You know how in most action comics, the hero gets neatly punched on the jaw -- no blood in sight? Not so this one, Beowulf the original superhero story, in all of its blood-spattering, tendon-snapping, bone-crunching glory. The text is a spare, lovely translation that precedes the three sections which follow Beowulf's three battles: the monster Grendel, Grendel's vengeful mother, and the dragon. 
 The art is incredible, with obvious command of anatomy and martial arts. The middle section, painted on wood, is my favorite, especially the green underwater scenes, but the graytone final battle, in which Beowulf is an aged king, is perfect and heartbreaking. 
 Recommended for action fans and those who are looking for a way to access the story before (or at the same time as) tackling the original text. Just in time for the movie in November, too. I'm really curious how the "loathsome troll-wife," Grendel's mother, is a seductive Angelina Jolie. Here's betting she's only in disguise as a beautiful lady. But Neil Gaiman wrote the screenplay, so I won't scoff in the face of greatness.