Grendel: Devil's Reign

Matt Wagner knows how to tell a graphic tale of global politics. This is a plausible future history which follows on from the apocalyptic 'God and the Devil'. Frames are sparse, alternating blocks of 'historical' text, normal frames and media screens which remind the reader of the pervasive media manipulation of the future world -- a favoured tool of Orion Assante, the clever politician hero of the book. Assante is a reluctant tyrant, somewhat like Muad'Dib from Dune Messiah. His goal is to unite the world. He is supported in his ambitions by a capable and devoted inner circle, whose love and loyalty gets him through his most difficult political and personal crises.

One point which strikes me: in spite of the name, Grendel incarnate is not necessary for this book, and there is no Grendel character. This series has outgrown its antihero origins. The mask of Grendel is everywhere but by now Grendel has become a concept for Matt Wagner, a symbol, not a spindly wraith with a slashing stick; he is no longer needed. This book is nevertheless a very interesting and well-executed tale of future realpolitik. ( )