With the entire island of Japan annihilated by sun gun technology, Grendel-Khan Orion Assante now commands the entire planet, assisted by his elite and massive guard of Grendels. The world has entered into a grand imperial age, but Orion I has grown old. The only remaining member of his political inner circle, the ruler must somehow produce an heir and safeguard his empire from power-hungry opportunists. Orion I will volunteer his own body for the cause, and has little time to worry about fugitive vampire Pellon Cross or his now-evangelical following. Though the spirit of the Devil must have left the late Eppy Thatcher, a new incarnation may have been in plain sight all along!

• Re-presenting the original Grendel #40, newly remastered by colorists Matt Hollingsworth and Giulia Brusco.