B.P.R.D. Hell On Earth: Russia #3
Story By Mike Mignola & John Arcudi
Art by Tyler Crook
Colors by Dave Stewart
Letters by Clem Robins
Cover by Dave Johnson
Dark Horse Comics
Release Date: November 23, 2011
Cover Price: $3.50

From its first issue Mike Mignola and John Arcudi have been crafting B.P.R.D Hell on Earth Russia like a classic horror film. Every page of this comic has been dedicated to building tension. From the undead horrors patrolling the streets of Russia to the possessed psychics, Migola and Arcudi have left me wondering just what they have planned for this series. The tension continues to build with B.P.R.D Hell on Earth Russia #3 as paranormal detectives Johann and Kate dive deeper into the mysterious circumstances surrounding an unearthly coal mine. Finally Mignola and Arcudi begin to peel back the curtain to reveal the horrors they have created in B.P.R.D Hell on Earth Russia #3 and take us deeper into the nightmare.

B.P.R.D Hell on Earth Russia #3 is a great example of how a truly great writing team can tie up several loose plotlines in one issue making it all feel organically done. Kate continues to clash with withholding Russian government officials and is generally left out of the loop by everyone, while Johann slowly becomes the main character that Mignola and Arcudi have been creating since issue one. With Abe Sapien and Liz out of commission, the Bureau must rely on these two seldom appreciated characters Johann and Kate. B.P.R.D Hell on Earth Russia #3 has allowed Johann to start his journey to becoming a hero the likes of Hellboy. His bravery and commitment to paranormal defense and research are on display in the best possible way. As the possessed ghouls of Russia begin to come out of the woodworks, Johann faces many of them without fear and iron tenacity. It is a testament to the creative writing abilities of Mignola and Arcudi that they could move the story along masterfully all while developing unique and sometimes heroic personalities for their characters.

Tyler Crook returns to B.P.R.D Hell on Earth Russia #3 with a minimalist flare for visuals that unify art and story. As monsters burst and faces melt Crook does not draw every ghastly detail; however, his pulp style makes it no less gruesome. The dark visuals and style of this book truly capture the darker tones of Mignola’s writing. Dave Stewart also returns and proves why he is one of the best colorists working in comics with his subtle grey tones and his ability to work with a robust color palette.

B.P.R.D Hell on Earth Russia is only on its third issue, so it is not too late to pick up the issues you may have missed and I suggest you do so. Mignola and his creative team are crafting something great with a sense of dread and anticipation true to the horror form. B.P.R.D Hell on Earth Russia #3 is yet another strong installment of a series that is only continuing to get better with each issue.