her. These encounters highlight his unique role in comics and popular culture, and demonstrate his ability to bridge mythologies and genres.

Hellboy, having learned of his destiny from his paternal grandfather, the demon Astaroth, realizes that he is destined to slay Satan and assume the throne of Hell. Furthermore, the spirit of the sorceress Morgan le Fay reveals to him that his maternal line traces back to King Arthur Pendragon. Thus, Hellboy, as the last living descendant of this great king, also becomes the rightful ruler of England. These revelations highlight the unique combination of his demonic heritage and royal blood, making his role in the world even more significant and multifaceted.

Hellboy's romantic life, despite his heroic deeds, leaves much to be desired. In the distant past, he saved a human girl, Alice Monaghan, who had been kidnapped by fairies. When they met 50 years later, it became clear that her time in the faerie world had changed Alice, and she now ages more slowly than ordinary people. The lovers decided to renew their relationship and start a new life together in America, but unexpected complications arose along the way. This story of love, time, and overcoming difficulties makes Hellboy and Alice's relationship even more gripping and multi-layered.

The Death of a Hero and the End of the World

Hellboy faced a new threat: the resurrected mad sorceress Nimue. Having drawn Excalibur, the symbol of true power, he called upon an army of the dead from Britain to help. Thanks to this, the half-demon was able to defeat Nimue. However, before her death, she took revenge by ripping out Hellboy's heart. Finding himself in Hell, Hellboy is forced to accept his fate and assume leadership of the remaining demons. However, his reign is short-lived. He soon returns to the world of the living to reunite with Abe and Liz and once again confront Rasputin. This time, their battle ends in defeat: Ragnarok occurs, and most of humanity is destroyed. However, this story has a happy ending: Hellboy teams up with the Greek goddess Hecate to recreate the world. This epic story highlights not only the struggle between good and evil, but also the possibility of new beginnings even in the darkest circumstances.

Hellboy Goes to the Movies

Mike Mignola and Guillermo del Toro have long appreciated each other's work. Following the success of the second Blade film, del Toro's career was rapidly expanding, and he had his pick of projects. The director settled on the Hellboy adaptation. However, securing financing dragged on for several years. Many studio executives remained skeptical of comic book-based films, wary of the word "Hell" in the title. The casting of Ron Perlman in the lead role also raised questions, as he was not a well-known actor and had a long history of playing villains and supporting roles. Studios offered alternatives, such as Vin Diesel and Jeremy Renner, but del Toro stood his ground. Ultimately, his persistence paid off, and the first Hellboy was released in April 2004, becoming a milestone in the history of comic book film adaptations.

The film's plot echoes the first Hellboy story, "Seed of Destruction." In it, German forces, with the help of Rasputin, open a portal to Hell, from which Hellboy emerges. The Allies destroy the portal, and Bruttenholm adopts the demon. 60 years pass, and Rasputin again tries to complete the task, but Red stands in his way. This film continues the traditions of the original story, deepening Hellboy's mythology and developing his confrontation with dark forces.

Significant changes are noticeable in the text: the narrative is enriched by the presence of multiple FBI agents, the circumstances of Bruttenholm's death are changed, and Liz Sherman, previously only the protagonist's partner and girlfriend, becomes his romantic interest. These changes add new dynamic elements to the plot and deepen the characters' personalities, making the story more engaging for readers.

The first film wasn't a box office success, but it recouped its investment and became a cult classic after its DVD release. Nevertheless, just a month after its premiere, Revolution Studios announced a sequel. Director Guillermo del Toro, with the support of Mike Mignola, decided to focus on the original story and delve deeper into the folklore and fairytale atmosphere of the Hellboy universe. This decision helped create a deeper, more layered world that was appealing to fans and new viewers alike.

In the second part, the red half-demon Hellboy meets the elven prince Nuada Silverspear, who has returned from a long exile to collect the fragments of the crown that grants him control of the Golden Army—an indestructible mechanical army created by ancient goblin blacksmiths. At the sequel's climax, Hellboy learns he will soon become a father: Liz is expecting twins. This story is full of adventures and tense moments, revealing the struggle between good and evil, as well as the importance of family and responsibility.

Guillermo, We've Cancelled

Guillermo del Toro and Ron Perlman have been discussing the possibility of making a third Hellboy film since the premiere of the second film. Del Toro originally conceived Hellboy as a trilogy, concluding with the darkest and most tragic film of them all. In 2008, he noted that he wanted to end the story on a bittersweet note.

Plans for a third Hellboy film have repeatedly faced obstacles. Guillermo del Toro first spent two years preparing for filming The Hobbit, then switched to the Pacific Rim project. In 2011, Mike Mignola openly expressed his doubts about how the director would be able to fit a third part into his already overloaded schedule.

The main reason for the delays was different. Like the first part, the sequel failed to demonstrate high results at the box office and brought in most of its income only from disc sales. However, by the mid-1920s, the home video market had significantly contracted, and studios became more cautious in their investments. Especially considering that Guillermo del Toro estimated the budget of the third part at $ 120 million, which was twice the cost of the first two parts.

Ultimately, the final nail in the coffin of the threequel was driven by Guillermo del Toro himself. He reached an agreement with Legendary Pictures to finance the third Hellboy film, conditional on the successful release of the second Pacific Rim. However, after Guillermo left his post as director of Rim, the deal was canceled.

Guillermo del Toro has occasionally shared his ideas about the plot of the Hellboy sequel. In his concept, the protagonist, Hellboy, embraces his destiny as the Beast of the Apocalypse to save humanity from a powerful enemy. This sacrifice leads to his transformation into a darker being and puts him in conflict with Liz.

The status of the third part of "Hellboy" remains uncertain, which is also reflected A spin-off was in the works. In 2010, Universal Studios commissioned Peter Briggs to write the screenplay for Hellboy: The Silver Spear. The project would feature the half-demon only in a cameo, with the main plot focusing on Abe Sapien. In The Golden Army, Abe develops deep feelings for Princess Nuala, Nuada's sister. While the elf is willing to sacrifice herself to protect her brother, a special bond remains between them. Sapien then decides to explore the history of elves. The film explores various aspects of Nuada's life: his rivalry with an ambitious courtier seeking to win Nuala's heart, his collaboration with the Nazis to protect magical races during World War II, and his encounter with Mr. Wink, a troll the prince rescued from the Spanish Inquisition. These episodes highlight the complexity of the relationships and choices facing the characters, and reveal the rich history of the elven race.

Reboot, reboot

After the studio finally abandoned the idea of ​​creating a third film under the direction of Guillermo del Toro, the production process of a remake began. Neil Marshall, known for such series as Game of Thrones and Black Sails, took on the direction of the new project. The leading role in the film is played by David Harbour, who is also famous for his work on the series Stranger Things and the film Black Widow.

Director Marshall aimed to create a dark and tense story that is as faithful as possible to the original comics. As a basis for the plot, he chose one of the most iconic and dramatic arcs - "The Wild Hunt", in which the character Nimue debuts. This arc is known for its deep storytelling and powerful emotions, making it ideal for adaptation on screen.

Despite efforts to present the remake as a more faithful interpretation of the original, the project failed to live up to expectations. The film received negative reviews from critics and failed to achieve commercial success, grossing only $55 million against a $50 million budget.

The failure of the "Marshall" version forced the studio to launch a new reboot, entitled "Hellboy: The Crooked Man." The project was directed by Brian Taylor, known for his work on the "Happy" series. The lead role was played by Jack Kesy, who previously starred in "Deadpool 2" and "The Strain." The screenplay for the film was written by Christopher Golden, a regular collaborator of Mike Mignola, the creator of the original comic book. The new film promises to return audiences to the dark atmosphere of the Hellboy universe, offering a fresh take on a familiar story.

The Crooked Man is based on the comic book created by Mike Mignola and Richard Corben. Set in the mid-1950s, it follows a young Hellboy as he attempts to protect a small Appalachian settlement from attacks by witches and cannibals led by the mysterious Crooked Man. According to Mignola, it's "a small, dark horror story deeply rooted in folklore." The film combines elements of horror and mythology, creating a unique atmosphere and tension.

Filming of the film "The Crooked Man" began in Bulgaria in April 2023 and was completed before the start of the Screen Actors Guild strike. At the moment, the project does not have a poster, trailer, premiere date, and information about whether the film will be shown in theaters or immediately available on streaming platforms. Anticipation of news about the release of this film is generating interest among viewers and film fans.

Now You Are Hellboy

Hellboy, in addition to appearing in cameos in fighting games, became the central character in two video games - Hellboy: Dogs of the Night and Hellboy: The Science of Evil. In particular, Hellboy: Dogs of the Night received extremely low scores, which is confirmed by the reviews: the game was rated 0.5 out of 5, and many critics noted that it was one of the worst games they had ever encountered.

The Science of Evil's release coincided with the premiere of Guillermo del Toro's first film. The project was developed under the direction of del Toro and Mikael Mignola, and Ron Perlman and other actors returned to voice their characters. Although The Science of Evil received higher scores compared to Dogs of the Night, its average score rarely exceeds five out of ten.

According to fan expectations, Hellboy: Web of Wyrd has every chance of becoming an outstanding Hellboy project. Development is being carried out by Upstream Arcade in collaboration with Dark Horse Games, the new gaming division of Dark Horse Comics. The game is expected to offer a unique storyline and engaging gameplay, which will allow it to stand out from other Hellboy projects. Fans are hoping for high-quality graphics and engaging mechanics that will capture the atmosphere of the original comics.

The story, co-written by Mignola, takes place in Argentina in 1982. The protagonist, Hellboy, travels to the mysterious Butterfly House to investigate the disappearance of a B.D.R. agent. This house turns out to be a portal connecting our world with the mysterious and dangerous dimension of Wyrd, inhabited by powerful monsters, forgotten gods, magical treasures, and hidden secrets. In the farthest reaches of this new dimension, an ancient evil lurks, thirsting for freedom and ready to breach the boundaries between worlds.

Hellboy: Web of Wyrd is a third-person adventure roguelike that invites players to immerse themselves in the exciting world of Hellboy. In this game, the protagonist fights a variety of monsters using a variety of melee and ranged weapons, including a revolver, shotgun, and grenade launcher, as well as improvised items. Each new battle brings unexpected surprises that make the gameplay even more exciting. Particular attention should be paid to the unique comic book style, which attracts not only long-time fans of Hellboy, but also new players who want to enjoy the atmosphere of the original work.