Grendel #4

Grendel #4 was published in 1986 by Comico Comics as the final installment of the original black-and-white limited series. Created by Matt Wagner, the Grendel saga originated in the pages of Mage before finding its own footing. This issue serves as the conclusion to the introductory arc of Hunter Rose, the masked assassin and criminal mastermind, cementing the character's status as a quintessential figure of 1980s independent comics.

The design and aesthetic of this issue were heavily influenced by Wagner’s interest in film noir, classic literature, and the duality of man. By utilizing a stark, high-contrast visual style, Wagner aimed to create a sense of elegant brutality that distinguished the character from the typical caped crusaders of the era. The series was met with significant critical acclaim, praised for its sophisticated narrative structure and Wagner's distinct, stylized artwork, which helped elevate the prestige of independent creator-owned titles.