Hellboy, the half-demon, half-human creature raised by Professor Trevor Bruttenholm of the B.P.R.D. (Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense), has spent his life fighting against forces of evil. While his appearance—complete with horns, a tail, and a right hand made of massive, indestructible material—may make him seem like an unfeeling instrument of destruction, Hellboy’s actions over the years have shown that he is far more than just a demon.
In fact, much of Hellboy’s story is about defying the dark fate that was predicted for him at birth, proving that he can choose his own path, not bound by destiny or evil. Whether through acts of compassion, self-sacrifice, or standing up against powerful forces that want to use him for their own goals, Hellboy has demonstrated time and again that his true nature is that of a hero.
#10: Choosing to Save Humanity Over His True Destiny (Hellboy: Seed of Destruction #1, 1994)
One of the most defining moments for Hellboy comes early in his story in Hellboy: Seed of Destruction (1994), when he faces the truth about his birth. Hellboy was intended to be the harbinger of the apocalypse, a demon summoned by Rasputin to bring about the end of the world. But when Hellboy learns the truth about his origins, he chooses to reject his dark fate and protect humanity instead.
This pivotal moment is a testament to Hellboy’s character, as he defies the destiny that was forced upon him. His decision to stand against Rasputin and the forces of darkness—despite being the very creature that was supposed to help bring about the end—shows that Hellboy is not simply a demon of destruction. He chooses to fight for the people who would fear and reject him, marking the beginning of his journey as a hero. His decision to walk away from the destiny of destruction and embrace his humanity shows that he is capable of great self-determination, regardless of his demonic origins.
#9: The Destruction of the Right Hand of Doom (Hellboy: The Wild Hunt #1-8, 2008-2009)
Hellboy’s Right Hand of Doom is perhaps his most defining feature—a powerful, indestructible hand that is said to have the ability to destroy the world. Throughout his life, Hellboy has struggled with the burden of this hand and what it represents. In Hellboy: The Wild Hunt (2008-2009), Hellboy faces the ultimate test when he is confronted with the possibility of using his right hand to fulfill the prophecy and bring about the end of the world.
However, Hellboy, in a true act of defiance, chooses to destroy the Right Hand of Doom rather than allowing it to bring about his destined fate. This decision demonstrates Hellboy’s rejection of the idea that he is predestined to destroy the world, and it shows that, despite the immense power within him, he can choose to protect it instead. This act of self-sacrifice further emphasizes Hellboy’s humanity, proving that his true nature is not that of a destroyer, but a protector. In this moment, Hellboy not only challenges his demonic origins but also redefines his future.
#8: Sacrificing His Life to Save the World (Hellboy: The Storm and the Fury #1-2, 2007)
In Hellboy: The Storm and the Fury (2007), Hellboy is faced with an apocalyptic situation where he must choose between embracing his demonic heritage and the destruction it could cause or sacrificing himself to stop the oncoming storm. This story brings Hellboy face to face with his true heritage, as he is challenged by both the forces of evil and the ghosts of his past.
In a moment of profound heroism, Hellboy chooses to sacrifice himself for the good of humanity, proving that despite his demonic nature, he is capable of making the ultimate self-sacrifice. The emotional weight of this decision is huge, as Hellboy knows that he is not only sacrificing himself but also the possibility of having any future beyond this moment. His willingness to let go of his potential fate, to risk his life to save others, proves that he is more than just a demon. Hellboy’s ability to choose the greater good over his own existence demonstrates his courage and his commitment to protect humanity, no matter the cost.
#7: Protecting the B.P.R.D. from the Forces of Evil (Hellboy: Wake the Devil #1-3, 1996)
In Hellboy: Wake the Devil (1996), Hellboy faces off against dark forces who seek to resurrect powerful beings and bend the world to their will. During this battle, Hellboy’s actions prove his deep loyalty to the B.P.R.D., the organization that gave him a chance at redemption and accepted him as one of their own.
Despite his dark origins, Hellboy becomes an invaluable member of the B.P.R.D., risking his life and confronting evil forces in order to protect those he cares about. His loyalty to the B.P.R.D. shows that he is not just a demon fighting for personal gain or destiny, but someone who values friendships and will do anything to protect the people he cares about. This is a defining moment for Hellboy, as he proves that, despite his otherworldly nature, he is capable of true heroism and selflessness.
#6: Embracing His Humanity in the Face of Hell (Hellboy: Darkness Calls #1-6, 2007)
In Hellboy: Darkness Calls (2007), Hellboy faces an internal conflict that pits his demonic origins against the man he has become. He is drawn into a battle with supernatural entities from his past, but what makes this storyline unique is Hellboy’s inner struggle to reconcile his humanity with his demonic nature.
This transformation is important because Hellboy faces a major moment of personal growth. He chooses to embrace his humanity, rejecting the dark aspects of his origins and fighting against forces that want to use him as a pawn in their plans. By refusing to succumb to the forces of Hell and choosing to fight for the good of humanity, Hellboy proves that his heart and soul are ultimately what define him, not his demon blood. His fight in this storyline is as much about self-acceptance as it is about saving the world, making it one of the most defining moments in his hero’s journey.
#5: Rejecting the Throne of Hell (Hellboy: The Crooked Man #1-3, 2008)
In Hellboy: The Crooked Man (2008), Hellboy is presented with the opportunity to become the ruler of Hell. He is offered power, control, and the ability to reshape the underworld, but Hellboy rejects this offer, choosing instead to continue his quest to protect humanity.
This decision marks a pivotal moment in Hellboy’s life, as he once again rejects the path that was predestined for him. His refusal to rule Hell is not just a rejection of power; it is a declaration that he will not succumb to his demonic heritage. He continues to forge his own destiny, making this one of the most important moments of his journey. This act of defiance against his fate proves that Hellboy is not just a demon—he is a hero who actively chooses the light over the dark.
#4: Standing Against the Forces of Darkness (Hellboy: Hellboy in Hell #1-5, 2012)
In Hellboy in Hell (2012), Hellboy is cast into Hell itself, where he must confront not only his inner demons but the dark forces that have shaped his life. This storyline sees Hellboy face the ultimate test: Can he find redemption in the very place he was destined to rule?
Hellboy’s refusal to submit to Hell and his determination to protect the innocent make this one of the most powerful moments in his life. Even in the depths of Hell, where he is surrounded by his enemies and forced to face the darkest aspects of his existence, Hellboy continues to stand up for humanity. He refuses to become the ruler of Hell or allow it to corrupt him. His struggle in this storyline proves that Hellboy’s true power lies not in his demonic origins, but in his unwavering resolve to fight for what is right.
#3: Standing in the Face of Fate (Hellboy: The Storm and the Fury #1-2, 2007)
In Hellboy: The Storm and the Fury (2007), Hellboy is confronted with the ultimate question of his purpose: Is he fated to bring about the end of the world, or can he defy that fate and choose his own path? Hellboy chooses the latter, defying the prophecy and choosing to protect the world rather than fulfill the dark destiny that was set for him.
This act of defiance proves that Hellboy’s strength lies not in his supernatural abilities, but in his ability to make choices and follow his own moral compass. The battle against the forces of destiny shows that Hellboy is not bound by the expectations others place upon him—he is a hero by choice. This moment of standing up to fate is a testament to his humanity and his ultimate refusal to accept a dark destiny.
#2: Sacrificing Himself for Humanity (Hellboy: The Wild Hunt #1-8, 2008-2009)
In Hellboy: The Wild Hunt (2008-2009), Hellboy faces an existential crisis when he learns that his destiny as a demon is entwined with the fate of humanity. His struggle with his own identity culminates in an act of heroism where he sacrifices himself to protect humanity from an ancient evil that seeks to control both him and the world.
Hellboy’s sacrifice is a defining moment in his evolution from a demon with a dark destiny to a true hero. His willingness to lay down his life for others—regardless of his origins—solidifies his transformation into a hero and reaffirms that, despite being born of Hell, his heart and actions are rooted in humanity. This moment proves once and for all that Hellboy is not simply a demon, but a protector of mankind, willing to make the ultimate sacrifice.
#1: Embracing His Humanity in His Final Act (Hellboy: The Fury #1-3, 2010)
In Hellboy: The Fury (2010), Hellboy’s journey culminates in his final battle with the forces of darkness. This is the moment when Hellboy truly embraces his humanity—choosing to act selflessly and fighting to protect the world from the apocalyptic forces that threaten it.
In the final moments of his life, Hellboy fully rejects his demonic heritage, embracing the humanity that he has spent so long struggling with. His final act is an act of pure heroism, showing that despite his dark origins, he is ultimately defined by his choices, his sacrifices, and his love for humanity. Hellboy’s decision to fight against his fate and embrace his human side makes this his most heroic and defining moment, proving that he was never just a demon, but a true hero.
Hellboy’s journey is one of redemption, defiance, and ultimate heroism. Despite his demonic origins, he proves time and again that it’s not what he was born as, but the choices he makes that define him. Whether rejecting his dark destiny or sacrificing himself for humanity, Hellboy’s actions show that he is much more than the demon the world first saw. His story is one of embracing humanity, making him one of the most complex and powerful anti-heroes in comics.
