Hellboy - Inkworks (USA)

Inkworks first gave collectors a taste of the new Hellboy movie with a five card promotional set issued for last year's San Diego Comic Con. The company has now released the full Hellboy card collection and the series is receiving UK distribution through specialist dealers. The basic set features 72 cards based on the movie version of the Dark Horse comic book. Collectors are given an insight into the main characters, film storyline and what went on behind the scenes.

The additional insert cards follow the pattern that collectors have become used to with Inkworks releases. The first level of chase is nine 'To Hell and Back' foil puzzle cards (1:11 pack), which fit together to form a photo montage of Hellboy and other characters from the film. The second is six B.P.R.D. foil cards, which feature scenes from the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Development and embossed borders (1:17 packs). Also included in this release are seven autograph cards and twelve Pieceworks costume cards (one of each per box). Those signing for this set are Ron Perlman (Hellboy), Doug Jones (Abe Sapien), Karel Roden (Grigori Rasputin), John William Johnson (Agent Clay), Rupert Evans (Agent Myers), Mike Mignola (creator of the Hellboy comic) and Guillermo Del Toro (director of the film). The items used for the costume cards were Hellboy's coat and trousers, Liz's shirt and coat, Abe's top, Agent Myers' trousers, Professor Broom's shirt and vest, Grigori's vest robe, Ilsa's top and trousers and Kroenen's shirt.

In our box, we found two sets of the basic cards, one of the three box loader cards, three To Hell and Back cards, two B.P.R.D. cards and redemption cards for a Karel Roden autograph and Professor Broom vest Pieceworks card. Six cards are included in each pack, with 36 packs per box. An album and limited edition mini-press sheet (an uncut version of the To Hell and Back foil puzzle) have also been produced. This series is up to Inkworks' usual standard of quality and design and comes highly recommended.

Web link:

www.inkworkscards.com

>> This article was added to Card Zine in spring 2004.