7 Great Hellboy Characters That The Movies Forgot About

Mike Mignola’s Hellboy universe is one of the richest and most extensively developed worlds in contemporary comic books. Over decades, Mignola and his collaborators have filled this supernatural landscape with an array of extraordinary characters, including heroes, villains, and otherworldly beings that have captivated readers globally. The Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (BPRD) is home to a roster of intriguing agents, each possessing unique abilities, tragic pasts, and complex character journeys that have shaped some of the most iconic storylines in the entire Mignolaverse. Beyond the BPRD, the comics have unveiled ancient evils, enigmatic benefactors, and legendary figures whose impact extends across centuries of occult lore.

Over four Hellboy movies, the character has graced the big screen, ranging from Guillermo del Toro’s critically acclaimed duology to more recent reboot attempts. However, these film adaptations merely touched upon the extensive cast that makes the comics so captivating. The films mainly focused on Hellboy and key members of B.P.R.D., such as Liz Sherman and Abe Sapien, while neglecting numerous beloved characters entirely from any cinematic interpretation. These absences signify missed chances to delve into the intricate mythology and complex character relationships that have cemented the Hellboy comics as a vital part of contemporary horror narrative.

1) Roger

Within the shattered remnants of Czege Castle, Romania, a sorrowful and formidable being named Roger was uncovered by B.P.R.D. operatives. This unique individual, artificially crafted through alchemy, came to life when Liz Sherman, in a critical instant, channeled her pyrokinetic powers into him. This transfer left Liz in a coma, and in his ensuing bewilderment and fury, Roger unwittingly took the life of a B.P.R.D. operative. This incident shaped his early life, forging a guilt-laden entity who grappled with comprehending his role on Earth and the colossal power he wielded.

In my eyes, Roger’s transformation from a timid creature to a steadfast B.P.R.D. field agent is one of the most compelling character journeys in the comic book world. His quest for identity and meaning transformed him into a valiant, albeit uncomplicated, hero who shared an unbreakable bond with Hellboy. The Bureau’s fateful decision to plant a bomb within him as a precautionary measure was the straw that broke the camel’s back, leading Hellboy to walk away from the organization.

Roger’s rich history, steeped in themes of artificial life, ethics, and self-sacrifice, elevates him to an essential character in the Hellboy legend. Regrettably, Roger was relegated to mere Easter eggs in Guillermo del Toro’s movies.

2) Kate Corrigan

Dr. Kate Corrigan plays a crucial role as the compassionate human link in a realm filled with monstrous and demonic beings. Previously, she was a history professor at New York University, having authored 16 books on folklore. Her unique proficiency in the supernatural arts earned her a position as a consultant for the Bureau. With Hellboy’s support, she took on a full-time role and eventually advanced to Director of Field Operations. Now, she also serves as the tactical brain of the B.P.R.D., acting as the main intermediary with its extraordinary agents, particularly Abe Sapien and Liz Sherman, following Hellboy’s departure.

Instead of possessing superpowers like her peers, Kate’s strength is rooted in her intelligence, compassion, and unyielding commitment. She stands as one of Hellboy’s most trusted friends and advisors, frequently serving as his moral guide and offering the practical viewpoint he requires so dearly. Moreover, even without powers, her guidance during numerous life-threatening global crises showcases a resilience that matches any of the Bureau’s powerful members.

3) Sir Edward Grey, Witchfinder

In the realm of the Hellboy universe’s hidden past, Sir Edward Grey, a celebrated occult detective serving Queen Victoria, stands as a cornerstone figure. Active during the 19th century, he devoted his life to combating supernatural organizations, ancient deities, and global paranormal perils. Despite being human, his extensive knowledge of magic, unyielding determination, and proficiency in swordplay and firearms made him one of the most formidable defenders of his time. After his enigmatic demise in 1916, his spirit transformed into a spectral guardian, bound to oversee and occasionally guide Hellboy.

Sir Edward’s influence strongly permeates the primary storyline, forging a profound feeling of legacy between today’s B.P.R.D. and a long succession of combatants in the same struggle. His standalone comic series, titled “Witchfinder“, delves into the dark, gothic horror and historical fantasy of the Victorian era, laying the groundwork for numerous perils and magical aspects that manifest in current times. In essence, as a historical persona and spectral being, Sir Edward Grey symbolizes the notion that the battle against evil is an ongoing one, being passed down through generations.

4) The Black Flame

The Black Flame is a relentless and fearsome adversary for both Hellboy and the B.P.R.D., a role assumed by a man who gained dominion over the grotesque monsters they often face. Landis Pope, the greedy CEO of Zinco Corporation, obtained a unique suit that enabled him to control a horde of monstrous creatures and unleash colossal pyrokinetic power. His appearance transformed into a desiccated skeleton shrouded in dark flames, self-styled as a savior for the upcoming era of monsters. He devoted his life’s purpose to capturing the power of the Ogdru Hem, the 369 serpentine descendants of the Ogdru Jahad, with the ambition of transforming himself into a deity.

As a foil to the B.P.R.D., the Black Flame symbolizes humanity’s dark side – their potential for wickedness and their dangerous urge to command powers they don’t fully comprehend. He is a man who voluntarily allied with cataclysmic forces, seeking personal power, thus serving as a sinister reflection of the B.P.R.D.’s purpose. His distinctive skeletal appearance and link to the series’ central cosmic danger make him one of the most pivotal antagonists in the entire narrative, and his repeated clashes with Liz Sherman forge one of the story’s most devastating rivalries.

5) Memnan Saa

One intriguing character in the Hellboy lore is Memnan Saa, a potent sorcerer whose intentions continue to be cloaked in enigma. Originally born as Martin Gilfryd in the 19th century, he was an academic with a keen interest in uncovering the hidden chronicles of the world and mastering ancient spells, which granted him extended life and the capacity to mentally penetrate others’ thoughts. Operating from his concealed sanctuary, he started orchestrating global occurrences, convinced that he alone possessed the insight to guide humankind away from the impending cataclysm.

From the pages of the comics, I found myself captivated by Memnan Saa’s fixation on Liz Sherman, viewing her pyrokinetic powers as the decisive edge against the Ogdru Jahad and their minions. My ill-fated endeavors to abduct, train, and dominate her became the crux of a significant B.P.R.D. narrative, unveiling a chilling threat that was rooted in psychology rather than brute force. I embody the essence of a tragic antagonist, a man whose noble objective of safeguarding the world was tainted by my overconfidence and my readiness to sacrifice anyone for my objectives. This moral grayness transforms me into a far more intriguing adversary than a mere beast.

6) Gall Dennar

Gall Dennar serves as a character who ties together Hellboy’s fate with ancient human history. Originally, he was a prehistoric leader who received a prophetic vision of the Ogdru Jahad, the Right Hand of Doom, and the impending arrival of Hellboy on Earth. After glimpsing this apocalyptic future, he was granted immortality and a sacred spear, his mission being to endure the ages and eventually team up with Hellboy in the final battle at the world’s end. His story is one of a man carrying unimaginable knowledge, forever roaming the Earth until the inevitable confrontation.

In the storyline of B.P.R.D.: The Dead, Gall Dennar’s presence redefines Hellboy’s journey from a personal battle into an age-old conflict. Gall Dennar, who has been fighting the Ogdru Jahad since before history was recorded, is a living artifact, a primal warrior whose destiny is tied to Hellboy’s. His long, tragic vigil spanning millennia instills a deep sense of grandeur and predestined nature into the overall plotline, highlighting the heavy burden that rests upon Hellboy.

7) Herman von Klempt

A classic pulp super-villain, Herman von Klempt is a Nazi scientist known for his twisted genius and inability to die. He’s often at odds with the character Hellboy, appearing frequently as a recurring antagonist. Similar to other occultists of his time like Karl Ruprecht Kroenen, von Klempt was an expert in cybernetics and became obsessed with creating an army of “Kriegsaffen” (war apes). After a lab accident destroyed his physical body, his head was preserved in a distinctive glass jar, allowing his malevolent spirit to continue its work. He often attaches his head to a robotic spider body to control his monstrous creations, which adds to his iconic appearance.

As a movie buff with an affinity for the Hellboy universe, I’d say that Von Klempt is the embodiment of its action-packed side. His plans are extravagantly excessive, spanning from engineering legions of cybernetic gorillas to trying to summon a cosmic entity to consume the world. His background is intricately linked with Rasputin’s Project Ragna Rok, and his relentless pursuit to resurrect Nazi philosophies makes him an ideal antagonist both ideologically and physically for Hellboy. To top it off, his captivating insane persona makes him one of the most entertaining villains in the comic books.

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2025-07-27 17:46