Batman / Grendel #2

Devil's Masque

Written by: Matt Wagner

Art by: Matt Wagner

So the fight between these two creatures of the night ended last issue with Batman buried and Grendel surrounded. Batman digs himself out, Grendel kills his way out. Grendel continues to manipulate and play with both Hillie's and Rachael's live in his search for info on the sphinx. He even kidnapped Hillie's daughter (who she gave up at birth). Batman is still confused and not sure if this is the Riddler or not- but he is starting to catch on. One thing leads to another, Grendel finds out hen the sphinx is to be delivered and begins to get his plan in motion. Both show up at the museum and they fight. I'm leaving out quite a bit and don't want to spoil the ending. Anyway, Grendel's master plan was to burn his mask into the face of the sphinx and to play with Batman. It goes off without a with; Hillie and Rachael arrange to pick up Hillie's daughter on top of one of the Twin Gotham Towers. Batman shows up right as Hillie's daughter is being released and the two titular characters g at it again. Batman breaks Grendel's arm - the child slips and falls off the high tower - Batman saves her - Grendel gets away.

Wow, a lot happened in those 48 pages. I have to admit it was a hard synopsis to write; I apologize for its lack of flair. Now, this is probably one of my favorite Hunter Rose stories simply because he is almost remorseful at the end of it. He returns to New York with his evil spirit renewed

The art - I love Matt Wagner's art in both of these books. There is a splash page in this one that still makes my jaw drop. And the fight n the top of the tower is just amazing. He uses a 5 x 6 grid layout that gives the reader a view of just about every blow.

Batman / Grendel is probably 3rd on my list of Hunter Rose stories - Devil By the Deed being second. My favorite Hunter Rose story is further down the line. But, for both Grendel and Batman fans, this is a can't miss book.

As always, if you are interested, you can get this issue at MyComicShop. Happy reading!