In the early days of the BPRD, Abe Sapien investigates an apparition appearing at the site of a young boy's death. Emotions of the townsfolk flare, and a mother's love is tested.

I have to say that this is the first Mignola/Arcudi project that I enjoyed from the first page to the last. I tried the BPRD books, but one character added to the regular BPRD roster grated on me. This one-shot however is Abe-centered, and the story has nothing to do with his origins; a theme I found tiring.

The mystery, despite its supernatural sheath, is fairplay. Mignola and Arcudi lay out clues, present suspects and allow the reader to follow Abe's train of thought. The setting of the mystery creates a reason for Abe being selected. The ghost's presence ties into the watery environs. It may be possible to forge a solid story where Liz Sherman or Hellboy delved into the depths, but one must ask what incompetent M would send a fire-based heroine and an earthen strong man to the scene of such a crime in the first place. Better to, like Jim Phelps, select your agents based on the needs of the mission.

Apart from aquatic deftness, Abe provides sensitivity to a delicate situation involving parents and their sons. Liz and Hellboy aren't exactly known for their people skills. Abe is the most empathic of the trio.

I wish Mignola would do more to contribute more to the art of BPRD, but some very good artists have illustrated the team's adventures. Add Patric Reynolds to that list. Reynolds opts for a strong realistic style that's excellent when evoking an eerie ambiance. His organic artwork gives Abe a superb spotlight that allows the svelte gill-man to convey a gamut of emotions. When the nature of the beast stands revealed, Reynolds introduces some truly disturbing biological horror, which neatly gibes with the Lovecraftian themes found in the lion's share of Mignola's stories.

I didn't expect much from this Abe Sapien one-shot, but I found the story engrossing and the art riveting. Abe easily carried the story by himself, and he proved to be an engaging solo hero.

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