HELLBOY | The Crooked Man & The Return of Effie KOLB | dark horse

Hellboy: The Crooked Man & The Return of Effie Kolb is a two-part supernatural horror story set in the dark, folklore-rich Appalachian mountains. Written by Mike Mignola and illustrated by Richard Corben (for The Crooked Man) and Zach Howard (for The Return of Effie Kolb), this tale is one of the most haunting and celebrated arcs in the Hellboy series.

The Crooked Man follows Hellboy as he travels to 1950s rural Appalachia, where he encounters Tom Ferrell, a man returning home after years away. Together, they face the sinister Crooked Man—a terrifying, centuries-old entity who serves as the region’s diabolical witch-master. The story is steeped in local legends, witchcraft, and eerie backwoods atmosphere, making it one of Hellboy’s most chilling adventures.

The Return of Effie Kolb revisits the Appalachian setting years later. Hellboy is drawn back to the haunted hills to confront lingering evil as Effie Kolb, an infamous witch from the original tale, returns to unleash new horrors. The sequel expands on the original’s themes of folklore, redemption, and the struggle between good and evil.

This collection is praised for its moody artwork, atmospheric storytelling, and its deep roots in American folk horror—making it a standout entry in the Hellboy universe.