Police Arrest Woman For Handing Out This 31-Year-Old Horror Comic to Children

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A 31-year-old comic book has been the reason for a North Carolina woman’s arrest.

Kathleen Lincoln was arrested by the Sunset Beach Police Department in North Carolina after handing out copies of the comic book Grendel Tales: the Devil’s Hammer #1 at a Trunk-or-Treat event. Trunk-or-Treat is a community-based Halloween activity designed as a safer way for children to receive treats. According to a Facebook post from the police, Lincoln was charged with a violation of North Carolina General Statute § 14-190.1, which is considered a Class G Felony in the state.

I was really surprised to hear about what happened at the comic book event! Apparently, the police got several complaints about a vendor, Lincoln, who owns a comic shop called Marvelous Issues. She was giving out copies of Grendel Tales: Devil’s Hammer and also using them to promote her store – handing out flyers with her shop’s info. The thing is, that comic has a warning because it includes male nudity and some adult scenes. A lot of parents who were there with their kids were pretty upset, and while a spooky horror comic seemed okay for Halloween, the actual content of Grendel Tales: Devil’s Hammer was just too much for some. I haven’t seen any statement from Lincoln herself, but I heard her bail was set at $20,000. It’s a strange situation, and I’m curious to see how it all plays out.

Originally published by Dark Horse Comics in 1994, Grendel Tales: Devil’s Hammer is a three-issue spin-off from Matt Wagner’s Grendel Tales. According to Dark Horse, the story follows Petrus Christus, the only person left alive after a town is brutally attacked by Grendels. Driven by revenge, Petrus decides to become a Grendel himself, unaware of the devastating consequences that may follow.

Not All Comic Books Are For Children

Although comics appeal to a wide range of readers, some are definitely not appropriate for children. Grendel Tales: Devil’s Hammer is clearly intended for adults, so the recent arrest of someone distributing it at a Trunk-or-Treat event feels like an overreaction. The Sunset Beach, North Carolina Police Department’s decision is being questioned, as a less severe response might have been sufficient to address the potential Class G Felony offense under North Carolina law. Many believe the situation didn’t require police involvement.

Art is open to interpretation, and freedom of expression means comics like Grendel Tales: Devil’s Hammer have a place, even if they aren’t for everyone. It’s possible Lincoln chose this comic by mistake, perhaps judging it by the cover and title without realizing its content, and hopefully she’s also offering age-appropriate options.

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2025-11-04 18:41