Stan Shaw

<p>The enigma of Yoshimasa's masked secret reveals itself at last in the surprise conclusion of Masashi Tanaka's "Demon," while paranoia -- or is it simply paranoia? -- runs rampant in the all-new Michael Cherkas, Larry Hancock, John van Bruggen "Suburban Nightmares" story, "Secrets." Rick Geary reminisces about days gone by in "Great Bend," Phil Elliott and Lloyd Thatcher take a macabre seaside vacation in "Post-Apocalypse," and Nicole Hollander's "Sylvia" turns a trained eye on felines throughout history. Those with tastes toward the satiric will appreciate the long-awaited return of Doug Wheeler's "Classics Desecrated," as Linda Medley renders the most recent desecration -- "The Wolf Who Cried `Sheep!'" Painted cover by Stan Shaw.</p>

Jack Kirby is the undeniable King of Comics. He created most of the heroes we all grew up with. But superheroes weren't his exclusive subject matter -- he also drew westerns, crime stories, romance comics . . . and Bible plates. In the 1970s, Kirby illustrated his favorite scenes from the Old Testament; not comic stories, but illustrative plates. "It was the best work of his life," says Roz Kirby. "The artwork he was most proud of." For a look at the greatest work of the greatest illustrator comics has ever known -- will ever know -- be sure to order your copy of Dark Horse Presents #103. And as if that's not enough, the most diverse anthology in comics runs the gamut this month, ranging from the slyly hip to the angst-ridden to the weird and supernatural. The world's first unborn superhero, "The Pink Tornado," debuts in this issue, "Mr. Painter" continues the story of a disaffected artiste, Alan Bland -- a coffee addict and tuba aficionado -- who becomes obsessed with an old painting he finds in his parents' home. Paul Pope, alternative comics genius, continues "The One Trick Rip-Off," a stylish, comics noir strip set in a near-future Los Angeles and focusing on a small group of thieves called the One Tricks. "Cal: Hairball" is a mystery featuring Cal McDonald, paranormal investigator, whose pursuit of some weird characters puts him hot on the trail of a murderer. This month, these weird characters show themselves as even weirder by killing Cal's client! Kitsch, comedy, comics noir, and Kirby -- if you're wanting anything more, you're just getting greedy!

Ready to leave the sheep and join the wolves? Then sink your choppers into DEADLINE U.S.A., featuring only the choicest cuts of alternative comix prepared in the manner suited to the cultured palates of urban sophisticates like yourself. This issue features Philip Bond's "Wired World", Scott Musgrove's "Tortilla Baby", "Johnny Nemo" by Peter Milligan and Brett Ewins, Brian Everson's "Young Kafka", "A-Men" by Shaky Kane, Jack Pollock's "Devil Chef", "Timulo" by D'Israeli, Phil Hester's "Nail Boss" and much more. Cover painting by the oh-so-modern Stan Shaw!

<p>The destiny of Hunter Rose is a well-known event, and the future of Grendel is an oft-chronicled topic. But what of the people the Devil influenced and intimidated? Matt Wagner, the creator of Mage: The Hero Defined, returns with the talents of Guy Davis (Sandman Mystery Theatre), the Pander Brothers (Secret Broadcast), Stan Shaw (Sunglasses After Dark), Jay Geldhof (The Lost), and Teddy Kristiansen (House of Secrets).</p>

Matt Wagner's masterpiece celebrates its thirtieth anniversary with the first-ever comprehensive collection of the complete Grendelsaga! The first of four volumes presenting the entire series and following the chronology of the stories, this edition introduces millionaire Hunter Rose and his alter ego, the criminal mastermind Grendel! Volume 1 reprints Grendel: Devil by the Deed; the short story collections Grendel: Black, White, & Red and Grendel: Red, White, & Black, featuring a host of legendary guest artists; and the epic Grendel: Behold the Devil. * The complete series, collected for the first time! * 600 pages!

Everyone knows this popular fairy tale of love and transformation, but readers will be stunned by Stan Shaw's boldly contemporary interpretation. Rather than develop a revisionist treatment, Shaw has embraced the classic elements of the story, and approached it with his unique graphic style. Shaw's work has appeared in such diverse publications as The Village Voice and Creepy, but Stan Shaw's Beauty & the Beast represents his most striking work to date, and will appeal to readers of all ages.