Grifter # 0 2012 NM-

Grifter # 0, published by DC Comics on September 12, 2012, is a "Zero Month" origin issue for the New 52 incarnation of the character. The issue reveals the "dark truth" behind Cole Cash's powers and his early encounters with the alien Daemonites. 

"The Graduation Day" 

The story uses a non-linear, disorienting narrative to mirror the protagonist's own confusion and mental manipulation. 

• The Hallucination: The comic begins with Cole Cash, his brother Max Cash, and John Lynch on a mission, which is later revealed to be a virtual reality (VR) deep trance used to program Cole.
• Daemonite Captivity: Cole is held in a tank at a Daemonite facility where the aliens are attempting to turn him into a weapon against Lord Helspont.
• The Rescue: A mysterious man in a hoodie (identified as Warwick) infiltrates the facility, defeats the guards, and frees Cole. He tells Cole that this is his "graduation day" and sets the facility to explode.
• New Identity: After escaping, Warwick leaves Cole in a hotel with a new identity and documents. It is revealed this cycle of programming and rescue has happened at least three times.
• The Powers: The issue explores the origins of Cole's telepathy and telekinesis, granted through Daemonite experimentation, which allow him to see hidden alien creatures. 
• Cole Cash (Grifter): A former U.S. Army Special Ops soldier turned con artist and vigilante.
• Supporting Appearances: Features hallucinations of Max Cash and John Lynch, as well as the character William Warwick.
• Creators: Plotted and illustrated by Rob Liefeld, with dialogue by Frank Tieri.
• Interior Art: Pencils by Scott Clark, inks by Dave Beaty, and colors by Andrew Dalhouse.