The Yule Cat is an Icelandic tale told to frighten children, but when sent to Reykjavik on what appears to be a whim, Hellboy finds that there is more than a mystic moggy at play!
Fan favourite Matt Smith pulls double duty in this winter special. Plot wise, its a very simple story; threat comes to town, Hellboy goes town, Hellboy takes on threat! Seems pretty much by the numbers. However, Smith introduces nuances to the book that indicates a long game in play. How this fits into the overall Hellboy mythology will be interesting; does it have a place or is this retro-continuity with which to play with later? To be honest, I am not sure and at this point I am not sure that I care that much; I am just along for the very enjoyable, if not particularly unchallenging ride. I do love the birds though!
Smith also provides the art in a kind of ersatz Mike Mignola style. The influences are obvious throughout the book. I love Mignola art, so with so much homage, I am kind of on the fence. Smith tries to add his touches to proceedings with a range of off-kilter faces which adds to the overall expected horror vibe. In the past, when reading a Mignola-verse book the heavy colors of black and red of Dave Stewart would be present. This time around Chris O’Halloran drops a frosty scheme with greys and blues to highlight the ghostly going ons. Letters are provided by Clem Robins with a font that works well, allowing the not quite verbose Hellboy to be his usual sullen self. Finally, for Mignola fans, there is a variant cover you can choose.
When it comes to keeping fans appetite whetted, Dark Horse has to be one of the best companies around. Their one-shots and mini-series seem to have a point to make or a step in the characters journey, unlike other companies with a pointless six part run that goes nowhere! This book is a true winter solstice for Hellboy fans!
Writing – 4 Stars
Art – 3.5 Stars
Colors – 3.5 Stars
Overall – 3.5 Stars
Written by; Matt Smith
Art by; Matt Smith
Colors by; Chris O’Halloran
Letters by; Clem Robins
Variuant Covers by; Mike Mignola
Published by; Dark Horse Comics
Author Profile
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I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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