REVIEW: Rise of the Black Flame #1 (of 5)

Young girls are disappearing from the British colonized cities of Burma. Â Sergeant Geoffrey McAllister and Constable A.N. Sandhu set out to uncover who is behind the missing girls. Â The prevailing theory is the return of a cult, Thuggee,Â sacrificing victims to Kali. Â The two sleuths meet up with Sarah Jewell and Marie-Therese Lafleur to explore the Temple of the Black Flame.

Anyone who has spent time with Hellboy and/or theÂ Mignolaverse has come across the Black Flame. Â The Black Flame is an undead creature, a skeleton wrapped in black flames. These flames are controlled by him and cannot be extinguished by water. Â The Black Flame can also teleport himself and others.

This first issue as expected sets up the mini-series and provides character development, especially for Ms. Jewell and Ms. Lafleur. Â These two ladies have had more than their share of otherworldly encounters. Â Ms. Jewell even recounts her adventures with Sir Edward Grey. Â The writing and panel arrangement make for a quick read. Â Although short on action the issue serves very well as a set up for the series. Â The art is a seamless match to the Hellboy universe and the coloring and inking compliment. Â Specifically, theÂ colors going from dull and drab to bright as the panels move from historical to present are a real high point of this introductory issue.

I look forward to the next issue where I am certain the action will begin to increase.

Story by: Â Mike Mignola & Chris Roberson
Art by: Â Christopher Mitten
Colors by: Â Dave Stewart
Letters by: Â Clem Robins
Cover by: Â Laurence Campbell & Dave Stewart
Publisher: Â Dark Horse

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