Hellboy: Weird Tales #2

The second installment of Hellboy: Weird Tales arrives with a cover by Jason Pearson that sets a wonderfully moody tone — a dark-cloaked woman holding a lit candelabra stands alongside a wide-eyed young boy clutching a glowing cross and a gun, while the imposing silhouette of Hellboy looms in a doorway behind them and a stern suited figure watches from the shadows. The scene balances gothic atmosphere with that streak of pulpy adventure that makes the Hellboy universe such a compelling place to spend time. With an anthology lineup including John Cassaday handling writing, art, and inking duties, this 2003 Dark Horse offering is a fine showcase of the range of talent the series attracted.