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Sleeper
Sleeper, Vol. 0: Point Blank
POINT BLANK is the gritty prequel to the critically acclaimed SLEEPER graphic novel series written by Eisner Award-winner Ed Brubaker (Criminal, Captain America) and stylishly rendered by legendary artist Colin Wilson.
Ex-Black Ops soldier Cole Cash is caught in a whirlpool of secrets, lies, manipulation, and murder. But before he goes down for the last time, he's going to get some answers. No matter whom he has to kill along the way.
As Cole investigates a brutal attempt that has left his one-time commander and legendary spy-master, John Lynch, at the brink of death, he maneuvers through the labyrinthian byways of intrigue that are the favored routes of men like Lynch. But to find the answers he seeks, Cash will have to discover the key to one of his old Team 7 comrade's greatest achievements - and his greatest shame. But can he bring this dirty little secret in to the light of day? And what other secrets of his own will he discover along the way?
Ex-Black Ops soldier Cole Cash is caught in a whirlpool of secrets, lies, manipulation, and murder. But before he goes down for the last time, he's going to get some answers. No matter whom he has to kill along the way.
As Cole investigates a brutal attempt that has left his one-time commander and legendary spy-master, John Lynch, at the brink of death, he maneuvers through the labyrinthian byways of intrigue that are the favored routes of men like Lynch. But to find the answers he seeks, Cash will have to discover the key to one of his old Team 7 comrade's greatest achievements - and his greatest shame. But can he bring this dirty little secret in to the light of day? And what other secrets of his own will he discover along the way?
128 pages, Paperback
First published November 17, 2003
2 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
Ed Brubaker
1,799 books3,029 followersEd Brubaker (born November 17, 1966) is an Eisner Award-winning American cartoonist and writer. He was born at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland.
Brubaker is best known for his work as a comic book writer on such titles as Batman, Daredevil, Captain America, Iron Fist, Catwoman, Gotham Central and Uncanny X-Men. In more recent years, he has focused solely on creator-owned titles for Image Comics, such as Fatale, Criminal, Velvet and Kill or Be Killed.
In 2016, Brubaker ventured into television, joining the writing staff of the HBO series Westworld.
Brubaker is best known for his work as a comic book writer on such titles as Batman, Daredevil, Captain America, Iron Fist, Catwoman, Gotham Central and Uncanny X-Men. In more recent years, he has focused solely on creator-owned titles for Image Comics, such as Fatale, Criminal, Velvet and Kill or Be Killed.
In 2016, Brubaker ventured into television, joining the writing staff of the HBO series Westworld.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
May 18, 2018
Point Blank is a 2004 comics volume focused on ex-Black Ops soldier Cole Cash, aka The Grifter, who in the process of finding out who shot his former boss, John Lynch, goes up against Tao, a villain Alan Moore introduced in his run on WildCATs, out of the Wildstorm Universe, none of which I knew anything about. The story is dark noir, and well-written by Brubaker, but not up to the level of his most recent work.
I might have rated this higher, but I am not a particular fan of the art by Colin Wilson.
I read this because 1) Brubaker, he's the best, and 2) I heard it was a prequel to Brubaker’s Sleeper series, which I enjoyed. Oh, boy, now I get to review Sleeper. . .
I might have rated this higher, but I am not a particular fan of the art by Colin Wilson.
I read this because 1) Brubaker, he's the best, and 2) I heard it was a prequel to Brubaker’s Sleeper series, which I enjoyed. Oh, boy, now I get to review Sleeper. . .
June 11, 2018
I don't know that I'd consider this the prequel to Sleeper (which is one of the best comics Wildstorm ever made.), it's more tangentially related with a loose introduction to the characters. That being said, this is a good story on its own. Grifter has been helping his old war buddy, John Lynch with some spy work when he comes across Lynch after he's been shot in the head. Now that he's in a coma, Cole Cash is out to find who did this to Lynch. It eventually leads him to cross paths with Tao and Holden Carter (the star of Sleeper). Tao is by far the best villain of the Wildstorm universe. DC would be smart to start using him heavily again.
July 13, 2019
"The night our mother died . . . [my younger brother Max] had this brilliant idea. There should be bars in hospitals. He said all the sad people would have places to go, then, besides the chapels, where we had seen so many of them praying. Bars were so much more fun than churches, anyway, and think of the money you could make . . . Dad beat the **** out of him in the parking lot." -- Cole Cash, narrator
Dark and gritty noir-like story featuring Cole Cash (is that as in 'cold hard cash'?), a former special military operative known as 'Grifter,' who resembles a downbeat, grizzled version of actor Robert Redford back in his early 70's shaggy blonde era. While hunched over at a hole-in-the-wall tavern in New York City one night - and 95% of the book is set during darkness, of course - Cash gets pulled into performing a favor for a sketchy former colleague. Predictably, then, everything goes to hell in a hurry with the violent twists and turns - lots of shootings and beatings - on the bleak city streets and alleyways. They storyline was mediocre, but it was the style and execution that usually hit the mark.
Dark and gritty noir-like story featuring Cole Cash (is that as in 'cold hard cash'?), a former special military operative known as 'Grifter,' who resembles a downbeat, grizzled version of actor Robert Redford back in his early 70's shaggy blonde era. While hunched over at a hole-in-the-wall tavern in New York City one night - and 95% of the book is set during darkness, of course - Cash gets pulled into performing a favor for a sketchy former colleague. Predictably, then, everything goes to hell in a hurry with the violent twists and turns - lots of shootings and beatings - on the bleak city streets and alleyways. They storyline was mediocre, but it was the style and execution that usually hit the mark.
February 27, 2012
Similar in tone to Criminal, but without as many characters that I care about. Cole Cash, ex black-ops is trying to investigate the attempted murder of John Lynch, his former commander. Brubaker described the story as a "violent little Möbius strip", and it certainly is. The ending makes a few things more clear, and prompts a re-read. I understand that this leads in neatly to Sleeper, which I haven't read yet.
November 30, 2023
Freelance operative Grifter attempts to hunt down whoever shot his friend, legendary spymaster John Lynch, in the head. He navigates a bleak, shadowy world of agents and double agents, dirtbag criminals and dickhead heroes. Grifter, a man who prefers to shoot people and break things, finds himself forced to ask questions and think and follow leads. And that's pretty cool.
As a gritty, grimy noir in a powers setting, Point Blank is top notch. The foggy-memory present intertwined with flashbacks to Lynch's and Grifter's hunt for Carver is supremely well-constructed. Brubaker accurately calls this a Möbius story in the afterword.
The alpha male big dick dialogue strays into the forced and awkward and can detract from the experience; these big bad tough guys come off as insecure middle schoolers. Point Blank is good, with a terrific ending, but it's not Brubaker's best.
I'm surprised I haven't seen more of Colin Wilson, his art is terrific here. Dirty, kinetic, shadowy, a good fit for this setting and story style.
Plot points:
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THIRD READ
It's a less than seamless fit with superior companion series Sleeper. Brubaker clearly didn't feel bound by what he'd written here. Eg The timing of Holden Carver figuring out his powers changes, as does the magnitude of those powers.
As a gritty, grimy noir in a powers setting, Point Blank is top notch. The foggy-memory present intertwined with flashbacks to Lynch's and Grifter's hunt for Carver is supremely well-constructed. Brubaker accurately calls this a Möbius story in the afterword.
The alpha male big dick dialogue strays into the forced and awkward and can detract from the experience; these big bad tough guys come off as insecure middle schoolers. Point Blank is good, with a terrific ending, but it's not Brubaker's best.
I'm surprised I haven't seen more of Colin Wilson, his art is terrific here. Dirty, kinetic, shadowy, a good fit for this setting and story style.
Plot points:
--------------------------------
THIRD READ
It's a less than seamless fit with superior companion series Sleeper. Brubaker clearly didn't feel bound by what he'd written here. Eg The timing of Holden Carver figuring out his powers changes, as does the magnitude of those powers.
July 6, 2022
the kind of superhero-detective cross genre story that can go quite badly when done wrong. While the ending is telegraphed, the tale itself is good.
March 28, 2024
Flirted with giving this 2 stars, but ended up not because the story partially redeemed itself. And the art does not do it any favors. Either way, this is probably the lowest/messiest Brubaker story I’ve ever read. It is tied into Wildstorm, which I know diddly about, but also doesn’t do a great job of making me care to find out more.
Either way, this is pretty much an open and shut story on events that are somehow related to the book I want to read, Sleeper. I guess I’ll see if any of Point Blank really matters once I’ve read that…kinda seems like it won’t…
Either way, this is pretty much an open and shut story on events that are somehow related to the book I want to read, Sleeper. I guess I’ll see if any of Point Blank really matters once I’ve read that…kinda seems like it won’t…
April 17, 2023
A overly long, but still well plotted story of manipulation and distrust. Basically Grifter from Stromwatch is trying to find out one of his friends has a bullet in his head and laying in the coma he is in now. It's pretty gritty, with lots of fake outs, and some shootouts. It feels a issue too long, stretching out a particular subplot that didn't go much of anywhere but a good taste of what's to come from this series. A 3.5 out of 5. I'll bump it to a 4.
March 11, 2021
Quit good introduction noir story with little mind f*ck at the end. Looking forward to Sleeper.
March 24, 2023
3.8 Digital
October 30, 2021
This is a terrifically written story and a nice introduction into the Sleeper run. I would love to finish off the rest of this series since I’ve only read half but I can’t find the later issues at the moment. Maybe one day.
August 14, 2019
"Point Blank" may lack the collection of characters to care for that Brubaker's other work features, it's still a thrilling trip around the block in a fugue of insanity.
October 13, 2020
La verdad es que me ha soreprendido y no te puedes confiar en ningun momento pensando lo que va a pasar porque seguro que te va a sorprender
April 21, 2018
Good Ed Brubaker writing. In general the art is good, but I'm not a fan of the style. The story is sometimes confusing, but the good kind of confusing that resolves as you read because it was intentional by the creators.
June 13, 2015
I've haven't read Sleeper and know nothing about Wildcats or anything to do with the world these characters came from. The story is the type that you don't know what's going on until the end....and then you must go back and page through the story a second time to look for clues that maybe could have tipped you off. I can't say I love the concept of that kind of story as there's a high probability of it sucking. Brubaker did a good job and it helped that Point Blank wasn't too long.
The real highlight of this was the art and the layout of the art. Fun and exciting. I enjoyed staying on a page and looking everything over after reading the dialog. The layout was sometimes chaotic which worked great with this type of story. As this was the prequel to Sleeper, I will indeed check out Sleeper. I need a nap.
The real highlight of this was the art and the layout of the art. Fun and exciting. I enjoyed staying on a page and looking everything over after reading the dialog. The layout was sometimes chaotic which worked great with this type of story. As this was the prequel to Sleeper, I will indeed check out Sleeper. I need a nap.
February 23, 2019
The elevator pitch for this book is interesting. What if you took an old blackout drinking noir story where the hero has to piece together the crime, but instead of drinking it was also tied to some super powered mind-wiping shenanigans? This may be a product of its time, but it seemed too mired in the Wildstorm universe (even though Brubaker insists in the afterword that none of that matters to the story and he is right, but it detracts), and too one note.
This is a book about Cole Cash, aka Grifter from Wild CATS, without his mask on, being a Phillip Marlowe type.
This is not a Sleeper story. It does feature that character at the end and may give some small bit of extra context to his story, but for completists only.
This is a book about Cole Cash, aka Grifter from Wild CATS, without his mask on, being a Phillip Marlowe type.
This is not a Sleeper story. It does feature that character at the end and may give some small bit of extra context to his story, but for completists only.
October 25, 2010
Creo que el hecho de que no alcance las cuatro estrellitas es más culpa mía que otra cosa. Como dice Brubaker, esta obra está pensada para ser leída de corrido, y exige cierto esfuerzo mental que yo no le puse, tanto porque lo leí en tandas como porque tenía sueño en gran parte de mi lectura. Estuve lejos de deducir el final pero reconozco que está muy bien hecho, muy bien pensado y sorprende a los bobos como yo que leímos toda la historia pasivamente, sin sospechar siquiera que podía terminar así. Seguro que cuando lo relea lo rerreseñe y quizás hasta lo repuntúe. Ahora, a continuar con el legado en Sleeper.
May 30, 2024
Although Brubaker claims otherwise, you really need to know about the characters in this comic book. If you don't, it just doesn't work and you simply don't care what happens to them.
July 6, 2024
El tener esta asunción de "producto anexo" a SLEEPER al poder considerarse precuela/spin-off de la misma, creo que puede menospreciar lo que realmente es esta miniserie. Porque por mucho que pivote sobre el atentado a Lynch que detona de verdad la saga de super espionaje de Holden Carver (apareciendo este mismo en algún momento de esta historia), Point Blank es una propuesta muy independiente y contenida cuya extensión de solo 5 entregas puede hacerla más "apetecible" a lectores que quizás no quieran leer de estas temáticas durante muchos números. El estilo de Ed Brubaker es intrínsecamente noir hasta cuando pudo encarar una etapa del Capitán América en Marvel comics. Pero el universo Wildstorm aboga con más facilidad sus filias narrativas. Es un universo superheroíco donde "los Vengadores o JLA" realmente están a "medio mal día" de ser otro de sus supervillanos. Donde los superpoderes normalmente se consiguen por implantes cibernéticos de planes y/o experimentos gubernamentales o por fuerzas elementales o alienígenas que los afectados no llegan a conocer del todo como para que el uso de las habilidades no pueda llegar a acabar con el mundo. Las intrigas sociopolíticas están a la orden del día y alcanzan estratos más bajos y callejeros. En estos términos nos topamos con Cole Cash, aka Grifter. Un "superhéroes" de una de las formaciones del universo Wildstorm pero que hace tiempo que no asume ese rol. Él es el último que vio a Lynch antes del disparo que le puso en coma. Y Point Blank trata sobre su investigación que le llevará a acercarse a Tao y la circunstancia de Holden Carver como "agente durmiente" en esa organización que ahora se encuentra en "Tierra de Nadie".
Esta premisa podría haber derivado tan solo en un "apoyo" argumental a SLEEPER. Pero Point Blank es una historia completamente enfocada en Cole y llevándole al mismo límite con la resolución de esta trama que rebosa ese virtuosísimo de "super neo noir" que Brubaker mantendría en su saga de "Incógnito". Pero que aquí, con el uso y alusiones de personajes del Universo Wildstorm, se sienten más sorprendentes en esta aproximación a la narrativa superheroíca en cualquier margen conocido .
Hayas leído SLEEPER o no. Recomiendo encarecidamente la lectura de Point Blank.
Esta premisa podría haber derivado tan solo en un "apoyo" argumental a SLEEPER. Pero Point Blank es una historia completamente enfocada en Cole y llevándole al mismo límite con la resolución de esta trama que rebosa ese virtuosísimo de "super neo noir" que Brubaker mantendría en su saga de "Incógnito". Pero que aquí, con el uso y alusiones de personajes del Universo Wildstorm, se sienten más sorprendentes en esta aproximación a la narrativa superheroíca en cualquier margen conocido .
Hayas leído SLEEPER o no. Recomiendo encarecidamente la lectura de Point Blank.
November 25, 2019
A very good, and surprisingly noir murder mystery set within the Wildstorm universe.
I was never a big Wildstorm fan, but I've read just enough to know who was who in this story. But ultimately, you don't even need to know everyone. All you need to know is that this is a world that has people with powers, and this guy used to be on a team with them. Now he's basically a guy who goes to the bar and hangs out. His friend asks for his help with taking down some bad guys, and in the midst of doing that, his friend ends up dead.
I've got to say I did not see the twist at the end coming. So it really had the full effect on me. Brubaker has a great way of showing you just enough to get you suspicious, but not enough to stop and put the pieces together, much like the main character. And the ambiance is so dark and gritty that the story is propelled forward not only by the main character himself, but the momentum of his discoveries.
The art matches the tone perfectly, with heavy shadows and sketchy lines. I though the artist did a great job of complimenting the story, but not distract from it at all.
This was a solid book, with a twist that will make you think about the events that occurred after you have put down the book. Recommended for people who like noir or murder mysteries.
I was never a big Wildstorm fan, but I've read just enough to know who was who in this story. But ultimately, you don't even need to know everyone. All you need to know is that this is a world that has people with powers, and this guy used to be on a team with them. Now he's basically a guy who goes to the bar and hangs out. His friend asks for his help with taking down some bad guys, and in the midst of doing that, his friend ends up dead.
I've got to say I did not see the twist at the end coming. So it really had the full effect on me. Brubaker has a great way of showing you just enough to get you suspicious, but not enough to stop and put the pieces together, much like the main character. And the ambiance is so dark and gritty that the story is propelled forward not only by the main character himself, but the momentum of his discoveries.
The art matches the tone perfectly, with heavy shadows and sketchy lines. I though the artist did a great job of complimenting the story, but not distract from it at all.
This was a solid book, with a twist that will make you think about the events that occurred after you have put down the book. Recommended for people who like noir or murder mysteries.
March 21, 2018
A few years back, Wildstorm was the mack-daddy for intelligent, challenging adventure comics. All of those Marvel and DC readers who complain about wanting progression and change in their characters should've been reading Wildcats Version 3.0 and Sleeper, because these books were showcasing some innovative and exciting ideas without ever letting up on the "fun" of the adventure comic milieu.
What surprises me about Sleeper is that for being such a dark book on the surface, I laughed out loud several times while reading these books. Sure, the humor is pitch black, but it's still there and it's damn funny. The situations are believable in their moral complexity, every choice that Holden can make is a shade of dull charcoal grey.
Sean Phillips art is killer, and Colin Wilson may be even better.
What surprises me about Sleeper is that for being such a dark book on the surface, I laughed out loud several times while reading these books. Sure, the humor is pitch black, but it's still there and it's damn funny. The situations are believable in their moral complexity, every choice that Holden can make is a shade of dull charcoal grey.
Sean Phillips art is killer, and Colin Wilson may be even better.
Read
October 29, 2019A decent little mystery about Cole Cash (aka Grifter, his superhero alias) investigating the murder of his former Black Ops commander. There’s lies, corruption, and bloody violence, plus a rather shocking twist at the end. I had fun reading this but honestly don’t see it having much memorability for me.
Point Blank takes place in the Wildstorm universe. You don’t need to know anything about the characters to enjoy it.
Point Blank takes place in the Wildstorm universe. You don’t need to know anything about the characters to enjoy it.
May 30, 2021
Cole Cash (Grifter), looking like Giraud’s Blueberry and playing detective in a noir mystery-crime novel. It’s a confusing read at times, certainly in the first pages, but eventually everything makes sense. At times the tone made me think of ‘Watchmen’ and the afterword by Brubaker shows that this is no coincidence. A good read! Ready for the critically acclaimed ‘Sleeper’ (the only Brubaker/Phillips collaboration I’ve never read) that sprung out of this story.
August 24, 2023
3.5 stars
A solid enough early crime story from Brubaker, albeit one with gritty superhero inclusions (for good or bad) and a clumsier noir voice, plus a frivolous bit of transphobia right off the bat. The plot borrows influence from early 00s films of its era, like Memento, which I found more pleasant than derivative.
A solid enough early crime story from Brubaker, albeit one with gritty superhero inclusions (for good or bad) and a clumsier noir voice, plus a frivolous bit of transphobia right off the bat. The plot borrows influence from early 00s films of its era, like Memento, which I found more pleasant than derivative.
May 13, 2017
a perfect sleeper prequel !!!!!
September 18, 2018
The art oddly reminds me of the movie Armageddon. 90% of the perspectives are just close-up headshots of the characters.
July 21, 2020
It was a little confusing. I am hoping as I read more of the DC books, it will make more sense for me.
August 17, 2021
This was fine, probably more fun if you know wildstorm, which I super don't
October 27, 2021
Great story. Great art. Is it odd to say I dislike the lettering. I don’t “get” Grifter or what his deal is but I like a lot of his stories.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews