Hellboy and the B.P.R.D.: 1955-1957

This second comics collection of Hellboy’s earliest days as a B.P.R.D. agent takes him across the globe in adventures that tie in to the darkest corners of the Hellboy and B.P.R.D. comics.

Join Hellboy and his fellow agents on globe-trotting horrifying mystery adventures from a fire ghost in a forgotten dinosaur theme park to vengeful demons in Hong Kong, Cold War weapons tests that lead to mutilated monsters in the South Pacific to a forgotten ghost in a NYC potter’s field and more, plus the true story of Hellboy’s turn on the silver screen in Mexican luchador films!

This volume collects Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. across volumes 1955, 1956, and 1957, from a slew of extraordinary talents including Mike Norton, Alison Sampson, Shawn Martinbrough, and more in this paperback edition!

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs