Grendel #2

Grendel #2 was published in 1983 as part of the original Comico Comics run, following the debut of Matt Wagner's dark, neo-noir creation. The series was born out of the burgeoning independent comic book scene of the early 1980s, which allowed creators like Wagner to explore mature themes of violence, obsession, and the corrupting nature of power that were largely absent from mainstream superhero titles at the time.

Matt Wagner both wrote and illustrated this issue, employing a distinct, stark aesthetic that emphasized the psychological unraveling of Hunter Rose, the series' sophisticated protagonist. By blending elements of a crime thriller with a refined, sociopathic flair, Wagner created a character that challenged traditional comic book morality. The issue is regarded by collectors as a foundational piece of the Grendel mythos, capturing the precise moment the character transitioned from an experimental concept into a cult phenomenon that would influence the indie comics landscape for decades.