The InSpectres Volume One

The Inspectres #1

by David R. Flores (Writer / Artist), Jarod Hunter Roe, Alex Petretich (Colorist)

Famed author ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE must push aside his skepticism of the supernatural with the emergence of SPRING HEELED JACK, a mysterious phantom of urban legend. This sets in motion the revival of THE INSPECTRES, a secret society devoted to the investigation of the occult, and brings together, alongside Doyle, HARRY HOUDINI, BRAM STOKER, and ten-year-old AGATHA CHRISTIE to save London from a deadly, paranormal event.

Genres: Horror, Mystery, Historical Fiction, Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Comics, London

104 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 2023

About the author

David R. Flores is a writer-illustrator originally from New York. His debut novel, "Control; Alt; Delete: Dr. Stundel's Program To Reboot Your Dangerous Teen" was adapted from his award-winning screenplay. Along with co-creating "The InSpectres," David created and illustrated "Dead Future King," published by Golden Apple Books. Presently, he's co-writing and illustrating another graphic novel with his writing partner, Jarod Hunter Roe. David loves art, comics, films, music (particularly the electric bass), and most of all being a husband and a father.

Reviews

[kaitlphere · Rating 4 out of 5]

A group of famous historical people and a young girl track down supernatural hijinks. Very good premise.

There are a few characters that have a funny, sarcastic sense of humor:

"Do you hear that?"
"What is it?"
"The sound of you telling me what's going on" - Mrs. Doyle

"I came to warn them of an evil spirit among them."
"You confessed?" - Bram Stoker

I really enjoy the character of Mrs. Doyle and I hope that she gets more in-panel time and a first name in the next volume.

This volume ends on a cliffhanger.

[Carol Tilley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good yarn. I've checked out vol 2.

[Matthew DeLeon · Rating 2 out of 5]

The concept that is promised by the title is almost nonexistent. We don't see an actual organization dedicated to paranormal investigation, aside from the very first couple of pages, until the very end. This is really a story about a group of pretty generic characters in Victorian London chasing down a (possibly paranormal) villain.

The decision to make the characters real figures just seems more like nerdy fanservice than a meaningful storytelling device.

Artwork is uninteresting but passable.

[Kat · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having Harry Houdini be the one who’s all ‘let’s keep our minds open about ghosts’ and Arthur Conan Doyle being the skeptic is unintentionally very funny but that was the only thing entertaining about this book.

[ABitterScreenwriter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not usually a big fan of Graphic Novels, but The InSpectres is unlike any that I've ever had the pleasure of reading. Whereas most comics have largely disconnected plots, Roe and Flores manage to string together an extremely film-like narrative that belongs in theaters one day. It's full of action, well written, and absolutely beautiful to look at from start to finish. An easy five stars - and I cannot wait for the second issue.

[Art · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not sure how I feel about this. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was well known for being a believer in spiritualism. In this book he is an unbeliever. At least to this point in his life. I am not sure where it is going to go. I think I will have to read the next volume just to see where this goes.

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bunch of real historical figures like Harry Houdini and Arthur Conan Doyle start up their own Scooby Gang to investigate some murders. It's actually pretty cool. It does end on a cliffhanger but there is a volume two.

[iamjacsmusings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Into every generation the InSpectres are born: one team in all the world, the chosen ones. They alone will wield the strength and skill to fight the vampires, ghouls, and forces of darkness; to stop the spread of their evil and the swell of their number. They are The InSpectres.

[Mee Too · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bunch of British historical characters doing a scooby doo type deal. Its fun, campy, reasonably written.

[Christa Van · Rating 3 out of 5]

A secret society devoted to investigation the occult? Count me in.

[M.i. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Breezy read. Feels germane to the characters.

[Adrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's pronounced "inspectre" as in a ghost - a spectre. It's the only name we could all agree upon. The inspectres were an occult investigation society. We wanted to believe so badly we often overlooked the obvious in favour of the ethereal.

When a new graphic novel series comes up that combines the paranormal, historical fiction, and famous figures such as Arthur Conan Doyle, Harry Houdini, Charles Dickens, and Agatha Christie, it is hard to resist.

Spring-Heeled Jack has long been a mysterious figure in Victorian folklore and when it appears he has struck again it is up to Doyle and Houdini, with help from the mysterious 'inspectres', to uncover the truth.

A great introduction and hopefully it will have done well enough to continue and get a second volume. 5 stars.
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07/07/2024: re-read before diving into the second volume. I had forgotten how impressive this was! 5 stars again!

I have a tale of a man obsessed with the supernatural. So much so, his family disowned him and the world thought him mad. He travelled far and wide to find the keys to everlasting life, but his search proved fruitless. Vilified and ridiculed. He desperately wanted to show his critics that the realm beyond the living was as real as the paint on their doorstep. My great grandfather decided he would wear the face of the other- worldly...

And along with his cohorts, painted London far and wide the bright hue of red. In this one act, the legend of spring heeled jack was born! Labelled a public nuisance, my great grand- father was summarily ostracized from society. On his death bed he swore that, someday, he would prove once and for all that spirit's walk among us.