Bastard

In the early 2000s, Viz Media brought the gritty, supernatural crime saga Bastard to English-speaking readers, a 15-issue series that blends hard-boiled noir with dark fantasy. Written and drawn by a single creator, the story follows a disgraced former police detective navigating a corrupt city where organized crime and occult forces are inextricably linked. The series is notable for its stark, moody artwork and unflinching violence, marking a distinct entry in Viz's mature-reader catalog of the era. It remains a cult favorite for fans of atmospheric, morally complex comics.