The Butcher of Paris is not your typical true crime story. The historical tale of a serial killer stalking the streets of Nazi-occupied France, in an interview about the series prior to the release of its first issue, writer Stephanie Phillips described the “shadow” of the killer being felt throughout the series, even if he doesn’t appear very often in its pages. In that way, the first issue of The Butcher of Paris draws readers in not just with a story about a murder investigation, but also with an examination of the circumstances that allowed such a serial killer to rise and flourish.

Check out the following preview, exclusive to The Beat, of The Butcher of Paris #2. The second issue of the five-issue miniseries will be available in stores and digitally on Wednesday, January 8th, 2020.

Written by Stephanie Phillips

Illustrated by Dean Kotz

Colored by Jason Wordie

Lettered by Troy Peteri

Cover by Dave Johnson In Nazi occupied Paris, the death toll mounts, but the killer’s motive and whereabouts remain unknown. The investigation uncovers a name-a doctor, whose skill and expertise match that of the meticulous crimes. But is this doctor the sadistic killer operating in the shadows, or just another victim of the Gestapo?