Hellboy: The Right Hand of Doom

Volume 4 of Hellboy kicks off with a very simple 2-page story "Pancakes" which has a very lighthearted tone, showing us Hellboy as a small child learning to love pancakes. In turn, this scares those who would have him be their instrument of destruction in a few panels which will have you chuckling. Though almost silly at face value, the spread shows us his first victory against the forces of evil, by embracing the very Earthly treat. A win against his would-be destiny, which sets the tone for the rest of the volume and the saga in overall.

Focusing on Hellboy's "burden", The Right Hand of Doom is perhaps the most understated installment in the series thus far. Rather that epic fight sequences, this episode, more than any, demonstrates Hellboy's inner turmoil as he struggles with his destiny of becoming the harbinger of doom. This burden is symbolised of course, by his over sized right wrist and fist which literally look like they way a tonne. The clever juxtaposition being that the thing that gives him the strength to fight external demons is the same thing that feeds his inner demons.

One of the best volumes yet and though stitched together by a series of mini stories, is as concise as any of the single arc releases. Hellboy is a series which continues to improve in quality, both in terms of intrigue and character development while maintaining consistent artwork throughout.