Thief of Thieves #1–32 + TPB Vol. 1–3 🧤💰
📚 Genre
Crime Thriller, Heist Drama, Neo-Noir, Action
🧑💼 Main Characters
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Conrad Paulson / Redmond – A world-renowned thief attempting to atone for a lifetime of crime by only stealing from other criminals.
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Augustus Paulson – Conrad’s estranged son whose actions pull Conrad deeper into the underworld he swore to leave.
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Celia – Conrad’s trusted apprentice and occasional partner, caught between loyalty and her own ambitions.
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Special Agent Elizabeth Cohen – The FBI agent tirelessly hunting Redmond.
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Arno Montclair – Ruthless European crime boss entangled in Conrad’s final missions.
✍️ Writer
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Robert Kirkman (creator, issues #1–7)
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Nick Spencer (co-writer, issues #8–13)
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James Asmus (issues #14–19)
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Andy Diggle (issues #20–32)
Kirkman, known for The Walking Dead, laid the foundation for this sharp, dialogue-driven crime saga before handing the reins to other skilled writers.
🎨 Artist
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Shawn Martinbrough – His distinctive, cinematic style brings noir elegance and a gritty atmosphere, reminiscent of classic film heists.
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Felix Serrano (Colorist) – Provides sleek, shadow-heavy palettes that match the tone perfectly.
🧑💼 Editor Details
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Sean Mackiewicz – Under his guidance, the story maintained a consistent voice and high production value throughout its run.
🏢 Publisher and Brand
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Image Comics / Skybound Entertainment
Renowned for creator-owned titles, Image allowed Thief of Thieves to thrive creatively with complex storytelling and stylistic freedom.
📅 Release Year
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2012–2016
The series ran for 32 issues across several arcs, complemented by trade paperbacks collecting the storyline.
📖 Brief Plot Summary
Thief of Thieves follows Conrad Paulson, alias "Redmond," a legendary thief who wants out of the game. Haunted by broken relationships and personal regrets, he pledges to rob only other thieves as a path toward redemption. But leaving the criminal world is never easy—especially when your past comes looking for revenge. As Conrad’s dual lives begin to collide, he is forced to confront old enemies, treacherous partners, and the cost of family.
🧩 Notable Arcs or Storylines
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Vol. 1: “I Quit” – Redmond’s decision to leave the heist life leads to dramatic fallout, especially with his family and protégés.
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Vol. 2: “Help Me” – As his son is caught in legal trouble, Conrad returns to crime to try and save him—only to dive deeper into chaos.
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Vol. 3: “Venice” – A European job turns deadly when it links Conrad with international crime lords and tests every alliance he holds.
🧠 Fan Theories or Interpretations
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🤔 Redmond’s thefts represent moral ambiguity: Fans theorize that Redmond’s philosophy of stealing from thieves blurs the line between criminality and justice, framing him as a modern Robin Hood-type figure—albeit one riddled with guilt.
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🔁 Celia may become the new “Redmond”: Speculation suggests Celia’s evolving skills and shifting loyalties could position her as the heir to Redmond’s legacy—either as ally or adversary.
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💔 The son’s arc is a mirror to Conrad’s past: Augustus’ self-destructive path is often seen as a reflection of Conrad's younger days, sparking debate over whether Conrad truly wants redemption or just to rewrite his history through his son.
⭐ Review Summary
Thief of Thieves is a masterclass in slow-burn crime storytelling. The writing is sharp and character-driven, with dialogue that feels authentic and layered. Shawn Martinbrough’s art is a standout—sleek, noir-styled, and atmospheric, enhancing the tension and tone of every scene. Characters like Redmond and Celia feel real, flawed, and unforgettable. While it avoids flashy superhero tropes, its rich narrative and grounded grit make it one of Image Comics' strongest crime entries.
💬 Verdict: Smart, stylish, and morally complex. A must-read for fans of heist thrillers and noir storytelling. 🕶️🔓
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
