Grifter

Cole Cash, better known as Grifter, is one of the most iconic anti-heroes to emerge from the Image/WildStorm era of comics. A former Special Forces operative and con man turned superhuman warrior, Grifter made his landmark debut in WildC.A.T.s: Covert Action Teams #1 (1992), a key issue that launched the WildStorm universe and remains one of the most sought-after copper-age collectibles. His signature red mask, dual pistols, and devil-may-care attitude made him an instant fan favorite, and his first appearance continues to command serious attention in the back-issue market.

What sets Grifter apart from the typical gun-toting mercenary archetype is the cosmic scope of his origins. Secretly one of the Gifted — humans carrying latent Kherubim DNA — Cole possesses a staggering array of abilities including telepathy, telekinesis, and force field projection, powers that sit in stark contrast to his street-level brawler personality. His time with Team 7 exposed him to the Gen-Factor, further amplifying his already formidable skill set and connecting him to a broader web of WildStorm mythology that collectors love to trace across dozens of interconnected titles. Story arcs exploring his past with Team 7 and his complicated loyalty to the WildC.A.T.s remain highlights of the WildStorm library.

Grifter's publishing history is remarkably rich. Beyond his central role in the WildC.A.T.s flagship title, he headlined his own solo series and miniseries throughout the 1990s and 2000s, and his connections to powerhouse teams like The Authority and Stormwatch make him a thread that runs through some of the most critically acclaimed WildStorm runs ever produced. When DC absorbed the WildStorm universe and relaunched its line with The New 52 in 2011, Grifter received his own ongoing series as part of that initiative, introducing him to an entirely new generation of readers and adding another layer of collectibility across two distinct publishing eras.

For collectors, Grifter represents an extraordinary opportunity. His first appearance in WildC.A.T.s #1 is a cornerstone of any serious WildStorm collection, and high-grade copies are increasingly difficult to find. Solo issues, variant covers, and crossover appearances spanning three decades give enthusiasts plenty to chase. Whether you are building a complete WildStorm run, hunting New 52 keys, or simply want one of the coolest-looking characters in comics on your shelf, Cole Cash delivers on every level.