Advanced Review: B.P.R.D. Hell On Earth: The Long Death #2

2012 is the year the Mignolaverse all goes to hell — quite literally! With the “death” of Hellboy, the evolution/de-evolution of Abe Sapien, the wayward roaming of Liz Sherman and the impending doom of Fenix, there is only one being that can help off set the hordes of evil knocking on reality’s door — Johann Kraus! But instead of leading his squad against the forces of evil, Johann wanders away on a mission of revenge. Seeking to find Captain Daimio might not cost him anything, but it will cost his squad much more than they are willing to lose! 

Mike Mignola and James Harred have created a tale that is astonishing! We all know Mignola can spin an amazing story about the occult and the warriors that stand tall against the forces of evil, but this book is all about James Harred! The art is utterly amazing! There is a fluidity, a naturalness to it that makes every page feel alive. Even the most grotesque scenes, and there are a lot of them, have a unique quality that helps transcend past the written tale of the book. B.P.R.D. books have always had an extremely high caliber of artists waiting in the wings, but as of now, James Harred has taken top billing on my list! Not to be left out in all the artistic praise, check out the viciously outstanding cover by Duncan Fegredo and Dave Stewart — this is why people are afraid of the dark!

This is an extremely pleasing read filled with all the outlandish horror aspects we have become accustomed to without being complacent. B.P.R.D. fans will be pleasantly surprised with the return of a certain “monster” and all the references to past storylines, but new readers will have a hard time feeling comfortable in the vastness of the Mignolaverse. But anyone can enjoy the creative, artistic talent of James Harred, and no other book can boast having a final battle quite like this one! I have read comics for twenty-five years and have never seen anything like it! 

If you have never read a B.P.R.D. book before, I recommend picking up a bundle of trades and get in on a fantastic series before it all goes to hell!