B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth: Abyss of Time #2 (of 2)
Publisher: Dark Horse
Writers: Mike Mignola & Scott Allie
Artist: James Harren
Colors: Dave Stewart
This is the bloodiest issue of BPRD ever! Well, maybe not, but it certainly ranks among the highest even if it isn’t tops. The issue felt more like Conan than BPRD, but that’s not a bad thing. A huge battle scene with blood spilling, flying severed limbs, and even decapitations was the meat of this issue. You do get to see the agents in the crypt again for a few panels, but the flashback into the barbarian times, where a man named Gall Dennar must lead his tribe against an unspeakable evil that is threatening to rise again and kill, is the standout.
This story was a nice side-step from the usual path. Mignola and Allie did a fine job of keeping it tied into the mainstream BPRD timeline, but also in making it its own thing. The Conan reference is spot on, though. The huge battle in the middle of the book was exactly the type you’d see in that great series. Again, that’s a testament to the creative team, not a dig. Anyone reading that series or any of the previous ones from Dark Horse can tell you how awesome a job they’re doing adapting Robert E. Howard’s stuff. Back to BPRD, though. The issue was actually better than the first, because it clearly showed what was going on, whereas the first one was a little cryptic at the end. This one left no doubt on the repercussions of the story that was told within.
Artistically, you can’t ask for better than any of the BPRD regulars. James Harren is no exception to that rule. He, along with the others, do a great job of sliding in here and there for an issue, and the result is always the same – they’re awesome! Dave Stewart adds his custom colors to the pencils, and it’s just another day at the office. Harren did a solid job on the cover, too, and that, believe it or not, is another thing you can always look forward too as well with BPRD books! Rating 4/5
Billy Dunleavy
billy@comicattack.net
