PopCultHQ received a review copy of GRENDEL: Devil by the Deed – Master’s Edition HC from Dark Horse Comics. Available November 21st in bookstores & November 22nd in comic book shops, the hardcover collection features writing & illustrations from Matt Wagner, colors by Brennan Wagner w/ Cameron Mazzia, and letters by Dave Lanphear.
Here’s PopCultHQ’s spoiler-free review of…
GRENDEL: Devil by the Deed – Master’s Edition HC
Credits:
Written by Matt Wagner
Art by Matt Wagner
Colors by Brennan Wagner w/ flats by Cameron Mazzia
Letters by Dave Lanphear
Format:FC, 136 pages; HC; 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″
Genre: Superhero, Crime
ISBN-13: 978-1-50673-725-6
ISBN-10: 1-50673-725-0
Ages: 14+
SRP: $29.99
Bookstore release date: 11/21/23
Comic shop release date: 11/22/23
Matt Wagner returns to the seminal “Devil by the Deed” Hunter Rose story that started the epic, centuries-spanning Grendel saga.
In this all-new reimagining of “Devil by the Deed,” Wagner brings his decades of experience and artistry back to the famous narrative that first began his lengthy and illustrious career as a comic-book author.
The original tale of the dashing and diabolical Hunter Rose was deceptively brief, considering its cultural impact. Over the years, Wagner has expanded on the story of Hunter Rose and now he weaves the most dramatic of those elements into a brand-new graphic novel.
Grendel: Devil by the Deed–Master’s Edition is Matt Wagner at the height of his artistic and story-telling prowess, featuring 120 all-new story pages that will dazzle first time and longtime readers alike.
In the world of comics, some of the most famous works are typically that of the superhero genre. Readers thrill to the high-flying, colorful, and, at times, proactive exploits of the costumed icons that have become an integral part of pop culture throughout the decades. However, down an often-walked, but still overlooked path (depending on who you talk to), is the realm of indie comics, within whose pages dwell stories and artwork that serve as a palate cleanser and a source of excellent reading diversions. One of the princes of the indie world is Matt Wagner, famed for his creations that have become staples of the comics scene over the decades. Now, he returns to the realm of his most infamous character, Grendel. But not just any old Grendel tale is housed within this Master Edition. No, what awaits fans, old and new, is a wonderful remastered edition of the FIRST Grendel epic, Devil by the Deed. What makes this book stand out from previous Grendel works is the smooth job that Wagner does of integrating the new artwork, summing up the bloody career of his creation, rendered in the artist’s usual brilliant style.
Writing: Matt Wagner has written some superb comics over the years. Whether it is an indie fair like that of Grendel or Mage, or swimming in the mainstream pool with works like Trinity over at DC Comics, Matt’s artful writing style lends itself beautifully to crafting worlds that feel so real that they could exist in another dimension. With the re-release of Devil by the Deed, readers will revisit with Matt the tale of Hunter Rose, a.k.a. the master criminal Grendel. The chronicling of Rose’s reign as the criminal kingpin of New York City’s underworld and his subsequent downfall engineered by the most unlikely of persons reads like a tell-all from the perspective of celebrated fictional journalist Christine Powell Spar. A delightful page-turner that further serves as a reminder of how great a writer Wagner is.
Art: Like with the writing, Matt’s artwork has become a legend in the comics world. Indeed, the original work he did for Grendel in the early days was of a rougher design, in point of fact, a far cry from the style that has become synonymous with his name and his brand. Nevertheless, this newly collected edition updates the script with the linework and character designs, making the book visually appealing to new and old readers. The entire book is dynamic – there are action-packed panels that scream pure “adrenaline rush made flesh” because of Matt’s art style. This book is a glorious visual wonder-fest that will continue to bring people back to the Grendelverse for more adventures.
Colors: Matt’s son, Brennan, stepped up to the plate to take on the task of coloring such a delightful HC. Despite my unfamiliarity with his work, the fact that he was raised in the world of comics, and chose to enter the field where his father has become a household name, speaks volumes for the kind of work anyone can expect from the fellow. The color choices Brennan laid out for the book resonate intuitively with the dark tale that is freshly laid out for Grendel fans. Every choice he made flows beautifully with the artwork in question. That is a huge check in the plus column for his work and a fine introduction for anyone who wants to check out other books with his brilliant colorist flair.
Letters: Typically, this reviewer’s appreciation of a graphic novel, whether a TPB or an HC, extends from script to lettering. In researching Dave Lanphear’s past work, it was surprising to learn that he has done work on a wide variety of comics over the years, from the Big Two to the various heavy hitters of the indie market. While the style he chose for the book is a very neat typeset, it could have offered up the thrills and energy I have come to expect. It may be that I have yet to delve into his prior works or because I am unfamiliar with the Grendel world. But the lettering fell flat for me this time, as much as it hurts to say so.
Overall Assessment:
Matt Wagner and Grendel are two names that go together in comic books. A creator and his creation known to nearly all who walk the four-color walk and traverse highways and byways of imagination. And if you are someone who has not yet availed themselves of Matt’s work, past or present, then it would behoove you to get a copy of this extraordinary hardcover, read it through, reread it, and afterward go out and get more of the books Matt Wagner has affixed his name to.
PopCultHQ’s Rating:
4.5 out of 5 Stars
About Dark Horse Comics:
Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, Dark Horse Comics is an excellent example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and transform a company with humble beginnings into an industry giant. Over the years, Dark Horse has published the work of creative legends such as Yoshitaka Amano, Margaret Atwood, Paul Chadwick, Geof Darrow, Will Eisner, Neil Gaiman, Dave Gibbons, Faith Erin Hicks, Kazuo Koike, Matt Kindt, Jeff Lemire, Mike Mignola, Frank Miller, Kentaro Miura, Moebius, Chuck Palahniuk, Wendy Pini, Richard Pini, and Gerard Way. In addition, Dark Horse has a long tradition of establishing exciting new creative talent throughout all of its divisions. The company has also set the industry standard for quality licensed comics, graphic novels, collectibles, and art books, including Stranger Things, Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra, Minecraft, The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario, Dragon Age, James Cameron’s Avatar, Game of Thrones, Mass Effect, StarCraft, The Witcher, and Halo. Today, Dark Horse Comics is one of the world’s leading entertainment publishers.
