Guillermo del Toro picks up Dark Horse comic book Mike Mignola and adapts it with his own vision but still respects the source material like he's a fan. He is a fan and it shows. There can be much said about where this film comes from, but for me it's save to say that it's a love letter to the Hellboy intellectual property. This film both introduced me to the Hellboy Franchise/Comics and Guillermo del Toro. For the comics, I do get biassed, because it's my favorite comic series together with the B.P.R.D. Comics.

Guillermo del Toro's artistic vision is something to be noticed here. The colors that's presented in his films always take part of the story in a way. Here, the most, with characters nicknaming eachother with "Blue" or "Red". Visually intresting locations and set designs. Unique way to mix hero-ism with Lovecraftian horror. Taking a jabs at Nazi'sm and Rasputing. It has everything you seek in a Gothic setting, with creatures from beyond and religion. All these points come from both the comics but also Guillermo's personal past. Maybe thats why he is a fan of the Hellboy series.

Last to mention the cast. Ron Perlman and Doug Jones steal the show. I always get very impressed by how their personality is shown with motion rather than emotion, yet, can show emotion by smaller things like Doug Jones crawling around as a fishman and tilting his head when he's listening to other cast members. Nothing besides praises for both Selma Blair and the Legend John Hurt. As for Rupert as John Myers?.. Nothing. It's a very normal John character. You'd expect he'd add much to the plot personally, but he was more of a "dude thats ona ride with the audience" type of character. They left him out of the sequel. LOL.

I can't remember how many times I've rewatched this. Each time I love it more. There wont be a superhero film like this one anymore.

Hellboy is not a movie for everyone, no matter how much humour is in the screenplay. Nevertheless, Guillermo del Toro's usual knack for outstanding visuals, cool looking action, and focus on character development makes Hellboy unique and entertaining af.

Also, Ron Perlman is an amazing leading man. His charisma makes him one of the most underrated actors of our time.

I love the Mike Mignola _Hellboy_ comics, and this movie is a pretty massive deviation from that source material. Oddly though, I'm kind of not bothered by that. In fact in some cases, like that of the character of Karl Ruprecht Kroenen, the film version is actually an improvement. A regular re-watch of _Hellboy_ is a pretty frequent occurrence in my household.

_Final rating:★★★★ - Very strong appeal. A personal favourite._