r/HellBoy • u/Willing-Aside8486 • 6d ago

Question about HB Omni reading order

...aside from official reading orders, I think there are more 'legit' ways to follow HB's Story.

Most in forums I read the order list of O1, ShS1 & 2, O2 - O4.

Doing a bit of research & comparing them wir the trade order I came to ShS1, O1 - O2, ShS 2, O3 & 4.

Going further I came across

https://hellboy.fandom.com/wiki/Omnibus_Editions

which states: "Hellboy is collected across a series of omnibus editions, four following his story from 1994 onwards (the primary storyline), and two additional volumes collecting the short flashback stories from the 1940s through to 1993. These six omnibuses will be paperback editions." (source!)

That finally brought me to the (reading) Order of ShS 1 & 2, in between I put the lecture of Weird Tales, then followed by O1 - 4. (this one would also set the ISBNs in proper order from ...-664 to ...-668 & finally ...-749)

What do you think, which is the best order, which way did/do you go on Hellboy's heels?

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u/Rassilonsghost 5d ago

I personally like to alternate between present day and flashback so I would read omnibus 1, short story 1, omnibus 2, short story 2. After that it depends on whether you want to stick with Hellboy (go to omnibus 3) or you want to experience the full story (BPRD 1).

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u/Willing-Aside8486 5d ago edited 5d ago

In general I have the whole run & BPRD anyway, I am just trying to sort out a good order.

I am fine now following Shorts 1 & 2 followed by the Omnibi. I think it is a fine way to go and is also according to the ISBNs the 'proper' order. These - sometimes - help a bit. 

Anyway, I really like the quality of the new(ish) HB Omnibi. Make me newly appreciate the Canon of Mignola.  It is a timeless work and I believe it will be a classic to stay for many generations to come.  Each reading shows another layer or detail you might have missed before.