Andrew K. (kuligowskiandrewt) -
I remember seeing the Spectre in a JLA / JSA crossover comic back when I was a kid. I had no idea who or what this character was, BUT found him incredibly appealing. The white skin, green cape / hood and, um, shorts there HAS to be a more professional name for them his ability to grow ... and the mystery about who/what he is.
Jump ahead to more modern comics and a more mature reader. I absolutely loved Ostrander's take on Suicide Squad, so I fully expected that I would enjoy this story as well and was not disappointed. I was less familiar with Tom Mandrake's art, but was pleased to find it appropriate for the tone of the story and that Mandrake's panel placement was incredibly effective towards telling a story in this visual medium.
The underlying theme of this collection was the exploration of the difference between justice and revenge, and between punishment and vengeance. It also examined the interpersonal relationships of someone who has been dead and returned to this earth vs. someone who knows that they will be dying at some point in the future, with that date potentially being rushed by an outside agent. This proved to be one of the rare comic stories that caused me to stop and ponder a philosophical point, rather than simply noting "oh, I see what the author is doing there" and moving on.
The opponents not all of whom could be considered "villains" as sometimes good people have contrasting approaches to meet their aims were well selected and well-drawn.
****** SPOILER ALERT # 1 ON ******
Spectre's battle with the archangel Michael was incredibly well drawn, especially in the one shot where the characters were clearly depicted in physical conflict just outside the gates of Heaven.
****** SPOILER ALERT # 1 OFF ******
Spectre (and his alter ego Jim Corrigan)'s interactions with the mortal characters of the realm, including Madame Xanadu, enhanced the stories and provided a connection between the 12 issues of comics that were collected under this united volume.
****** SPOILER ALERT # 2 ON ******
The finale, in which Spectre decides that seeking vengeance is more important than potentially saving a life, or at least comforting a loved one as she lay dying, raised many emotional issues that were only partially addressed within the book. The author and artist leave some of the debate for each reader to ponder on his or her own. In particular, I found the last page, in which a maskless Spectre the first and only time I've seen this done quietly mourned the loss of his love, Amy, incredibly moving.
****** SPOILER ALERT # 2 OFF ******
In summary, I give this graphic novel my highest recommendation it is the best example of the format that I've had the pleasure of reading in the past year.
RATING: 5 stars.
Jump ahead to more modern comics and a more mature reader. I absolutely loved Ostrander's take on Suicide Squad, so I fully expected that I would enjoy this story as well and was not disappointed. I was less familiar with Tom Mandrake's art, but was pleased to find it appropriate for the tone of the story and that Mandrake's panel placement was incredibly effective towards telling a story in this visual medium.
The underlying theme of this collection was the exploration of the difference between justice and revenge, and between punishment and vengeance. It also examined the interpersonal relationships of someone who has been dead and returned to this earth vs. someone who knows that they will be dying at some point in the future, with that date potentially being rushed by an outside agent. This proved to be one of the rare comic stories that caused me to stop and ponder a philosophical point, rather than simply noting "oh, I see what the author is doing there" and moving on.
The opponents not all of whom could be considered "villains" as sometimes good people have contrasting approaches to meet their aims were well selected and well-drawn.
****** SPOILER ALERT # 1 ON ******
Spectre's battle with the archangel Michael was incredibly well drawn, especially in the one shot where the characters were clearly depicted in physical conflict just outside the gates of Heaven.
****** SPOILER ALERT # 1 OFF ******
Spectre (and his alter ego Jim Corrigan)'s interactions with the mortal characters of the realm, including Madame Xanadu, enhanced the stories and provided a connection between the 12 issues of comics that were collected under this united volume.
****** SPOILER ALERT # 2 ON ******
The finale, in which Spectre decides that seeking vengeance is more important than potentially saving a life, or at least comforting a loved one as she lay dying, raised many emotional issues that were only partially addressed within the book. The author and artist leave some of the debate for each reader to ponder on his or her own. In particular, I found the last page, in which a maskless Spectre the first and only time I've seen this done quietly mourned the loss of his love, Amy, incredibly moving.
****** SPOILER ALERT # 2 OFF ******
In summary, I give this graphic novel my highest recommendation it is the best example of the format that I've had the pleasure of reading in the past year.
RATING: 5 stars.
