Because publishers want you to buy their product every month, comics are typically serial in nature. However, occasionally (and more often nowadays than ever before) publishers launch a comic title that is only meant to last for one issue. While ongoing series often have multiple chances to hook in new readers, the comics highlighted in this ongoing investigations only had One-Shot At Greatness!
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Cover Date: May 2010
Cover Price: $3.50
Writer: Mike Mignola
Artist: Richard Corben
Mexico in 1982. While waiting for the B.P.R.D. to pick them up, Hellboy and Abe Sapien decide to wander around the area. In a shrine to luchadores, Abe discovers a photograph of Hellboy that prompts “Red” to tell the story behind the picture. Y’see, back in 1956, Hellboy and three super-powered luchadores set out to rid a town of vampires. But, the adventure quickly turns to heartache; when one of his friends becomes infected, it’s up to Hellboy to take him down.
This story marks a continuing team-up of writer, Mike Mignola, with classic horror artist, Richard Corben (who’s work, which was first published in 1969, now spans six decades!). The story is set up to invoke heartbreak but, unfortunately the one-shot format doesn’t really allow for us to get a feel for how deep this friendship went. That leaves the experience a little on the flat side but, it’s still a wonderful opportunity to show off Corben’s unique style. And, this being my first Hellboy read, I can tell that I’m missing some nice little “easter eggs”. There are dates, pictures, names and situations included that I’m sure are nods to the rich Hellboy history that has been developed over the years.
On Ebay: Hellboy | Mike Mignola | Richard Corben