Comic Vine Review

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B.P.R.D.: Hell on Earth - Russia #1 - 1 (of 5)

5

Even with Hellboy out of the picture, Mike Mignola's start to his latest B.P.R.D. series manages to knock it out of the park.

For those who don't know, Hellboy is currently missing in action, so don't go looking for him in this first issue of B.P.R.D.: Hell on Earth - Russia; but that doesn't make it any less good.

The Good

This is Mignola writing B.P.R.D. at it's finest with help from writer John Arcudi and some incredible pencils from Dave Stewart and Tyler Crook. The issue opens with a Russian military investigation headed by one Russian soldier who has descended into what appears to be a sewer system in search of missing Russian soldiers. What he finds is exactly what he'd been preparing himself for.

The story fast forwards to an airplane ride, and the reader discovers that one of B.P.R.D.'s most popular characters might soon be seeing his final days. Mignola and Arcudi have crafted an issue with fantastic pacing that is fluid and keeps your attention throughout. Crook and Stewart pencil this beautiful issue. If you've never read B.P.R.D. and you're looking for an issue you can dive into, this is it. The first of this five part story not only introduces you briefly to B.P.R.D., but also to the central characters and the conflict they will be working to resolve.

The Bad

Pretty book, great pacing, and the scenes with Abe made me sad. No complaints here.

The Verdict

If you want a jumping on point, this is it. Hellboy is gone but that doesn't mean the B.P.R.D. is down and out. The first of five issues in this story arc presents a very clear and concise story that longtime fans and new readers will appreciate. I highly recommend this issue.