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B.P.R.D.: The Universal Machine #1
Review posted: 07 May 2006
Writer: Mike Mignola, John Arcudi
Artist: Guy Davis
Colors: Dave Stewart
Publisher: Dark Horse
5.00 out of 5 Stars
Reviewed by Matt Rawson
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In this latest foray into the supernatural landscape of the Bureau
For Paranormal Research and Defense, the ineffable Mike Mignola is
joined once again by scribe John Arcudi (BPRD: The Dead, The
Mask), and together they have spun quite possibly the most intriguing
first issue in this mythos yet. With art provided by Guy Davis, who is
only second to Mignola himself in depicting these characters, the package
is complete and, dare I say, perfect.
When Mike Mignola relinquished the reins of his vision to other
talented creators back during the inception of BPRD, I must admit that
I lost some faith in the Hellboy world. Not because the work was bad,
but because it was not being done by Mike Mignola! Mignola is one of the
true visionaries in our beloved medium (alongside Frank
Miller), and to see him leave the characters that proved him
visionary in the hands of others was a bit disconcerting.
What makes BPRD so entertaining are
the characters, and the simple fact that I, as a reader, care about
them.
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Now that Mignola is back penning BPRD,however, all is right with the
world. Not only is BPRD: The Universal Machine already proving to
stand up to the previous offerings — Plague of Frogs, The
Dead, and The Black Flame — it may very well surpass them.
Mignola can spin one hell of a good story, and so can Arcudi, so one
would think that putting the two together would quantify the quality of
whatever they put out, and it does.
The Universal Machine has all the elements that have been
landmarks for this series thus far: mysterious characters, remote
locations, looming supernatural threats, and secrets on the verge of being
revealed about the heroes at hand. In #1 we are treated, or perhaps tortured,
with several of those secrets. However, beyond all those
Hollywood-style selling points, what makes BPRD so entertaining are
the characters, and the simple fact that I, as a reader, care about
them. I want to know their secrets; I want them to come through in the
end. I like them! In other words, even aside from their interesting
“origins” and plots, these characters all come across as
legitimate living beings.
BPRD: The Universal Machine #1 should be presented to others as an example of how to tell a serialized story.
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This is not to discredit the storyline itself as less important,
however. I have not craved the next issue of a series so badly since I
was addicted to Vertigo’s The Losers, may it rest in peace. This
issue should be presented to others as an example of how to tell a serialized story.
This is the point in the review where I usually go on about how
wonderful or awful the art was in the book. Instead, I will give it to
you short and hard. If you don’t like Guy Davis’s artwork (Sandman Mystery Theater),
then borrow some cash from your daddy and go and buy yourself some taste,
because you are obviously lacking. Davis’s art is what is right
with comics. Period. If you disagree with me, then you are wrong.
I feel that strongly about Davis’s storytelling
and visual presentation; his pages are fluid, his characters are
interesting and fun to look at, and as far as BPRD goes, he just fits.
If you don’t like Guy Davis’s artwork
then borrow some cash from your daddy and go and buy yourself some taste.
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The bottom line is that BPRD: The Universal Machine #1 is a
fantastic comic. The BPRD series has proven for the umpteenth
time that it is one of the highest quality books on the shelves and should
have a home in your collection. Long live BPRD, and I hope that
Mike Mignola always has a hand in its continuing story.
—CCdC—
Cover image used without explicit permission in accordance with the "Fair Use" provision of US copyright law.
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