I’m only vaguely familiar with the world of Hellboy, in which this comic is set. I saw the first Ron Perlman movie, and I’ve heard some basic things about the character, but not much beyond that. I normally try to avoid comics set in universes that I don’t follow, as I worry I’ll be missing context and possibly even end up hopelessly lost. But with the words “Graveyard of Time” in the title, I really couldn’t resist this one. I’m only human.
Fortunately, at least so far, the story is relatively straightforward, and doesn’t seem to be relying too much on established lore. Particularly since the comic is set in 1880, which, as I understand it, is a good 60+ years before Hellboy arrives on the scene.
Meet Captain Winston Henry. He served in the British army in India, but since coming home, has found it hard to adjust to civilian life. So, he gets a job with a group that communicates with the dead and helps them cross over, with the aid of technology designed to pierce the spirit world. Captain Henry would appear to be the perfect person to wield this technology, doing the “dirty work” in the spirit realm, by virtue of the fact that he is strong, brave, takes orders well, and is, for the most part, expendable.
When a routine dealing with a client’s recently departed relative turns into a battle with a giant ghost snake, the technology Captain Henry wears and wields goes haywire, transporting him to… It’s not entirely clear yet. Some sort of post-apocalyptic, Steampunk junkyard. We get a good look at the world he finds himself in, but not really any information about it just yet.
I’m fascinated by the world, though, and quite taken with the artwork. Honestly, if the next issue contains no further information at all and just has Captain Henry wandering around exploring this strange world he’s found himself in, in vivid detail… I’d have no problem with that.
Though, of course, I am also looking forward to learning the wheres, the whats, and the whys behind it, as well. It’s a really engaging start to what looks like it could be a great comic. I can’t wait to see how things play out.
Creative Team: Mike Mignola (story), Bruce Zick (story, art, colors), Clem Robins (letters)
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
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