It Glows of Greatness
First off, for those who haven't seen this book. The first printing, which is also the only printing I know of has a glow-in-the dark cover. Novelty cover for a time where holograms and other gimmicks were cool. The only other glow-in-the dark cover I can remember was Neil Gaiman's Sandman's Orpheus Special issue.
This comic series may just be one of the most overlooked series in ages. Not truly a Vertigo title but it should of been, being American John Ostrander was not part of the British Invasion/Vertigo push. This series as well tip-toed between both the DCU and Vertigo with Vertigo characters making appearances, like the American Scream from shade can be seen in issue 50 of The Spectre.
This trade collects the first four issues and are a threat to read collected. This is a series I hope come back in print in trade under the Vertigo imprint, much like Grant Morrison's Doom Patrol and Alan Moore's Swamp Thing that both were published under DC orginally.
The Good:
- Great history lesson on the original Spectre.
- Great art by Tom Mandrake.
- Great crime story of revenge and vengeance.
- Great written intro by John Ostrander.
The Bad:
- Its only 4 issue... I wanted more
- 1 lose plot point that is suppose to wrap up in issue 12
- Book is out of print
- Series never fully collected.
The Verdict:
Much like how Matt Wagner is fleshing out Madame Xanadu with his Vertigo series, John Ostrander was creating the definitive
Jim Corrigan "Spectre" series. If you are a fan of classic characters this is a must. If you liked Jimmy... it should be in your collection. If you like a good read that is for older people, then hunt this down. Buy it if you can, borrow it if you can, bury it and it will glow of Greatness as the Spectre will hunt you down and punish you for that wrong deed.
Cheers!
- Silkcuts