DC Comics Relaunch: Artist CAFU talks Grifter

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Grifter #1

(GRIFTER #1 cover by CAFU and BIT)

Get ready to meet Grifter. Part fugitive. Part alien hunter. All sweet talker.

We caught up with GRIFTER artist CAFU (SUPERBOY, T.H.U.N.D.E.R. AGENTS) for a sneak peek into his latest project.

THE SOURCE: What about DC’s new 52 titles excites you the most?

CAFU: Grant Morrison on Action Comics, no doubt about it!

How and why are you shaking up the series’ status quo?

From the start, we were given freedom to create this new Grifter as part of the DCU, so I think I can say we’re trying to create the definitive version of the character!

What new characters will debut in the series?

I don’t think we can reveal too much for now, but I would have to pick the new Daemonites (I love them!)

Will we see new character designs?

Absolutely. All characters will be redesigned to help give the book a more realistic and adult tone.

What’s the first line of dialogue in the first issue?

Funny enough, the first line of dialogue is “Mr. Harras, your vodka and tonic.”

What’s the biggest surprise you’ve had working on this character/book?

I’d say the tone Nathan (the writer) is looking to give the series and the ideas he has for this initial story arc. I hope you like them as much as I do!!

What secret has been the hardest to keep?

The most difficult part has been to hide everything that was cooking at DC, when everybody suspected something big was coming (and of course, people didn’t stop asking!)

What’s the unofficial tagline for this series, in your own words?

I’d say: PURE, HARDCORE ACTION, REALISTIC AND CRUDE.

What were your thoughts about the day-and-date digital announcement?

It’s been really exciting to see all the reactions on the Internet during the days around the announcement and the big reaction from the DC fans. I’ve loved having the feeling of being witness (and part of) a special time in the history of superhero comic books.


Skitch Commentary: So even though Grifter and Voodoo have their own books, and the Daemonites seem to play large roles in both books, it doesn’t look like there is a Wild C.A.T.S. team. I would kind of like to see Jim Lee doing one down the road during relaunch, to be honest. I am also curious what CAFU means by “a more adult tone.” Too often, comics confuse things like violence, cursing, nudity, and sex as “mature.” I am really hoping they avoid that route here, and give the book a real grown up feel to it. That would be a Grifter book I would love to read.

Mike Maillaro is a lifelong Jersey Boy and geek. Mike has been a comic fan for about 30 years from when his mom used to buy him Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Adventures at our local newsstand. Thanks, Mom!! Mike's goal is to bring more positivity to the discussion of comics and pop culture.