Hellboy: The Bones of Giants #1 Review: The Power of a God

 Hellboy seems to have dealt with practically every monster, creature and mythological character in existence. “Hellboy: The Bones of Giants” by Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden with artist Matt Smith has him dealing with characters from Norse mythology.
 
A massive episode of thunder strikes in Sweden causes the B.P.R.D. to send Hellboy and Abe to investigate. There they find Mjolnir, Thor’s hammer, which Hellboy lifts and, along with obtaining Thor’s memories, Hellboy cannot let go of the hammer. Now Abe and Hellboy must find out what is really going on with Mjolnir and these memories.
 
Hellboy wielding Mjolnir is already wild enough. Image what a character like Hellboy can do with Mjolnir. In the first issue, Hellboy doesn’t get the chance to use it. While that  is a bit disappointing, this is just the first of four issues. Hellboy has plenty of time to use it. On top of that, the mystery surrounding why Mjolnir appeared and chose Hellboy sounds interesting, but there is a possibility that this can lead to “oh hey, Hellboy used Mjolnir that one time and that’s all that happened.”
 
The artwork is what fans expect from modern “Hellboy.” The art style still has that unique look that screams “Hellboy.” What stands out with this comic, however, is whenever there is something to do with Norse myth. The lightning bolts look amazing and Smith’s interpretation of Jormungandr, the World Serpent, is also top notch.
 
The first issue of “Hellboy: The Bones of Giants” sets up this amazing idea that Hellboy is dealing with characters from Norse myth with the added bonus that he is wielding Mjolnir. Of course, this might turn out to just be a great plot idea with a terrible payoff but that remains to be seen. The art is familiar with amazing results when there’s anything from Norse myth involved.