Hellboy

Summoned by Nazi cultists lead by Grigori Rasputin, a demon known as Anung un Rama was destined to destroy the world by unleashing the Ogdru Jahad to spread darkness and chaos across existence.

The demon was supposed to be summoned off the shore of Scotland by Rasputin's Project Ragna Rok, but instead appeared at a ruined church near East Bromwich, England where it was founded with an extremely large rock arm by Allied troops, adopted by Trevor Bruttenholm, and named as 'Hellnoy. Over the years, Hellboy was granted honorary human status by the United Nations, and then raised by the U.S. Government as the lead agent in the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense (BPRD), where he worked with Abe Sapien (an icthyo sapien), Liz Sherman (a pyrokinetic) and Roger (a large homunculus). Hellboy is America's first line of defense against occult menaces. Hellboy grew up to be a large, red-skinned demon with a tail, horns (which he filed off, leaving behind the signature circular stumps on his forehead), and an over-sized right hand made of stone.

Hellboy has faced werewolves, vampires, nuke-kubi and other mythological creatures. Because of his destiny he frequently clashes with figures such as Rasputin and Hecate, who wish for him to fulfill his fate. He is known for having a short temper and being a heavy cigar smoker.

After his first battle with Rasputin, Hellboy was perturbed of his destiny and returned to the ruined church where he first appeared in the world, and has a dream-vision of his origin: His mother (a witch), as a young woman, had cavorted with a demon (Hellboy's father), and on Walpurgisnacht (a night of great significance to witches) conceived Hellboy as a result. Hellboy lay dormant within her, until the demon returned at the end of the woman's life to claim her and his unborn son. Following this, he never (aside from Abe Sapien) told anyone about his vision.

Hellboy left the B.P.R.D over personal issues he had with the department's operation, brought to a head when he discovered Roger had been fitted with a small bomb during the Conqueror Worm affair. At first he headed to Africa, but eventually Hellboy wound up on a mysterious island, where he once again talked with Hecate, who told him to leave the island immediately. Not paying her any attention, Hellboy continued to wander the island, until he came across the ruins of a large building. He is then soon attacked by Urgo-Hem, one of the Ogdru Hem, and was impaled by the creature's leg, and apparently bled to death. A Spanish priest who had been killed on the island in 1525 re-created himself from Hellboy's blood. Aided by the magic bell given to him by the African shaman Mohlomi, Hellboy was able to return to life, and the newly re-created priest told him a brief history of the Secret History of the World - including the tale of the watcher angel Anum who was responsible in creating and imprisoning the Ogdru Jahad. The origins of Hellboy's Right Hand of Doom to be none other than Anum's that created and imprisoned the Ogdru Jahad, and was a sacred object in Hyperborea. Hellboy was then forced to fight the priest after he went mad from Hellboy's blood that turn him into a demon, and eventually killing him and Urgo-Hem.

He later left the island, and was lost at sea for two years before reaching the west coast of England.

Powers and Abilities

Powers

Hellboy possesses superhuman strength and is able to lift up 10 tons. He posesses an accelerated healing factor, surviving injuries a normal human would find fatal. He is said to have eyesight better than that of a regular human as well. In the movies, he is depicted as being fireproof, but in the comics he can still burn; however his accelerated healing may still give off the illusion of being immune to fire.

Abilities

None known.

Strength level

Hellboy possesses Class 10 strength.

Weaknesses

None known.

Paraphernalia

Equipment: None known.
Transportation: None known.
Weapons: Hellboy is known for using various weapons and mystical items in his fight against evil. His most recognizable weapons are the Right Arm of Doom (which seems to be an unnatural addition to his anatomy) and the Samaritan, a powerful hand cannon. In the movies, he also uses special ammunition that is made to be effective against most any supernatural entity. These bullets usually hold silver shavings, holy water, white oak, garlic, and bits of iron, making them dangerous to almost any creature Hellboy might come across.

Hellboy also carries a golden cross that is attached to a chain that hangs from his belt. This cross is a symbol of Hellboy's catholic faith and upbringing.

Notes

The comics were adapted into a 2004 film starring Ron Perlman as Hellboy with a sequel, Hellboy 2: The Golden Army, in the works, and two straight-to-DVD animated films, the first of which, Hellboy: Sword of Storms, was released on February 6, 2007.

According to Mignola's commentary on the Hellboy film DVD, various aspects of the character's looks and personality were inspired by his own father, a cabinet maker who often returned home from work with tales of horrific on-the-job accidents, told in the nonchalant, unflappable manner that would eventually become characteristic of Hellboy.

Trivia

In the introduction to Odd Jobs he is described as smelling of dry-roasted peanuts. Although a bit gruff, he shows none of the malevolence thought to be intrinsic to demons, and works with other strange creatures in the BPRD. Hellboy has been dubbed as the "World's Greatest Paranormal Investigator".

The character has been featured in a sequence of comic book mini-series published by Dark Horse Comics, influenced by vintage adventure and horror fiction.

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