Anecdotal clashes

In fact, from a chronological point of view, it does not really following "The Black Goddess" because it says 5 different confrontations with demonstrations frog monsters before the aforementioned volume.

Episode 1: Roger the Homunculus (designed by Herb Trimpe, inked by Guy Davis) - As part of the search for sites contaminated with frogs monsters, Kate Corrigan tells Abe Sapien as it is to go and check that there is nothing left on Cavendish Hall site (an old mansion visited for the first time in the first volume of Hellboy, Seed of Destruction). This story takes place in the days when Abe Sapien no longer performs mission on the ground and it is Roger who gets stuck. He went there with a field team of BPRD and eventually diving alone in the lake where are buried the remains of the manor. The reader has the right to Adventure Roger, always friendly and pathetic. It is nice to find him, but the confrontation that follows is especially suited and with little impact. The designs were entrusted to Herb Trimpe (70 years old at the time when he drew). I'm respectful to my elders, his style is quite steep and devoid of grace. Inking Davis avoids the most grotesque, to ensure stylistic continuity with the rest of the series, and achieve acceptable illustrations. It remains a particularly memorable image: a monster frog whose tongue is torn. 2 stars due to a scenario without any ambition.

Episode 2: Benjamin Daimio (illustrated by Guy Davis) - In July 2004 in Alabama, people gather under a tent to come and see a little girl perform miracles: a paralyzed walk again thanks to her. Then the frogs Monsters Unleashed in horrible carnage. A year later the same cycle is repeated in the Tenessee, except this time a BPRD team is onsite with Daimio captain at the helm. The carnage is going to take another turn. Again, it is easy to see that Mignola and Arcudi build a variation on a classic scheme (the healer whose donations are accompanied by a price). But again, the short format of a single episode requires them to act quickly without anything further. Guy Davis seems small form: he emphasized the grotesque at the expense of sensitivity. Suddenly, his illustrations are unable to create a believable atmosphere. 3 stars.

Episode 3: A team of soldiers from the BPRD (illustrated by John Severin) - An investigation BPRD team in the corridors of an old tub to flush out the carpet or frogs monsters. Arcudi and Mignola write a variation on a hide and seek with a dreadful corny in a closed and dark place. The game is written in advance and without surprise. Again the short story characters prevents installation and fear, beyond the clichés. The illustrations are made by another veteran John Severin, 88 years old when he designed this story. As usual, he uses his descriptive style, diligent, detailed and prosaic. 2 stars because of a story without interest.

Episode 4: Johann Kraus (illustrated by Peter Snejbjerg) - Kraus is leading a squadron of the BPRD to destroy a group of refugees frog monsters in a barn. Small problem: if their bodies are dead, their spirits remain stranded on land and harass Johann for it to find a solution. Phew! a little humor as a welcome second degree, accompanied by a touch of personality to the monsters. The style of Snejbjerg deviates slightly from that of Guy Davis, it is a little lighter, just as outlined, very pleasing to the eye. 5 Stars.

Episode 5 Liz Sherman (illustrated by Karl Moline) - This story is told from the perspective of a soldier troops of BPRD, who has a crush on Liz Sherman is in a deep depression following the events of The Black Flame. The story is based on this budding empathy more than killing monsters frogs (still devoid of individuality). The designs of Karl Moline are very nice; they evoke a cross between Guy Davis and Ryan Sook, both sketched and round. 3 stars.

In the March 1 stories, Mignola and Arcudi simply too classic stories between the BPRD frogs soulless monsters personality for fights without interest. The fourth includes new and interesting items on a less agreed canvas. The last is readable without displeasure. In the end this volume only interest diehard fans and completists who can not suffer hole in their collection.

The following volume is another pause in the battle of BPRD, as returns in 1947, a form of after 1946.