B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth: Monsters #1
Publisher: Dark Horse
Writers: Mike Mignola & John Arcudi
Artist: Tyler Crook (cover by Ryan Sook & Dave Stewart)
After the events of King of Fear #5, Liz Sherman is alone, without her powers (maybe), and reeling from some pretty heavy mental and physical beatings. That being said, she can still roundhouse kick a hillbilly’s teeth out if he gets in her face. B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth #1 gives you a glimpse into the current life of Liz, as she is living in a trailer park with two dudes. She’s trying to just exist at this point, but life always seems to find a way to bring out the best or worst in people, doesn’t it? The colorful types that live in said trailer park have heard things about Liz, but don’t dare ask her about them. They do, however, come knocking at her door the day after she broke the jaw of their buddy. He’s apparently snapped and holding his wife at gunpoint, and they can’t call the cops because of warrants they have on themselves. Liz enters the trailer to give the “fat man” a beating, but what she finds inside even causes her to pause for a moment. Now, keep in mind, that this is a woman (Liz) who has been through wars with demons, beasts, and all sorts of crazy killing machines that would make an NYPD officer run screaming like a little school girl (no offense to the NYPD).
OK, all kidding aside, if sci-fi/horror books are your thing, and you’re not reading BPRD, this a monumental error on your part. Mike Mignola is great at writing these kinds of stories, and along with Arcudi has another good one brewing here (horror with cliffhangers, and filled with action). The moments of humor (mostly dark humor) fit in perfectly with Liz Sherman’s attitude. New artist (to BPRD) Tyler Crook picks right up where the last artist left off. Arcudi makes Liz look defeated in one panel and tough as nails in the next. As usual, the colors really make this title stand out, so kudos to Dave Stewart! Again, don’t miss out on this book, because with the appearance of a frog jumping around, you know there is an all out war ahead!
Billy Dunleavy
billy@comicattack.net
