Hellboy: The Crooked Man and Others – a collection of fairytales gone wild? (comic-book retrospective).

Once upon a time, in the dark and twisted world of Hellboy, there was a collection of stories so utterly charming that it would make even the most cynical hearts feel warm and fuzzy. This collection, titled “Hellboy: The Crooked Man and Others,” is the perfect bedtime read for anyone looking to replace their daily dose of sunshine with a healthy helping of sarcasm and supernatural horror.

In “The Crooked Man,” our lovable red demon Hellboy stumbles upon a quaint Appalachian town full of witches, cannibals, and a devilish miser named Jeremiah Witkins (because what small town is complete without its very own resident Devil?). The adventure that follows is truly heartwarming, complete with witch-bones, demonic animals, and old ladies being turned into nags – just the kind of story that brings families together around the fireplace.

As if that wasn’t enough, “They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships” offers a delightful take on the classic pirate tale. Featuring the ghost of Blackbeard himself, this story will have you reevaluating your love for the swashbuckling genre. You’ll be left wondering if Hellboy’s sarcastic quips can save the day or if the undead pirate crew will drag everyone to a watery grave.

“In the Chapel of Moloch” introduces us to Jerry, a struggling artist who has turned to sculpting demonic clay statues for inspiration. Because who doesn’t need a little Moloch in their lives to spice up their creative process? Hellboy’s attempt to save Jerry from his own artistic genius is a lesson in tough love that will leave you questioning the value of art (and perhaps reconsidering that pottery class you signed up for).

And let’s not forget “The Mole,” a thrilling tale of Hellboy’s drinking escapades gone wrong. We’ve all had that dream where we turn into a demon and almost end the world, right? No? Just Hellboy then. This short but sweet story serves as a reminder to always drink responsibly, lest you wake up in a pile of your own demon skin.

In conclusion, “Hellboy: The Crooked Man and Others” is a must-read for those who enjoy their fairytales with a side of sarcasm and a healthy dash of demonic horror. So gather the family, dim the lights, and prepare for a night of unforgettable storytelling that will leave you wondering if you should be laughing or trembling in fear. Happy reading!