The Mystery Play

The Mystery Play is the title of a graphic novella written by Grant Morrison and illustrated by Jon J. Muth, it was released as a hardcover by DC Comics Vertigo imprint in 1994.

Plot synopsis
The Mystery Play is set round a mystery play and the investigation of the murder of the actor who plays God in the play. The story is set in the fictional English town of Townely and the story itself is an allegorical one where police inspector Frank Carpenter attempts to solve the mystery of the murder.

During the story we see Carpenter interview various suspects, including the actor playing Satan who is the main suspect, as well as various residents of the town. Morrison also delves into Carpenter's own past and ties all the elements together in a story about the nature of God.

Publication
It has been published by Vertigo in the US and Warner Books in the UK:


 * The Mystery Play (graphic novel, 76 pages, Vertigo, hardcover, 1994, ISBN 1-56389-108-5; softcover, Warner Books, 1995, ISBN 1-56389-189-1)

The Mystery Play was awarded the Eisner Award in 1995 for Best Painter/Multimedia Artist (Interior Art)