Finally something new in the vast universe of Grendel. This time it’s brought to us from its creator Matt Wagner, who’s handling the writing and drawing chores with his latest mini-series titled Behold the Devil. This series revolves around the original Grendel, Hunter Rose. What makes Rose so great is that he’s an evil genius, coupled with wealth, power, and complete dominion over the underworld; the man’s a killer and enjoys every bit of it.
This is probably the longest Hunter Rose story ever told and so far it’ll hook you in from the very first pages. With Grendel on his latest rampage we’re introduced to up and coming Detective Elizabeth Sparks and journalist Lucas Ottoman, two characters who look to be a focal point in the story. Both are trying to find Grendel through their own means yet they’re always crossing paths as is evident when Lucas slips into Grendel’s latest crime scene asking questions which are quickly given the no comment treatment. Luckily for Lucas, Sparks is a bit more forthcoming in the bedroom where, off duty, they work out their own frustrations and excess energy.
Behold the Devil explores the one brief period in Rose’s life that was so traumatic that all traces of it was removed from his extensive diaries. The first issue only touches on the event, but gives you just enough to know that something out there is a very real threat to Hunter’s perfect life… and it scares him.
Like the other Hunter Rose tales, this issue is rendered only in shades of black white with some red thrown in here and there. While it makes for some monochromatic sparseness, this makes the sudden appearance of blood all the more effective. Wagner’s artwork is top notch as usual. It’s nothing overly detailed but its style lends to the tone of the book perfectly. As has been par for the course Wagner’s writing is superb. He knows how to draw you in and keep you wanting more.
It’s nice to see Wagner tackle the original Grendel with such commitment. You can’t ask for any better. While the $3.50 price tag might seem absurd (I don’t care what comic it is, it’s absurd) it’s worth it. Wagner’s got another hit on his hands.
