Hellboy and the Pats

Confession time. On Good Friday, I went to see Hellboy, instead of The Passion of the Christ.

I'd already seen the Passion, and been writing about it, so seeing it again seemed like work. That's the official reason.

The other one, maybe more true, is that Hellboy is fascinating-- a wisecracking, good-hearted, old-fashioned superhero with one small problem: He's a red-skinned, cloven-hoofed demon summoned by the Nazis to bring about the end of the world. When the Nazis' plans are foiled, the then-infant Hellboy is taken in and raised by human beings. He forsakes his demon heritage and pledges to fight for good.

But can he escape his destiny?

Mike Mignola, Hellboy's creator isn't sure. But it makes one heck of a story.

You can find some of Mignola's thoughts in this piece I did for RNS on http://www.sltrib.com/faith/ci_2532758'>comics as social parables. (There's also some thoughts from Chris Yambar, a pastor who also writes for the comics version of The Simpson--now doesn't that sound like an interesting life.)

One last thought--the Pats will beat the Steelers tomorrow and go on to win their third Superbowl in four years. (Sorry Matt)