How Hellboy Web of Wyrd’s Commitment to Comic Book Authenticity Packs a Punch

A new trailer for Hellboy Web of Wyrd Today, during IGN x [email protected]A brand new look at the action-packed upcoming title is revealed in this Digital Showcase.

The trailer showed new locations, a look at some of Hellboy’s fighting moves, and some of the characters he’ll likely be throwing his very large fists at. The trailer showed a comic book-styled setting with a lot of inspiration from Hellboy creator Mike Mignola.

Adam Langridge, Patrick Martin and Upstream Arcades were kind enough to talk to us about the way the art of Hellboy Web of Wyrd, how Mignola’s presence is felt throughout the game, and the work put in to craft a fresh story while remaining faithful to the Hellboy series.

Why did you choose this style of animation? 

Mike Mignola’s creative style is one of our favorites and a Hellboy 3D video game that honors his work was begging to be made. His artwork stands out on the comic book shelves and we felt the aesthetics would make for a unique and authentic Hellboy game experience – a real “comic book comes to life” moment.

Q: How has Web of Wyrd adapted Mike Mignola’s comics in an authentic way?

A: Dark Horse and Hellboy Universe editor Katie O’Brien have been heavily involved with Web of Wyrd and you’ll see that influence through the characters and denizens you meet or fight against, and the spaces you explore. Mike has also been very excited by everything he’s seen.

Web of Wyrd fits perfectly into the Hellboy Universe, which is vast and rich in variety.

It was really important to us that Web of Wyrd be a suitable introduction that captures the feel of the earlier Hellboy comics…

Question: How does the game relate to original comics/stories of stories? 

A: We worked with Dark Horse to figure out the perfect starting point for fans in Hellboy’s expansive timeline and wound up in 1982. Why 1982? Well, we wanted to drop players into an unfolding situation right in the thick of Hellboy’s adventures with the BPRD (Bureau of Paranormal, Research and Defense) without encroaching on the established comic book stories. Dark Horse helped us make the Web of Wyrd feel like a true Hellboy tale. Our hope is that it can serve as a jumping-off point for newcomers to the Hellboy comics so they pick up Seeds of Destruction to continue the journey.

Q: Is Hellboy’s move set/fighting abilities drawn from any specific references, be that comics or other media?

A: Hellboy’s fighting style is drawn from the comics. The comics were a great source of inspiration for the fighting style of Hellboy. We often talk about this being a ‘Monstrous, toe-to-toe brawler’ where sure, Hellboy is a big guy, but he is often fighting something much bigger than him, so we built the gameplay around those feelings.

A: Can you give us any details about this game’s plot?

Web of Wyrd was a must-have for us as it captures the spirit of earlier Hellboy Comics. It features classic elements such as Hellboy’s role in the BPRD, world folklore, and a lot of monsters. However, we don’t want to spoil too much, so you’ll just have to wait and see what other surprises we have in store!

Hellboy Web Of Wyrd Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. Be sure to keep an eye out for future updates.