Hellboy

From Dark Horse Database

A demon whose true name is Anung un Rama, Hellboy was brought to Earth as an infant by Nazi occultists. He was rescued by the Allied Forces, and raised by the U.S.A.'s Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (BPRD). 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.

History

I'm fireproof, you're not.

-- Hellboy

Summoned by Nazi cultists, Hellboy was quickly rescued by Allied troops found with an extremely large rock arm. He was then raised 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 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.

Hellboy left the B.P.R.D over personal issues he had with the departments operation, brought to a head when he discovered Roger had been fitted with a small bomb. 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.

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.

Discover and Discuss

Search News for: Hellboy · Anung Un Rama · Hellboy
Search Forums for: Hellboy · Anung Un Rama · Hellboy
Discuss this and other characters on the forums

Links and References

Bold text