Sunset Beach police confirmed that Kathleen Lincoln, owner of Marvelous Issues comic shop, was arrested after handing out copies of Grendel Tales: The Devil’s Hammer #1 at a Trunk-or-Treat event on October 30. According to the police department’s statement, Lincoln distributed the adult-oriented comic to underage attendees, which caught the attention of parents and the authorities. Lincoln was reportedly charged with a felony.
As described by the North Carolina General Statute § 14-190.1, it is a crime to knowingly distribute obscene materials to the public, especially in the presence of minors. Trunk-or-Treat is typically an alternative to regular Trick-or-Treating, consisting of sharing candy from decorated vehicles. On Facebook, Sunset Beach police department stated:
“Trunk or Treat has been one of our favorite community traditions for many years. It’s supposed to be a safe, fun night for families and we are deeply disturbed by this incident. We have always trusted that the registered participants would respect the safety and well-being of our children.
If your child received something that seemed off, inappropriate, disturbing, or not consistent with a typical Sunset Beach Trunk or Treat event, please contact the Sunset Beach Police Department. No further details will be released at this time due to the ongoing nature of the investigation.”
Grendel Tales: The Devil’s Hammer Is Classified As Obscene Literature
Grendel Tales: The Devil’s Hammer Contains Material Not Appropriate For Young Readers
Grendel Tales: The Devil’s Hammer by Rob Walton is a brutal post-apocalyptic story. It follows Petrus Christus, the lone survivor of a massacre who takes up the mantle of Grendel to avenge his people. The comic’s tone is extremely dark and mature, as it features violent combat, partial nudity, explicit sexual content, and distorted religious imagery, all underscored by moral and psychological despair.
While Grendel Tales: The Devil’s Hammer is a legitimate, artistically respected comic, it carries a clear “Not for Children” advisory due to its sexual imagery and graphic violence. The work’s adult content isn’t inherently illegal under federal standards. However, distributing it at a public event, particulary one intended for children, violates North Carolina’s obscenity statute.
Grendel Tales’ 2025 Halloween Controversy Highlights A Common Comic Book Misconception
Not All Comic Books Are Apt For Young Readers
The lingering assumption that all comics are kid-oriented remains one of the industry’s greatest misconceptions. This misunderstanding often fuels controversy when adult comics reach unintended audiences. In reality, the medium encompasses a vast range of tones and themes. Labeling helps clarify those boundaries, but distributors and customers alike must ensure the right comics reach the right readers.
Comics, like any medium, demand awareness of context and audience. While many titles are family-friendly, others explore adult themes that require discretion in distribution. The Grendel incident in North Carolina underscores the importance of understanding where and to whom such works are shared. Comic retailers and fans alike must exercise responsibility when bringing their passion into community spaces, especially those centered on children.
Comics have long transcended the stereotype of being “kid stuff.” Critically acclaimed works like Watchmen, Sandman, Maus, and Sin City prove the medium is capable of exploring deep philosophical, political, and psychological questions, all aimed at adult audiences. Treating comics with the same respect as other art forms means acknowledging that they can contain explicit material, and that not every comic is designed to entertain or educate younger readers.