Darkness Calls

This book examines the contrasting forms neo-noir has taken on screen, asking what prompts our continued interest in tales of criminality and moral uncertainty. Neo-noir plots are both familiar and diverse, found in a host of media formats today, and now span the globe. Yet despite its apparent prevalence—and increased academic attention—many core questions remain unanswered. What has propelled noir’s appeal, half a century on after its supposed decline? What has led film-makers and series-creators to rework given tropes? What debates continue to divide critics? And why are we, as viewers, so drawn to stories that often show us at our worst? Referencing a range of films and series, citing critical work in the field—while also challenging many of the assumptions made—this book sets out to advance our understanding of a subject that has fascinated audiences and academics alike. Theories relating to gender identity and neo-noir’s tricky generic status are discussed, together with an evaluation of differing comic inflections and socio-political concerns, concluding that, although neo-noir is capable of being both progressive and reactionary, it also mobilises potentially radical questions about who we are and what we might be capable of.

View our feature on Marjorie Liu’s Darkness Calls. Demon hunter Maxine Kiss, inked with living tattoos, is on a mission to rescue the man she loves from a bloodthirsty army. To save him, Maxine has only one choice: to lose control—and release her own powers of darkness.

"Evocative and transportive, filled with nuance and spiked with the violence of war, Darkness Calls the Tiger is a story of redemption in the midst of hopelessness." —Tosca Lee, New York Times best-selling author After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Imperial Japan devours the southern portion of Burma, intent on taking over mainland Asia. Unaware of the coming darkness, Kailyn Moran drifts in her role as the only daughter of a widowed missionary. As whispers of war snake through the Kachin mountains, Kai's father is convinced God will protect the mission. He entrusts the village to her and the kind yet inexperienced new missionary, Ryan McDonough, while he makes routine visits to neighboring villages. War descends like a tempest upon the mountain peaks, and an unbreakable bond forms between Kailyn and Ryan as they unite to provide solace to both villagers and the flood of refugees. Despite their tireless efforts, a brutal enemy shatters almost everything they love, pushing Kailyn to embark on a path of unrestrained vengeance. Afraid he's losing the woman he loves, Ryan fights to protect Kai from the deadly consequences of her choices. But in the face of destruction, can he convince her of the power and freedom of forgiveness?

Witches all across the world seek out Hellboy, but this time, they're not just after revenge. The long-awaited follow-up to 2005's _The Island_, the six-issue miniseries _Darkness Calls_ sees Mike Mignola pushing his greatest creation, Hellboy, toward the next major turning point in his life, with haunting art by Duncan Fegredo (_Enigma_, _Ultimate Adventures_).

Hellboy's epic battle with the immortal warrior Koshchei reaches its climax in the thunderous conclusion to this six-issue arc. The long-awaited follow-up to 2005's _The Island_, _Darkness Calls_ sees Mike Mignola pushing his greatest creation, Hellboy, toward the next major turning point in his life, with haunting art by Duncan Fegredo (_Enigma_, _Ultimate Adventures_). **The final issue of _Darkness Calls_, written by Mike Mignola.**

Hecate is gone, and the witches of the world want something from Hellboy. But can Hellboy put aside past grudges long enough for the witches to make their case? The long-awaited follow-up to 2005's _The Island_, the six-issue _Darkness Calls_ series sees Mike Mignola pushing his greatest creation, Hellboy, toward the next major turning point in his life, with haunting art by Duncan Fegredo (_Enigma_, _Ultimate Adventures_).

Hellboy's struggle with Koshchei continues, as Gruagach and the witches draw closer to their sinister quarry. The long-awaited follow-up to 2005's _The Island_, the six-issue _Darkness Calls_ sees Mike Mignola pushing his greatest creation, Hellboy, toward the next major turning point in his life, with haunting art by Duncan Fegredo (_Enigma_, _Ultimate Adventures_). **Hellboy vs. Koshchei the Deathless!**

The Baba Yaga enlists the help of a deathless Russian warrior who may be more than a match for Hellboy. The long-awaited follow-up to 2005's _The Island_, the six-issue _Darkness Calls_ sees Mike Mignola pushing his greatest creation, Hellboy, toward the next major turning point in his life, with haunting art by Duncan Fegredo (_Enigma_, _Ultimate Adventures_). The long-awaited follow-up to 2005's _The Island_!

With the support of the world's witches, Baba Yaga has lured Hellboy to the haunted forests of Russia, where a deathless warrior lies in wait. The long-awaited follow-up to 2005's _The Island_, the six-issue _Darkness Calls_ sees Mike Mignola pushing his greatest creation, Hellboy, toward the next major turning point in his life, with haunting art by Duncan Fegredo (_Enigma_, _Ultimate Adventures_). **The long-awaited follow-up to 2005's _The Island_!**

IF HE EXPOSES HER, SHE'LL LOSE EVERYTHING! Late one night, newly promoted Inspector Cecilie Mars makes a fatal choice that has far-reaching consequences. Her misstep has been captured on film, and now an anonymous figure threatens to reveal everything unless she follows their cunning plan. Drawn into a sinister scheme involving blackmailing and vigilantism, Cecilie is forced to consider just how far she is willing to go to ensure justice. At the same time, it slowly dawns on her that the unknown figure might not be so unknown after all... From the bestselling Danish author, Michael Katz Krefeld, ́Darkness Calls ́ is a gritty Scandi Noir crime thriller, perfect for readers who just can’t get enough of hit-series 'The Bridge' or Netflix’s 'The Chestnut Man'. Michael Katz Krefeld (b. 1966) is one of Denmark’s most widely read home-grown crime fiction authors, lauded for his multi-award-winning work by critics and readers alike. He is particularly well-known for the internationally bestselling detective series featuring his protagonist Ravn, which has thrilled readers around the globe. Saga Egmont will be launching all of Krefeld’s books in nine languages, from his award-winning debut to the latest instalments in his Ravn and Cecilie Mars series.