Description

Grendel: War Child                        Trade Paperback
Writer: Matt Wagner
Artists: Patrick MeEown & Ken Henderson
Inkers: Matt Wagner & Monty Sheldon
Letterer: Kurt Hathaway
Colorists: Bernie Mireault & Kathryn Delaney
Editor: Kij Johnson
Designer: Cary Grazzini
Cover by: Matt Wagner

Following the death of Orion Assante, the world has fallen into chaos under the rule of Laurel Assante, the Grendel-Khan’s last wife. Created as a fail-safe device, the cyborg Grendel-Prime kidnaps Jupiter, the rightful heir to the empire, in order to protect him from political intrigue and power lust. This goal puts them on a road through the world’s harshest environments. From the radioactive cesspool of New York City to piracy on the high seas and all the way to the frozen Siberian wasteland, Grendel-Prime and his young companion fight for their lives and Jupiter’s spot on the throne.

This trade paperback collects all the excitement from the Eisner Award-winning limited series, Grendel: War Child, written by Matt Wagner, illustrated by Pat McEown and Wagner, and colored by Bernie Mireault and Kathryn Delaney in their trademarked animation- cel style. Includes a pin-up gallery featuring art by Arthur Adams, Tim Bradstreet, Kelley Jones, Cam Kennedy, and others.

Story/Spoilers
In part #1, ”Chapter 41: Devil in the Desert”, Ten-year-old Jupiter Niklos Assante, heir to the throne of the Grendel-Khan, is stolen from the retreat in which his rapacious stepmother has hidden him away from the rightful reins of power. The child is worth a hefty ransom, but there seems to be more than money on the mind of his kidnapper – who is none other than Grendel!

Next in part #2,”Chapter 42: Devil in the City”, Grendel and his charge, the young Jupiter Assante, continue to make their way across the barren and dangerous wasteland that is America. En route, they’re beset by zombies, gang warriors, and killing machines – and if they survive these, can even the devil himself make it through New York City alive? Meanwhile, Laurel Kennedy has problems of her own as she unearths an insidious plot known only as Project Athena, fostered by her now-dead husband, the former Grendel-Khan.

Next in part #3,”Chapter 43: Devil in the Bayou”, The chase is still on for young Jupiter Assante, heir to the throne of the Grendel-Khan, and his abductor, the mysterious masked figure – who, we now learn, may even have been sent by the Khan himself! This issue finds the pair stealing through the Louisiana swamps, only to land on the doorstep of an old witch! It would seem the ancient crone is more foe than friend, however, when news of Jupiter’s death travels back to his stepmother, Laurel Kennedy.

Next in part #4, “Chapter 44: Devil and the Deep Blue Sea”, While Laurel Kennedy announces the death of Orion’s heir to a shocked world, setting off a political explosion in the process, Jupiter Assante and his captor, the mysterious Grendel figure, have in fact set sail for Africa. Problem is, they’ve hitched a ride aboard a freighter about to be attacked by a band of vicious pirates, out for plunder and blood. It’s swashbuckling action like you’ve never seen before, as young Jupiter finds himself quite literally caught between the “Devil and the Deep Blue Sea”!

Next in part #5, “Chapter 45: Devil on the Veldt”, Is the young heir Jupiter Assante really dead? That’s the official word to the world at large, while in fact Grendel arrives with Jupiter in Africa. There they encounter tainted river water and some not-so-friendly natives. While the politics heat up stateside, Grendel goes mano a mano against King Kong’s double! It’s another exciting chapter in this final Grendel saga as we journey to Africa with the “Devil on the Veldt”!

Next in part #6, “Chapter 46: Devil in Hell”, Even as Laurel Kennedy and Heath preside over the official mourning of the heir to the Khan, young Jupiter Assante and his captor are indeed alive and, well…on the run. Beneath a strangely deserted and overgrown castle, Grendel and Jupiter are set upon by a group of mutated casualties of the nuclear winter, a group carrying a decided grudge against manipulators of modern technology. A mysterious band of soldiers arrives in time to add another surprising twist to the story. For our heroes, it’s a case of out of the frying pan and into the fires of the “Devil in Hell”!

Next in part #7, “Chapter 47: Devil in Chains”, While Grendel is held captive by a mysterious band of rebels, Jupiter is left to his own devices – only to be kidnapped again…this time by a horde of vampires! Meanwhile, Jupiter’s stepsister plots her own escape from the political clutches of her mother, the reigning Dowager-Khan. And in this issue, the secret of Grendel is finally revealed!

Next in part #8, “Chapter 48: Devil in Pursuit”, It’s the “Devil in Pursuit” as young Jupiter’s been kidnapped. Grendel and the rebels follow the trail across the frozen wastes, with the red devils hot on their heels. This issue not only features the return of a fabled Grendel nemesis but also includes a cameo appearance by “Milk” of Evan Dorkin’s Milk & Cheese. It just gets weirder.

Next in part #9, “Chapter 49: Devil to the Rescue”, Grendel and the rebels stage an attack on the vampire hordes, but will they get there in time to save young Jupiter, who is about to be fed to his father’s ancient nemesis? In the meantime, Susan and Crystal finally meet their match!

Finally in part #10, “Chapter 50: Devil in the House”, This is the big one: a story so powerful, Matt Wagner had to double the issue size just to tell it! In this special 52-page issue, we learn the final fate of Jupiter and Grendel-Prime, as Jupiter is reunited with his sister and together they take on the corrupt government headed by their mother.

Trade Paperback reprints/collects: Grendel: War Child (1992 – 1993) Issues #1-10.  Dark Horse Comics

First Printing
Publisher: Dark Horse Books
Publication Date: November 1993
Format: FC, 304 pages, TPB, 10.25 x 6.75
ISBN-10: 1878574892
ISBN-13: 9781878574893

Collectible Entertainment note: Trade Paperback is in Very Fine + condition.  Beautiful!  Please See Scans!!  A must have for any serious Grendel collector and/or enthusiast.  A fun & entertaining read.  Recommended.

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