“B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth: Lake of Fire” has had a major impact on the overall story line through the first 3 issues. Mignola and Arcudi continue to add different layers to the plot gearing up for the final issue. I’m very excited with the level of energy this series is producing right now, so much has been leading up to this point what with Abe, Liz and Zinco Corp. As the this arc comes to an end the course of the B.P.R.D. will be a little more clear as will the chosen paths of Fenix and Liz Sherman.

WRITTEN BY: Mike Mignola and John Arcudi
ART BY: Tyler Crook
PUBLISHER: Dark Horse Comics
PRICE: $3.50
RELEASE: November 20, 2013

The previous issue really opened up the story with Johaan’s realization of Zinco Corps involvement in the cataclysm and Liz Sherman’s flame manipulation abilities returning. On the other hand as we have Fenix, and one question keeps arising, whether or not she will avoid the Earth sundering event or confront it head on. This issue builds off all the three of these storylines. The importance of the mission to New York is now augmented, Liz Sherman can finally return to the front lines, and Fenix begins her adventure.

Unlike in the “Abe Sapien” and “Hellboy”, B.P.R.D. has several different story lines weaving around one another. Mignola and Arcudi have meticulously laid out this story in a fashion that it’s easy to understand while maintaining a constant level of excitement, hitting a crescendo at the end of this book. As the story jumps from character to character I never find myself in a lull; the perfect example is during a simple conversation as Johaan discusses his mission team, a basic scene of dialogue is given action as Agent Howards is brought up. Situations like this have been constant throughout “Lake of Fire” since there are so many characters to work with. But there is also a flaw. Like most things, if you’ve not read all of the past material, there are times that big events can lose you, especially in “Hell on Earth”.

The artistic tandem of Tyler Crook and Dave Stewart is as top notch as always. The pencils hold enough realism that when the situations get R-rated the illustrations capture gore and bloodletting excellently. Stewart is really able to display of colour as Liz puts her level of fire manipulation to the test creating a vividly colourful inferno, this series of panels is impressive on Crooks part as well as he is able to draw a detailed monster within the blaze.

A solid issue to warm up the readers for what will be an impactful conclusion. So much is at stake up to date it’s incredible to think about what 2014 will hold for the B.R.P.D.

3.5/5 Skulls

Review by – GreenBasterd