Jon Sable, Freelance #11
Published and © by First, April 1984
Title: “The Cat”
Synopsis: Sable is hired to provide security for a jewel auction but may have met his match in Maggie the Cat.
Writer: Mike Grell
Artist: Grell
Review: Does the comics landscape really need another sexy jewel thief/potential love interest rocking a cat theme? Probably not, but at least Maggie the Cat shows more potential than Marvel’s attempt at a Catwoman knock off (see review of the Black Cat’s first appearance). Of course, the character archetype lends itself well to Mike Grell’s more-adult approach to comics on Sable. The flirtatious banter between the two leads paired with Grell’s emotionally expressive art creates a palpable sense of attraction – and tension. But his art falls short in other areas, as Grell’s work continues to grow more sketchy and sparse.
Grade: B
Second opinion: “The verbal sparring which goes on between Sable and Maggie is at least as interesting as the battle of wits over who will retain possession of the diamond.” – R.A. Jones, Amazing Heroes #46, May 1, 1984 … Recommended by The Slings & Arrows Comic Guide (second edition), 2003.
Cool factor: Maggie is a solid addition to Jon Sable’s cast of supporting characters.
Notable: First appearance of Maggie the Cat. … Also contains a text feature titled “The Origins of ‘Independent’ Comics Part 3” by Charles Meyerson.
Character quotable: “Here’s to the best … Maggie … the Cat.” – Jon Sable, paying props to Lady Margaret Graemalcyn
Editor’s note: This review was written March 25, 2026.
