Science vs Religion in Hellboy

In his 2020 article, “Facing the Monsters,” David McConeghy argues that Hellboy draws from the works of HP Lovecraft in portraying a character who must navigate the eternal conflict between science and religion, ultimately rejecting both in the name of humanity. #hellboy 1/6

“Rasputin’s steampunk-styled technological devices allow him to open a portal to deep space using specialized occult knowledge. Science makes the religious possible in this moment, even as both will ultimately fail to induce the apocalypse Rasputin desires.” 2/6

“Secularists, perhaps of Max Weber’s era if not our own, might say science will save us from the gnostic religion represented by Rasputin, but Hellboy and the original Lovecraftian material reject this stance.” 3/6

“Only supernatural good, Hellboy shaped into agent for humanity’s morals and survival and not an unwitting pawn for the expected apocalypse, can overcome the machinations of foolish humans bent on the return of the gods.” 4/6

“Rasputin’s science is corrupt and Hellboy rejects his own religious destiny in order to save humanity. In this instance, a supernatural other saves the world by rejecting both forbidden science and religion.” 5/6

“As humanity’s defender, Hellboy finds his humanity and the means and motive to act against dangerous scientific and religious destinies.” 6/6