The New 52 Review: GRIFTER #1

GRIFTER #1
DC COMICS

WRITER: Nathan Edmondson
PENCILS: CAFU
INKS: Jason Gorder
COLORS: Andrew Dalhouse
LETTERS: Wes Abbott
COVER: CAFU and Bit
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S.

Grifter was one of the superhero characters that debuted in WildC.A.T.s #1 (cover date August 1992), Image Comics founding partner Jim Lee’s first work published by the then newly-launched company. Created by Lee and Brandon Choi, Grifter is Cole Cash, an incredibly adept fighter who is an expert in hand-to-hand combat and with most weapons, especially guns. Grifter also has mental powers, which he rarely uses.

With the re-launch of DC Comics’ superhero line, “The New 52,” Grifter is the star of a new solo comic book series. As Grifter #1 (“17 Minutes”) opens, Cole Cash has arrived at Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans for what should be an easy getaway from his most recent con. Then, why does he end up falling from the plane? Meanwhile, Cole’s brother, Max, gets a special assignment that will lead to an explosive family reunion.

First, I have to say that Grifter series artist, CAFU, has a drawing style that reminds me of the art of Paul Gulacy, which I consider a very good thing. CAFU has a good sense of both style and design in the way he poses figures and composes the content of a panel. His art both moves the story and also conveys a set of emotions and ideas within the panel.

Writer Nathan Edmondson has certainly presented a fast-moving story that grips you both with what it reveals and with the questions it raises. Still, I think CAFU brings a unique visual style and graphic narrative method that will make Grifter more than just another new series.

A-

September 14th
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