Grendel: Past Prime [Paperback]

Matt Wagner (Author), Greg Rucka (Author)

Book Description

Series: Grendel | Publication Date: July 5, 2000

In a broken and ravaged future whose denizens are intent only on survival, the name of Grendel evokes both horror and awe. A onetime military elite, the ranks of Grendel warriors have now disintegrated into leaderless anarchy. But a savior exists, and one lone Grendel seeks the key to restoring the empire -- and she won't take no for an answer.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Crime writer Greg Rucka expands the Grendel mythos a step farther in Grendel: Past Prime, a short novel with more than 80 illustrations by Matt Wagner. It follows the sordid and brutal adventures of Susan, a young veteran of the future Grendel Wars, as she finds purpose in finding and aiding the cyborg savior of her kind. The story moves quickly, but though the intricate, soap-opera-like details aren't quite overwhelming, fans of the series will have a much easier time of it. Nobility, honor, and extreme violence are the themes Rucka chooses to explore, and they serve to light a dim view of the future. --Rob Lightner

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Dark Horse; 1st edition (July 5, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1569713987
• ISBN-13: 978-1569713983
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,454,988 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

The author of four novels about professional bodyguard Atticus Kodiak -- Keeper (nominated for a Shamus Award by the Private Eye Writers of America), Finder, Smoker, and Shooting at Midnight, Greg Rucka has been writing since he was eight years old, and hopefully is improving with age. A longtime comics fan, his first graphic novel series was the suspense thriller Whiteout, published by Oni Press and nominated for three Eisner Awards in 1999. Since that time he has been a contributing writer for DC Comics and an active participant in the Batman series of titles.
Born and raised in California, he earned his undergraduate degree at Vassar College and his MFA at the University of Southern California. He currently resides in Portland, Oregon. Mr. Rucka has two tattoos, and rides a motorcycle.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent companion piece, August 4, 2000

By 

David Lively - See all my reviews

This review is from: Grendel: Past Prime (Paperback)

This book is for the fan who has followed Grendel from the early eighties. The story retells the original story of Susan, a disenchanted Grendel in search of her redemption in the form of Grendel Prime. The book expands a little on the Grendel story line. In this respect it makes is a good companion piece to the fans of the comic book line. As a stand alone story the book does well until the end where you are left hanging. Hopefully more of the stories will be presented in this genre. I have enjoyed the novelizations of some of the comic lines, and to some this may be a "legitimate" way to enjoy comic books. Additionally, the price is not all that bad. As a trade paperback it is far less than a hardcover, and with the Wagner artwork the price is easily justified.

3.0 out of 5 stars Super Reader, August 30, 2007

By 

Blue Tyson "- Research Finished" (Legion clubhouse) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Grendel: Past Prime (Paperback)

A female Grendel is the last of her clan. The rest of them committed suicide when the Grendel ruler was assassinated by his lover, as they had failed in their duty.

Susan, however, took and different path, and went looking for the mightiest and incorruptible Paladin, the Grendel Prime.

The various Grendel states have degenerated, so plenty of problems just staying alive to try and start bringing some order back to things.

4.0 out of 5 stars Vivat Grendel!, March 2, 2006

By 

P. Davidson "casual reader" (NW Wisconsin) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Grendel: Past Prime (Paperback)

Similar to a comic book read, the action moves along a bit like a screenplay and doesn't delve too deep, but is enjoyable nonetheless. Expands the Grendel and Grendel Prime mythos with a decent backstory (and origin) and rewards those who admire honor, loyalty and warrior ideals. This is also a great book for those who can't get enough of the Grendel Prime character.