Thief Of Thieves #9

Thief Of Thieves #9 is an odd issue. Whilst plenty happens, there’s not much in the way of plot development. Whilst it is a thoroughly good read, hitting many of Thief Of Thieves’ winning factors, there’s the odd feeling that nothings really progressed.

The official description from Image:

Augustus’ troubled past comes back to bite him where it hurts – and Redmond’s son has to step up to the plate to keep an angry cartel at bay.  Meanwhile: Cohen pushes harder on Conrad.

This issue, like the last, focuses heavily on Redmond and his son. This suits the story and the smaller premise of Thief of Thieves, yet I still can’t help thinking about the team that was shown before. In Nick Spencer’s opening arc, the team of thieves and specialists were shown just enough to suggest they may have some more prominent use.  Since the current arc began, written by James Asmus, it appears these people are all but forgotten. I have no doubt they will make an appearance at some point in the future, but the original emphasis placed on them is becoming less and less important.

As for the characters that are present, there is still a few issues with defining the cast. Redmond himself is a well executed character, bouncing between loving his career and hating it at the same time.  The same can’t be said for his son, however. Augustus, as a character, isn’t as well defined or even likable. Hes a thief, like his father, yet he doesn’t seem very good at it. He’s also in a lot of trouble with a mob cartel whom he owes money; its a very unoriginal story that doesn’t do much to highlight Augustus as anything near likable. Redmond, for all his faults, has a lot of charm and personality.

Augustus seems, at times, nothing more than a plot device to bring Redmond back into the thief business. This would make sense, if not for the closing of the first arc. Redmond already owes money to various people, meaning he has to get back into the business; this was as much as made clear in the dialogue. Again, I’m referring to Redmond’s team who once again haven’t made an appearance.

That being said, there is a lot of potential still here for Thief of Thieves. If it doesn’t get bogged down in gangsta cliches and sticks to its original premise, there is a lot to be seen in the upcoming issues.