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Hellboy: The Storm
Publisher: Dark Horse
Writer: Mike Mignola
Artist: Duncan Fegredo
Colors: Dave Stewart

Hellboy: The Storm is the final arc in the saga that began with Hellboy: Darkness Call, and continued with Hellboy: The Wild Hunt. Not having read either of the two previous mini-series, I was quite shocked to learn Hellboy is the King of Britain, and that he is in possession of a certain legendary sword. Things are looking grim for Hellboy. Bodies are disappearing from century-old mausoleums throughout England, and dark forces are preparing to dethrone him from his newly acquired monarchy.

Considering I didn’t read the previous mini-series, I was able to pick this up and not be completely lost. There wasn’t the usual one-page summary at the beginning either, so with no recap and no idea of what was going on, Mike Mignola was still able to draw me in. Now I am forced to pick up the previous minis and see what happened to HB.

The artwork is true Hellboy, it’s what one would expect to see when they open a Hellboy comic. There are a couple panels that make it look like Hellboy has the physique of a fifteen-year-old boy, or rather me at fifteen. Imagine Crispin Glover in Back to the Future, just not so buff. Other than that one complaint, I would add Hellboy: The Storm to my pull list. It looks like it’s going to be a wild ride.

Conan The Cimmerian #22
Publisher: Dark Horse
Writer: Timothy Truman
Artist: Tomas Giorello
Colors: Jose Villarrubia

Conan, every one’s favorite magic fearing barbarian, is a character that I first experienced on the big screen with the Governator as Conan. Thankfully, Dark Horse has produced a comic that is far superior to the mediocre film. Conan has just survived a horrible defeat of his army at the hands of Shah Amurath’s army, and is looking for some old fashioned vengeance, and if you know Conan, then you know he is going to get it!

I was quickly drawn in by the art, and further entranced by the story. The art is dark and vibrant at the same time. The story is given to you through the narrative of a slave girl who has been rescued by Conan. The story draws you in quickly, then grips you tight, making sure you can’t let go. Conan is in store for some serious trouble, as it looks like he has pirates heading his direction, and some ancient evil is about to reawaken and lay some serious pain on him.

I would have to say The Conan is in good hands with the people at Dark Horse. Robert E. Howard would be proud his creation is  in the hands of people who care about the character and enjoy telling great stories! If you are a fan of swords and sorcery, or just enjoy a good story with tons of blood and violence, then Conan #22 is a great jumping on point; it is the beginning of a new story arc!

Scott Andrews
scott@comicattack.net