It probably shouldn't come as a surprise given the kind of problems that they usually deal with, but as the BPRD barrels towards the conclusion of John Arcudi's eleven-year run on the title --- coming to an end in a mere nine issues --- Dark Horse's favorite paranormal investigators are having a pretty rough time. The Black Flame, the latest incarnation of an ancient evil, is tearing through New York City, and he's got Liz Sherman and Johann Kraus on the ropes.

Or, in Johann's case, at the bottom of the Hudson River, which is not really where you want to be if you're a gaseous spirit in a robot body, and exactly where we pick up in the pages of BPRD: Hell on Earth #138. Check out a preview below to find out if, like so many problems in the Hellboy universe, this is also one that can be solved by punching!

In case you've fallen behind, this is actually the third known Black Flame, who was resurrected after the events of the Plague of Frogs cycle and installed himself as the god of New York City. You know, as one does. Here's the official solicitation:

BPRD: HELL ON EARTH #138

Writer: Mike Mignola, John Arcudi

Artist: Laurence Campbell

Colorist: Dave Stewart

Cover Artist: Laurence Campbell

The Black Flame has returned and is wreaking havoc on the Hudson River! Panya and Kate try to psychically help from BPRD headquarters while Liz and Johann battle the Black Flame to stop him from destroying New York City.

BPRD: Hell On Earth #138 will be on sale next Wednesday, December 16.