Grimjack: Still A Gritty Gem

The series is a unique, genre-bending experience that combines noir sensibilities with sci-fi and fantasy elements. Plus, it’s been reported that the Russo Brothers are interested in developing Grimjack for film.

If you’re a comic book reader seeking a unique blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and hard-boiled detective noir, dig into those back issue bins of your local shop and give the old comic series Grimjack a whirl. This cult series, created by John Ostrander and Timothy Truman in the 1980s, offers a reading experience that we think holds up.

Set in the interdimensional city of Cynosure, Grimjack follows the adventures of John Gaunt, a grizzled mercenary and former child gladiator. Cynosure itself is a character in the series, a place where different dimensions intersect, allowing for a mishmash of magic, technology, and alternate realities. This setting provides an endless playground for creative storytelling, where anything can happen and often does. John Gaunt is a complex anti-hero, scarred by his past and navigating a morally ambiguous world. He’s tough, cynical, and always ready for a fight, but also possesses a strong moral code that often puts him at odds with Cynosure’s more unsavory elements. This is peak 80s in our mind. Dare we say ‘Plisskenesque’. It’s this complexity that makes Gaunt a compelling character to follow.

The series excels in its world-building. Cynosure is a melting pot, where magic and tech coexist, and different laws of physics apply to different parts of the city. This allows for an incredibly diverse cast of characters and a constantly shifting landscape of threats and allies. From dimension-hopping adventures to gritty street-level crime stories, Grimjack offers something for fans of multiple genres. Ostrander’s writing shines in its ability to blend philosophical musings with action-packed sequences. The series often delves into themes of identity, morality, and the nature of reality itself, providing intellectual depth alongside its pulp fiction thrills. Truman’s artwork perfectly complements the gritty, lived-in feel of Cynosure and its inhabitants. His detailed, expressive style brings the eclectic mix of characters and environments to life, from seedy bars to otherworldly dimensions. The visual style of Grimjack helped define the look of independent comics in the 1980s and beyond.

For readers who enjoy long-form storytelling, Grimjack offers a rich tapestry of interconnected stories. The series isn’t afraid to take risks, occasionally shifting its status quo in ways that keep the narrative fresh and unpredictable.

If it’s been a while since you read Grimjack, or you’re new to the series. talk to your local shop owner to see if they have some back issues in stock. Heck, you could even order the Grimjack Coloring Book (JUN161363) which looks to still be in print. The series is a unique, genre-bending experience that combines noir sensibilities with sci-fi and fantasy elements. Plus, it’s been reported that the Russo Brothers are interested in developing Grimjack for film. Grimjack has something to offer, making it a must-read for any serious comic book fan.