Hellboy: The Devil's Apprentice
The Birth of Hellboy
Hellboy, a fictional superhero created by writer-artist Mike Mignola, has been entertaining comic book fans for over two decades. The character's popularity has led to various adaptations, including video games, novels, and most notably, a series of successful films. In this article, we'll delve into the world of Hellboy, exploring the character's origins and the movie franchise that brought him to life.
The Comics
Hellboy first appeared in a 1993San Diego Comic-Con Comics publication, Seed of Destruction. The story follows the demon Hellboy, who is summoned by Nazi occultists but eventually becomes an agent of the United States Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense (BPRD). Hellboy's mission is to protect humans from supernatural threats, all while struggling with his own demonic nature.
The First Film (2004)
Directed by Guillermo del Toro, the first Hellboy film stars Ron Perlman as the titular character. The movie follows Hellboy, a demon raised by humans, as he battles the evil Rasputin and his associates. The film received positive reviews, praising Perlman's performance and del Toro's visual style.
Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)
The sequel, also directed by del Toro, sees Hellboy facing off against the mythical Golden Army, a powerful force that could bring about the apocalypse. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $160 million worldwide.
Hellboy (2019)
After a decade-long hiatus, the Hellboy franchise was rebooted with a new film, simply titled Hellboy. Directed by Neil Marshall, the movie stars David Harbour as the demonic hero. This iteration follows Hellboy as he battles a medieval sorceress, Nimue, who seeks to destroy humanity.
Reception and Impact
The Hellboy film franchise has received mixed reviews, with some praising the visual effects and action sequences, while others criticizing the storytelling and character development. Despite this, the series has maintained a loyal fan base, and its influence can be seen in other comic book adaptations.
Conclusion
Hellboy, the red-skinned, cigar-smoking demon, has become a beloved character in the world of comics and cinema. From his humble beginnings in the pages of Mike Mignola's comics to the big screen, Hellboy's story has captivated audiences worldwide. While the film franchise may have had its ups and downs, it has undoubtedly cemented Hellboy's place as a cult classic hero.
Trivia
- Ron Perlman was not the first choice to play Hellboy in the 2004 film. Del Toro initially wanted Vin Diesel for the role.
- Hellboy's iconic right hand is made of stone, which is a reference to the comic book series.
- The 2019 film's script was written by Andrew Cosby, who is also a comic book writer.