Grendel Tales: Devils and Deaths

Grendel Tales #2

by Darko Macan, Edvin Biuković (Artist/Letterer), Matt Hollingsworth (Colorist)

Devils and Deaths: Grendel Drago has been fatally contaminated with radiation. But a Grendel must die in battle, not in bed, so Drago prepares for his final mission—he will kill the mysterious monster on the outskirts of town and die in the blaze of combat.

Devil's Choices: Picking up ten years later, this story finds the Agram clan embroiled in war. Only these days, it's become a lot harder to tell who's on what side! Since the death of his brother Drago, Goran has developed into the finest warrior in his clan. Unfortunately, he's also the most insubordinate, and his company gets banished to the front lines.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Science Fiction, Fiction, War, Comic Book, Graphic Novels Comics

144 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 1996

About the author

Darko Macan is a Croatian author and illustrator who has created and collaborated on comics, essays and science fiction and fantasy. He is also an editor.

Reviews

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grendel Draco has radiation poisoning and goes on one last mission to save the village from the monster eating livestock. The late Biuković's art works very well with the rustic setting and theme.

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say that this volume was a lot better than the other Grendel Tales volume I recently read. The story was more fast paced, and it was a bit easier to follow. Overall, there are two stories of war in this volume. Goran's tale, the second one, has some very moving and emotional moments that show not only a plot but character. Once you start it, you pretty much have to go on until the end; it grabs you. Overall, this was a pretty good read.

[Zoran Krušvar · Rating 5 out of 5]

E, ovo je strip. Ovako se crta i ovako se piše scenarij.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inner circle desert island favorite - everything about this book is perfect (except maybe a few balloon placements), a horrific study of war, honor, and clan mentality.

It's always been a surprising thing that the very best Grendel book isn't one of Matt Wagner's. (Although he's got the next ten or so. 😉)

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great writing and art.
Highly recommended (from somone who has read a lot of comics over the years).

[Hugo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartfelt stories of territorial feudalism from Croatian creators who know what they're about: concisely written and strongly illustrated.

[Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this. I picked this up because many of my favourite comic writers and artists have sighted this book, and Edvin Biukovic in particular, as a huge inspiration and I can definitely see why. The subject of war can often put me off but this comic is not just about violence, you get know and care for every character, there's lots of fantasy and sic-fi elements and it's beautifully written. The art is gorgeous and I know it will still influence my work long after today. There are certain things, be it albums, films, books, that just make you feel like they're special and this was one of those things. 'Grendel Tales: Devils and Deaths' is heartbreaking, funny and an incredible graphic novel all-round. I would thoroughly recommend this, especially to fans of the 'Umbrella Academy'.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent work in the Grendel Tales saga. This is a story in apart from any others of war torn country with short alliances. The land is held by many different grendel clans, until the empire moves into the region. This book follows quite a few different characters filled with suspense, sadness, and joy. The story is good with great characters that you can feel for, despite the short length of the book. The artwork is great in a typical comic fashion. I personally prefer the more fine art style, but I have this is better than a lot of others I have seen. Great quick read

[Danica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was absolutely mind-blowing. The story, the images, all was excellent. I'm usually hard to praise something and I usually have some complaint on everything, but this was absolutelly briliant. Loved it. Recommend it.

[Željko Obrenović · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neverovatna je i sama priča kako je ovaj strip domaćih autora uspeo da nađe svoj put do čuvenog američkog izdavača usred rata, a neverovatan je i sam strip. Macan i Biuković su uspeli da stvore strip koji govori o ratu na našim prostorima ali i uopšte o svim ratovima i onome što oni sa sobom nose.

[Erik Carl son · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling allegory for the Serbo/Croatian war. Beautiful art and a story that speaks to the horror and brutality of war.

[Stipe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ovo je strip! Briljantno napisano, briljantno nacrtano, genijalno... 5+

[Tomislav Škrljac · Rating 5 out of 5]

I consider this the greatest Croatian comic series so far (at least until Macan writes a better one). A perfect example of how comics should be written and drawn.

[Kohl · Rating 4 out of 5]

2nd time.
1st time was back in 1997ish, when I borrowed my friend's copy to read.

[Darijan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sjajan strip!

[Cat Knitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The flashlight scene...haunting. Best Grendel I have read (and I have read many).