I went to a screening of Hellboy II and loved it. I did not see the first movie, nor have I read the comic book. In fact, I knew nothing before getting the invitation. The movie is very smart, very comical and very well done in my opinion. I found myself laughing a lot, something the rest the audience was not doing. Either they just didn't get it or I didn't. There were quite a few subliminal messages and the subtext was heavy. Environmental issues, man versus nature and how we treat the planet. Political issues, world dominance and who really deserves to live or die or rule. Love and how much a person is willing to do to get it and keep it. I liked Hellboy II so much I am going to see the first one and hopefully the third.