Review - B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth: The Devil's Engine #3

Being trapped in a felled freight train car is never fun for anyone involved. It becomes even less exciting when three ravenous monsters are fighting to break in and devour you. It's safe to say that Devon and Fenix aren't haven't fun in B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth: The Devil's Engine #3 from Dark Horse.

The conclusion to the three-issue series is written by Mike Mignola and John Arcudi, with art by Tyler Crook, colors by Dave Stewart, letters by Clem Robins and covers by Duncan Fegredo, Stewart and Mignola.

The three-issues miniseries was primarily about Fenix and Devon. Devon is struggling to learn more about Fenix and Fenix is struggling to learn more about herself. She gets thems off the train before the wreck, but it doesn't help them when the monsters show up.

The biggest payoff from this issue though might be their conversation regarding Abe. Devon asks Fenix point blank why she shot him, considering in their current predicament they don't look to be surviving. Her candid response is refreshing an honest, solidifying the bond between the two.

The Zinco storyline concludes sort of in the background, with Mr. Marsten continuing his necromantic quest. He views on procedure as a failure, but is encouraged by new research he stumbles upon by the end of the issue.

For a three-issue miniseries, B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth: The Devil's Engine #3 felt relatively anti-climatic. Mignola and Arcudi did reward loyal B.P.R.D. readers with insight into Fenix shooting Abe, but other than that there really wasn't much going on here. Well, there were the monsters.

Crook's art for the monsters was stellar. In fact, his art for the entire series was probably the best part of it all. These were giant, vicious beasts intent on one thing: eating whomever they could. It's a testament to Crook's ability that he infused them with that sense through only illustrations.

Fans of the B.P.R.D. and Hellboy will want to check out B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth: The Devil's Engine #3 to flesh out the universe a bit more. On its own, it's not really enough to grab a new reader and bring them into the universe though.

B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth: The Devil's Engine #3 is in stores now with interiors below.