Koshchei and Hellboy meet in a pub in Hell and Koshchei starts telling his life story to Hellboy.

No, it ain't beginning of the joke, this is how this story actually starts.

Koshchei starts from the very beginning and we witness his raise as a warrior, betrayals that brought him into contact with supernatural, first with the ancient dragon and then Baba Yaga, trickster that manages to bind him to her own will and use him as a tool, culminating with Koshchei's attack on Hellboy and his ultimate demise.

It is very difficult not to be at least little bit sympathetic to Koshchei - after becoming for all means and purposes immortal he was still easily manipulated and made to turn on those closest to him. it is not that he is stupid but that he is bored and very much bad-tempered.

Art as it is always case with Hellboy comics is great. Story is more or less rehash of original Hellboy story-line with some additional details so if you are already familiar with the original this book might not be that attractive. On the other hand if you came across this book and did not know what this was all about [like it was case with me] you will enjoy it.

Recommended. ( )

Fantastic. Almost skipped this one, as I didn't have much interest in the character, but Mignola and company work their magic again! So good. ( )

It might be a side-step as far as the big plotlines are concerned, but quality-wise this is a must-read after finishing the "Hellboy in Hell" arc (but not before, as it spoils it thoroughly). This epic fairy tale backtracks throughout the continuity of the world as it follows the titular character through his life up to and past his encounter with Hellboy in "Darkness Calls". Strongly recommended to anyone who has read far enough into the Hellboy mythos to reach it. ( )