Hellboy: Blood and Iron

Lore & Background

Central to this arc is Hellboy's relationship with his mentor, Professor Trevor Bruttenholm (Broom), and his first true friend, Liz Sherman. It establishes the deep roots of the B.P.R.D.'s mission to protect humanity from forces it cannot comprehend.

Reader's Guide

The story begins with Hellboy and a young Liz Sherman deployed to Germany to investigate strange occurrences linked to ancient alchemy and demonic rituals. They soon discover that a powerful entity is attempting to harness 'Blood and Iron' to resurrect an army of undead warriors. The narrative builds tension through atmospheric horror rather than constant action, focusing on the psychological weight of their mission. Key turning points include a confrontation in an ancient crypt where Hellboy must choose between using forbidden power or relying on his human allies.

This choice solidifies his path as a protector rather than a destroyer. Ultimately, the arc concludes with the defeat of the immediate threat but leaves lingering questions about Hellboy's destiny. It fits into the broader timeline by bridging the gap between his rescue at the end of WWII and his full integration into the B.P.R.D., establishing the foundation for future conflicts.

Did You Know?

• This series was created to explore a specific period in Hellboy's life that had not been fully detailed in previous comics.
• The story heavily features German folklore and mythology, reflecting the setting of post-war Europe.
• It marks one of the earliest significant interactions between Hellboy and Liz Sherman before their relationship deepened in later issues.
• The title 'Blood and Iron' references a famous historical phrase associated with Prussian unification, recontextualized here for supernatural horror.