Hellboy Universe: The Secret Histories Volume 2

Four stories of fascinating side characters are explored in full, collected in this second volume of standalone comics stories perfect for any Hellboy fan's library.

Before the Black Flame threatened the B.P.R.D.—and the world—what was the source of his power? Who was Hellboy’s Uncle Simon, and what occult mysteries did he and the Silver Lantern Club investigate? Can Silver Lantern Club member and detective Sarah Jewell find the killer in a locked-room murder mystery before she becomes a victim herself? And in an idyllic British town that holds unusual traditions, could the village’s history be linked to larger and more significant events than they could even know? Dive into these paranormal secrets, collected in this second volume of standalone stories perfect for any Hellboy fan's library.

Hellboy creator Mike Mignola is joined by writer Chris Roberson and artists Christopher Mitten, Leila del Duca, Andrea Mutti, Ben Stenbeck, and others to bring these mysteries of the Hellboy universe to light.

Collects Rise of the Black Flame #1–#5, The House of Lost Horizons #1–#5, British Paranormal Society: Time Out of Mind #1–#4, Hellboy: The Silver Lantern Club #1–#5, and bonus material.

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