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The Spectre (1992) #1-12
The Spectre, Volume 1: Crimes and Punishments
In these never-before-collected tales from the 1990s, police detective Jim Corrigan tries to end his mission as The Spectre. But the grisly crimes of a serial killer pulls him back into the battle for justice--and sends him on a trip to hell itself. And the enigmatic mystic known as Madame Xanadu tries to help Corrigan and his friends--but her help may lead one of them to commit suicide.
Collects THE SPECTRE #1-12.
Collects THE SPECTRE #1-12.
320 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1993
42 people are currently reading
227 people want to read
About the author
John Ostrander
2,087 books170 followersJohn Ostrander is an American writer of comic books. He is best known for his work on Suicide Squad, Grimjack and Star Wars: Legacy, series he helped create.
Originally an actor in a Chicago theatre company, Ostrander moved into writing comics in 1983. His first published works were stories about the character "Sargon, Mistress of War", who appeared the First Comics series Warp!, based on a series of plays by that same Chicago theatre company. He is co-creator of the character Grimjack with Timothy Truman, who originally appeared in a back up story in the First Comics title, Starslayer, before going on to appear in his own book, again published by First Comics in the mid 1980s. First Comics ceased publication in 1991, by which time Ostrander was already doing work for other comics companies (his first scripts for DC Comics were published in 1986).
Prior to his career in comic books, Ostrander studied theology with the intent of becoming a Catholic priest, but now describes himself as an agnostic. His in-depth explorations of morality were later used in his work writing The Spectre, a DC Comics series about the manifestation of the wrath of God. His focus on the character's human aspect, a dead police detective from the 1930s named Jim Corrigan, and his exploration of moral and theological themes brought new life to a character often thought of as impossible to write. He has also worked on Firestorm, Justice League, Martian Manhunter, Manhunter, Suicide Squad, and Wasteland for DC.
Originally an actor in a Chicago theatre company, Ostrander moved into writing comics in 1983. His first published works were stories about the character "Sargon, Mistress of War", who appeared the First Comics series Warp!, based on a series of plays by that same Chicago theatre company. He is co-creator of the character Grimjack with Timothy Truman, who originally appeared in a back up story in the First Comics title, Starslayer, before going on to appear in his own book, again published by First Comics in the mid 1980s. First Comics ceased publication in 1991, by which time Ostrander was already doing work for other comics companies (his first scripts for DC Comics were published in 1986).
Prior to his career in comic books, Ostrander studied theology with the intent of becoming a Catholic priest, but now describes himself as an agnostic. His in-depth explorations of morality were later used in his work writing The Spectre, a DC Comics series about the manifestation of the wrath of God. His focus on the character's human aspect, a dead police detective from the 1930s named Jim Corrigan, and his exploration of moral and theological themes brought new life to a character often thought of as impossible to write. He has also worked on Firestorm, Justice League, Martian Manhunter, Manhunter, Suicide Squad, and Wasteland for DC.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
December 8, 2019
Wow wow wow wow wow. This one took me by total surprise. I fucking LOVED THIS!!!
Okay so the print version of this is probably impossible to find. That's why I pay for DC Universe. So I can read series like this.
So what is Spectre. Well, if you're like me, you'll have no fucking clue going in. That's okay though, the book easily explains his origins, background, and right away draws you into this supernatural detective badass who exacts revenge on those needed. This is a story of Jim Corrigan and his time as the might Spectre, a being who can defy hell and Satan himself. He is trying to save a woman from her unavoidable doom. The story has heavy themes such as depression, suicide, and even medical talk such as Aids. The story plays heavy into the mystery/serial killer angle while also talking about redemption and finding peace in yourself.
I wasn't sure what to expect from it. Sure, it can be a bit cheesy at times, and it's a bit heavy handed, especially with the aids stuff. However, John Ostrander does a great job of giving us realistic characters with real voices, real flaws, and real problems. I loved all the characters, and the pacing was near perfect. The art is brilliant with some of my favorite panels ever. Very weird and spooky this comic does not shy away from murder and death. So be ready.
Overall, this was fantastic. Spectre easily jumped up to a must read series now. Shame this was only collected in two volumes and stopped as his series goes on 50+ issues but I for sure am going to read it all. A 5 out of 5.
Okay so the print version of this is probably impossible to find. That's why I pay for DC Universe. So I can read series like this.
So what is Spectre. Well, if you're like me, you'll have no fucking clue going in. That's okay though, the book easily explains his origins, background, and right away draws you into this supernatural detective badass who exacts revenge on those needed. This is a story of Jim Corrigan and his time as the might Spectre, a being who can defy hell and Satan himself. He is trying to save a woman from her unavoidable doom. The story has heavy themes such as depression, suicide, and even medical talk such as Aids. The story plays heavy into the mystery/serial killer angle while also talking about redemption and finding peace in yourself.
I wasn't sure what to expect from it. Sure, it can be a bit cheesy at times, and it's a bit heavy handed, especially with the aids stuff. However, John Ostrander does a great job of giving us realistic characters with real voices, real flaws, and real problems. I loved all the characters, and the pacing was near perfect. The art is brilliant with some of my favorite panels ever. Very weird and spooky this comic does not shy away from murder and death. So be ready.
Overall, this was fantastic. Spectre easily jumped up to a must read series now. Shame this was only collected in two volumes and stopped as his series goes on 50+ issues but I for sure am going to read it all. A 5 out of 5.
July 18, 2019
Take the trippy otherworldliness of Sandman (my wife actually looked over my shoulder as I was reading this and thought it was, in fact, a Sandman comic), add in the vengeance of Ghost Rider and the anger and violence of the Punisher, sprinkle a touch of the enigma and mystery of The Phantom Stranger, and crank up the power level to godlike proportions, and you have the Spectre.
I have seen the Spectre in quite a few DC events, but this was the first solo book of his that I have read and I was totally blown away. I imagine it would be difficult to write an interesting comic about a character that can kill Satan, stand toe-to-toe with the most powerful angels, kill any number of people with a thought, and hurl entire planets like they were pebbles, but John Ostrander pulled it off. Instead of throwing a bunch of villains at the Spectre (although there is some of that, too), he is really struggling with things that you can't punch to death: things like morality, anger, fate, and loss. Throw in a bit of a split personality, and Ostrander has made the Spectre his own worst enemy, and it is fascinating watching it all play out. Carrying all of this craziness is Tom Mandrake's beautiful and, at times, haunting art.
I was also surprised to see how far they went with some of the themes in this book, and sometimes felt like I was reading something from Marvel's MAX imprint. I don't mind comics that push the envelope, but if you are a bit squeamish with a tiny bit of nudity and some pretty extreme gore you might want to beware this title.
There aren't a whole lot of negatives with this one, but just be aware that this was written in the early nineties. It almost seems like law that a comic from that time period has to deal with AIDS, and this whole book revolves around it. They also mention MC Hammer, and I'm sure there are a lot of other '90s references that I'm forgetting. It didn't bother me at all, but it might be enough to make a few people cringe.
Any comic fan owes it to him/herself to at least read a few issues of this, and if you are a fan of things like Sandman, Ghost Rider, Punisher, etc., you should dive into this as soon as possible.
I have seen the Spectre in quite a few DC events, but this was the first solo book of his that I have read and I was totally blown away. I imagine it would be difficult to write an interesting comic about a character that can kill Satan, stand toe-to-toe with the most powerful angels, kill any number of people with a thought, and hurl entire planets like they were pebbles, but John Ostrander pulled it off. Instead of throwing a bunch of villains at the Spectre (although there is some of that, too), he is really struggling with things that you can't punch to death: things like morality, anger, fate, and loss. Throw in a bit of a split personality, and Ostrander has made the Spectre his own worst enemy, and it is fascinating watching it all play out. Carrying all of this craziness is Tom Mandrake's beautiful and, at times, haunting art.
I was also surprised to see how far they went with some of the themes in this book, and sometimes felt like I was reading something from Marvel's MAX imprint. I don't mind comics that push the envelope, but if you are a bit squeamish with a tiny bit of nudity and some pretty extreme gore you might want to beware this title.
There aren't a whole lot of negatives with this one, but just be aware that this was written in the early nineties. It almost seems like law that a comic from that time period has to deal with AIDS, and this whole book revolves around it. They also mention MC Hammer, and I'm sure there are a lot of other '90s references that I'm forgetting. It didn't bother me at all, but it might be enough to make a few people cringe.
Any comic fan owes it to him/herself to at least read a few issues of this, and if you are a fan of things like Sandman, Ghost Rider, Punisher, etc., you should dive into this as soon as possible.
September 16, 2022
The Spectre has always been of interest to me. I see this incredibly powerful character show up in various DC comics, usually involving supernatural conflict, as a foe against evil beings and evil humans. The Spectre is the spirit of God's wrath made manifest. He seeks vengeance for the spilled blood of innocents. For all that, I must admit, I knew very little about the Spectre.
This collected volume, covering the 1990's run, has issues #1-12 of the John Ostrander run. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this series. From the outstanding cover art to the quite good for its time (the '90s weren't the best period of comic art IMHO) art. The artist Tom Mandrake has done a very good job of showing the spooky and, often, horrifying supernatural world of the Spectre and his foes.
Jim Corrigan is a tough and nails police detective. His "no-holds-barred" style of policing makes him many enemies. Corrigan pays the price by being set up and then getting killed by being encased in a cement barrel. But Corrigan may have died, but his soul is reborn as the Spectre, God's wrath made manifest.
This volume not only gives us the background on the Spectre, but also introduces some of his main supernatural foes from Shaitan to Azmodus. It also introduces some of the humans who will factor in closely with the Spectre.
A dark and strange comic, with some very mature themes ranging from AIDS to the nature of morality and judgment. I was rather surprised at how much I liked this series. A must read for any fan of dark supernatural tales peopled with powerful supernatural beings.
This collected volume, covering the 1990's run, has issues #1-12 of the John Ostrander run. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this series. From the outstanding cover art to the quite good for its time (the '90s weren't the best period of comic art IMHO) art. The artist Tom Mandrake has done a very good job of showing the spooky and, often, horrifying supernatural world of the Spectre and his foes.
Jim Corrigan is a tough and nails police detective. His "no-holds-barred" style of policing makes him many enemies. Corrigan pays the price by being set up and then getting killed by being encased in a cement barrel. But Corrigan may have died, but his soul is reborn as the Spectre, God's wrath made manifest.
This volume not only gives us the background on the Spectre, but also introduces some of his main supernatural foes from Shaitan to Azmodus. It also introduces some of the humans who will factor in closely with the Spectre.
A dark and strange comic, with some very mature themes ranging from AIDS to the nature of morality and judgment. I was rather surprised at how much I liked this series. A must read for any fan of dark supernatural tales peopled with powerful supernatural beings.
March 16, 2024
I read these issues at the time of release and didn’t remember them so much. I had initially bought them for Tom Mandrake- whose very recognizable style always had an appeal to me- and I remember thinking he was definitely made for books like these but the stories eluded me.
So it’s a pleasant surprise to reevaluate Ostrander’s work now. My, this is quite an horror book that wouldn’t have been out of place in the Vertigo line. A touch more mainstream probably but some themes, the ghastly atmosphere and the graphic violence would have felt at home there.
As the the definition of the character promises it is very dark, immersed in Christianity and magic in a depressing world where demonic entities rub shoulders with serial killers on the loose.
Some situations and dialogues are a bit corny but overall it’s a very good if grim book with a terribly sad ending.
Tom Mandrake was made for this book. His heavy use of blacks, his loose pencils when needed, his ink strokes and his storytelling are perfectly adapted to what the series deals with, delivering some terrifying pages of violence and madness.
So it’s a pleasant surprise to reevaluate Ostrander’s work now. My, this is quite an horror book that wouldn’t have been out of place in the Vertigo line. A touch more mainstream probably but some themes, the ghastly atmosphere and the graphic violence would have felt at home there.
As the the definition of the character promises it is very dark, immersed in Christianity and magic in a depressing world where demonic entities rub shoulders with serial killers on the loose.
Some situations and dialogues are a bit corny but overall it’s a very good if grim book with a terribly sad ending.
Tom Mandrake was made for this book. His heavy use of blacks, his loose pencils when needed, his ink strokes and his storytelling are perfectly adapted to what the series deals with, delivering some terrifying pages of violence and madness.
March 30, 2024
It’s a true gem. I’ve never expected to read something so dark and complex from DC Comics, but here we are. John Ostrander's run of "The Spectre" ran from 1992 to 1998, and it rocks. It also blends elements of horror, crime, and superhero genre. Since I prefer my genres mashed, I loved it.
Longer review to come.
July 28, 2014
ok, after looking it up because i wasn't entirely sure (http://www.dailywritingtips.com/judge...), i guess there's some leeway with the spelling of "judgment" as "judgement." but that spelling really popped out of the cover for me and made me cringe. NB, the GR has the book as "Crimes and Judgments," but the book is actually entitled "Crimes and Judgements." What's really grating is that inside the book, it's "judgment." seems the collections department could use some consistency.
now that's out of the way, i loved this book. this is some fine comics storytelling here. i suppose it can be little heavy handed at times, but it deals with ideas and consequences and is this huge morality play at the same time. Ostrander really gets deep into the characters here, and forces us to take a hard look at the Spectre and his human host, Jim Corrigan. it's not pretty, folks. Especially when Specture stands up to the Archangel Michael. Yikes!
Ostrander can write "horror" as well as Alan Moore in my opinion. Tom Mandrake, the artist, dutifully gives us a visual representation that supports what the writer intends. it's moody, weird, gross, scary, and sometimes just bizarre. but it's never gratuitous. no matter the violence, it's balanced by some of the most compassionate scenes i've read in a comic book.
don't want to spoil the plot, but basically, The Spectre returns to mete out justice to someone from Jim Corrigan's past. along the way, he meets a young lady named Amy and forms a close attachment to her. she becomes his moral compass and makes him reconsider his mission and how well he's performed it so far. a rather unsettling subplot, rather daring for the DC Comics of its day, also plays out in a rather harrowing way for all involved.
my favorite mystery lady, Madame Xanadu, is a frequent recurring character, and Ostrander nicely plays up her rather unsavory side. still, she's not evil by any means, and provides a nice link to the rest of DC's magical stable.
highest recommendation on this book. here's hoping that all 60/61 issues of this run gets collected. this is a big book, 12 issues, so that would be 5 volumes. i know a second one has been solicited, so fingers crossed.
now that's out of the way, i loved this book. this is some fine comics storytelling here. i suppose it can be little heavy handed at times, but it deals with ideas and consequences and is this huge morality play at the same time. Ostrander really gets deep into the characters here, and forces us to take a hard look at the Spectre and his human host, Jim Corrigan. it's not pretty, folks. Especially when Specture stands up to the Archangel Michael. Yikes!
Ostrander can write "horror" as well as Alan Moore in my opinion. Tom Mandrake, the artist, dutifully gives us a visual representation that supports what the writer intends. it's moody, weird, gross, scary, and sometimes just bizarre. but it's never gratuitous. no matter the violence, it's balanced by some of the most compassionate scenes i've read in a comic book.
don't want to spoil the plot, but basically, The Spectre returns to mete out justice to someone from Jim Corrigan's past. along the way, he meets a young lady named Amy and forms a close attachment to her. she becomes his moral compass and makes him reconsider his mission and how well he's performed it so far. a rather unsettling subplot, rather daring for the DC Comics of its day, also plays out in a rather harrowing way for all involved.
my favorite mystery lady, Madame Xanadu, is a frequent recurring character, and Ostrander nicely plays up her rather unsavory side. still, she's not evil by any means, and provides a nice link to the rest of DC's magical stable.
highest recommendation on this book. here's hoping that all 60/61 issues of this run gets collected. this is a big book, 12 issues, so that would be 5 volumes. i know a second one has been solicited, so fingers crossed.
July 13, 2014
I wasn't sure how you'd go about writing a series about The Spectre - evidently, John Ostrander knew what to do straight away, because his storytelling is great here. The humanization of the Spectre/Corrigan character is well executed, and the overarching plot for the first 12 issues plays out really well, tackling some difficult subjects and resulting in a heartbreaking conclusion. The artwork from Tom Mandrake is excellent and well suited to this series, which is as close to Vertigo as you can get without actually being a Vertigo book, I think. I hope DC continue with the rest of the run, as I'd love to see what's next for Jim and friends.
May 21, 2023
So good!! I truly don't understand why contemporary comic writers are so terrible in comparison!!
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May 26, 2019The cover, with its skull made of skeletons, does an excellent job of setting the tone for this bleak bastard of a comic. Even if it also makes clear one of its problems: why exactly would divine vengeance manifest itself as a man wearing pants, a cape, and nothing else? It's a look which is up there with Galactus' mask as regards careless over-application of superhero tropes to cosmic forces. Still, that sense of ferocious talent working with a fundamentally off-balance mechanism has, for me, always been key to the true gothic in fiction – and I've read plenty of goth comics, but I'm not sure I've read any quite so gothic, in the sense of reminding me of the runaway train storytelling and narrative rats' nests of Maturin or Potocki. For instance: a running plotline about the topical early nineties issue whereby people were worried that the least bodily contact could transmit AIDS, and the horrible prejudice and loneliness which ensued...which is nevertheless predicated on infallible HIV transmission through straight sex. For instance: an uneasy awareness that violent retribution may not solve the root causes of crime...set against a supporting cast of stereotypical gang kids and cackling murderers, all of whom richly deserve their grisly fates. And boy, are they grisly: Tom Mandrake's art is a case study in nominative determinism, as perfect for the Spectre's inventive, lurid punishments as it is for the brooding darkness between them. But as with Melmoth or the Manuscript Found In Saragossa, it's in the protagonist that the story's intractable internal contradictions are most marked. Jim Corrigan was killed by gangsters in 1930s New York*, then sent back to Earth to avenge the shedding of innocent blood...but his own hands are far from clean, and it increasingly becomes apparent that this was his punishment too, doomed to walk the Earth, killing and killing yet never seeing it make the place any better. Which is one of those sleights of hand on which superhero comics often rely, of course – the presence of the Spectre (or Superman, or even Spider-Man) would in reality change a city, let alone a world, far more than comics which ape our reality can ever commit to letting it change, at least in their main timeline. But again, what's normally a faint background annoyance here contributes to a sense of wrongness which feeds the power of the work. Another frequent objection to some of the DC characters in particular: how do you present meaningful challenges for a character this powerful? Ostrander seems almost instantly to have clicked into a fairytale logic where, without it necessarily being defined in advance, there are things which can stymie the Spectre, and they feel right, rather than the sort of lazy contrivance which often irks when a lazier writer's plot wants a character more powerful in some scenes than others. Beyond that, of course, there's Corrigan's own frustration and sense of futility, set against his refusal to let that distract him from his mission. Which is, quite literally, divinely appointed, enabling this lovely exchange:
"When did God make you judge, jury and executioner?"
"When I was murdered."
I'm also weirdly taken with the use of the all-purpose fake swear 'Balzac!', which doesn't remotely work in the way 'Frack!' or 'Drokk!' does, yet somehow feels winning rather than a stinker like 'Funt!'
*The flashback issue was an awkward read for me; the mood and the era may have been very different, but it was still New York cops set against barrels, and I'd just that same day seen the Gordon Lunt episode of Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
"When did God make you judge, jury and executioner?"
"When I was murdered."
I'm also weirdly taken with the use of the all-purpose fake swear 'Balzac!', which doesn't remotely work in the way 'Frack!' or 'Drokk!' does, yet somehow feels winning rather than a stinker like 'Funt!'
*The flashback issue was an awkward read for me; the mood and the era may have been very different, but it was still New York cops set against barrels, and I'd just that same day seen the Gordon Lunt episode of Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
October 19, 2024
Rating: 4.4/5
The Spectre, Volume 1: Crimes and Judgements offers an exceptional blend of supernatural intrigue and moral complexity. The storyline is gripping, weaving together themes of justice, vengeance, and redemption in a way that feels fresh and impactful. The plot's development is masterfully executed, with each issue escalating in stakes and tension, making it a standout in terms of storytelling.
Character development is solid, particularly for the Spectre, who wrestles with his role as both judge and executioner. The dialogue reflects this inner conflict, balancing philosophical depth with a sense of haunting mystery. Supporting characters are also well-crafted, adding layers to the central narrative.
The artwork is visually striking, capturing the eerie, otherworldly tone of the story while providing detailed and haunting visuals that complement the dark themes. Pacing is well-managed, allowing the story to build tension without dragging, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.
What sets this volume apart is its creativity. The Spectre's role as a supernatural force of vengeance is explored with bold ideas and unique storytelling choices, making this a must-read for fans of darker, more complex narratives.
The Spectre, Volume 1: Crimes and Judgements offers an exceptional blend of supernatural intrigue and moral complexity. The storyline is gripping, weaving together themes of justice, vengeance, and redemption in a way that feels fresh and impactful. The plot's development is masterfully executed, with each issue escalating in stakes and tension, making it a standout in terms of storytelling.
Character development is solid, particularly for the Spectre, who wrestles with his role as both judge and executioner. The dialogue reflects this inner conflict, balancing philosophical depth with a sense of haunting mystery. Supporting characters are also well-crafted, adding layers to the central narrative.
The artwork is visually striking, capturing the eerie, otherworldly tone of the story while providing detailed and haunting visuals that complement the dark themes. Pacing is well-managed, allowing the story to build tension without dragging, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.
What sets this volume apart is its creativity. The Spectre's role as a supernatural force of vengeance is explored with bold ideas and unique storytelling choices, making this a must-read for fans of darker, more complex narratives.
May 20, 2014
I have waited for this collection to be released for over a decade. When I first read this series, I was amazed with how John Ostrander handled the separate, yet connected, personalities of The Spectre and Jim Corrigan. I was also drawn to the ugly and brutal art of Tom Mandrake that captured the darkness and gore of the story so well.
Having finally been released, this collection of the 12 issue story arc that started this series is even better than I remembered. You are given a back story for Corrigan and you also get dark and cryptic hints to the full origin of The Spectre. Ostrander did an amazing job of revealing the dark natures of the combined heroes of this story. Not innocent or truly just themselves, you see how they struggle to follow the path they are meant to pursue while blindly following a hunger for vengeance over 'true' justice. I hope they continue to release more of this series of The Spectre, but this is a very pleasing volume to have in and of itself.
Having finally been released, this collection of the 12 issue story arc that started this series is even better than I remembered. You are given a back story for Corrigan and you also get dark and cryptic hints to the full origin of The Spectre. Ostrander did an amazing job of revealing the dark natures of the combined heroes of this story. Not innocent or truly just themselves, you see how they struggle to follow the path they are meant to pursue while blindly following a hunger for vengeance over 'true' justice. I hope they continue to release more of this series of The Spectre, but this is a very pleasing volume to have in and of itself.
May 25, 2017
As I read this I just imagined Ostrander and Mandrake eating a bunch of peyote before brainstorming. What I'm trying to say is that it was very trippy and extremely dark. The storyline was interconnected and interesting but I'm not sure it actually fit in the DC Universe and would have been suited for the Vertigo books which launched a little later. While I feel at the time this book was probably progressive the dialogue was so strange. I fondly remember the early 90s and people didn't speak like this. The art was dark and gorgeous but Mandrake didn't always draw female faces recognizable. Overall, the book was good but not great.
April 13, 2020
This is a lot of fun: a cosmic kind of DC horror/superhero story. The Specter is the avatar of justice, who hunts down those guilty of crimes and punishes them. He is also a former police officer who was murdered and returns to the world with the shreds of his humanness still attached. Overall, the story was well-drawn and well told. The art work, especially the images of Hell, were really good. I liked this a lot. I read the first 12, and I'll read the rest of the run soon. DC does good horror. This isn't a typical superhero story. I was reminded a tad bit of Dr. Strange, which I also enjoy.
November 1, 2017
One of the best comics I've read in a long time. A near-perfect mixture of horror, explorations of good vs evil and justice vs vengeance, and heart-breaking superhero drama. Tom Mandrake also proves to be the perfect artist to render a character who wisps in and out of panels like a ghost and tortures criminals with their own worst nightmares.
June 7, 2014
This was one of my favorite series from the 90s. It's clear that it wrestles with some important themes, but my brain isn't in the same place. Mandrake's art is amazing, though. He was born to illustrate The Spectre.
August 5, 2022
I'm surprised that this series wasn't released as a Vertigo book when it originally came out -- tonally and stylistically it's very similar to Gaiman's Sandman and Delano's Hellblazer. Well worth a read if you missed it the first time around.
January 24, 2023
The Spectre's two personalities, Jim Corrigan and The Spectre himself, had plenty of stories under their belt already, but Ostrander adds depth to both of them by giving them deep character flaws to explore (primarily their short-sidedness and black-and-white morality). Unfortunately, by the time the book starts to actually explore those flaws and have the characters develop any meaningful change, the story's over. And this is a *LONG* book, loaded with supernatural cosmic battles that are more about spectacle than furthering the plot.
The first few stories in this book were dedicated to Spectre just solving cold cases and I almost wish the whole book was like that instead of teasing a more nuanced lead and then abandoning that idea to draw another cosmic battle scene. I know there's a volume 2 in this collection, and I'm tempted to read that next, just to see if Ostrander does continue Spectre's development there, but I finished this book feeling pretty bitter by the end so I think I may wait a bit.
The first few stories in this book were dedicated to Spectre just solving cold cases and I almost wish the whole book was like that instead of teasing a more nuanced lead and then abandoning that idea to draw another cosmic battle scene. I know there's a volume 2 in this collection, and I'm tempted to read that next, just to see if Ostrander does continue Spectre's development there, but I finished this book feeling pretty bitter by the end so I think I may wait a bit.
December 21, 2019
Había oído hablar muy bien de esta obscura obra, y veo que la prensa que tiene no es para nada exagerada. La trama, aunque oscura, no cae en los excesos y vicios narrativos de las obras de pijameo de los 90. John Ostrander me ha sorprendido con un saber hacer narrativo que, aunque no siempre sea completamente original, sabe hilar fino y desarrollar tramas de larga duración en donde cada número importa. El trabajo de Tom Mandrake a los lápices le viene tanto a la historia como al personaje como un guante, con esos parajes dignos de los más cruentos pasajes del Antiguo Testamento. Esta referencia a la biblia no es baladí, pues el personaje y su historia están altamente ligados a la religión cristiana. Lo único que lamento es no haber leído esta obra antes o durante la elaboración de mi TFG.
Todo lector de tebeos con un poco de bagaje previo en el género debería echarle un ojo a esta etapa. Toda una joya. John Ostrander se ha ganado un hueco en mi corazón friki.
Todo lector de tebeos con un poco de bagaje previo en el género debería echarle un ojo a esta etapa. Toda una joya. John Ostrander se ha ganado un hueco en mi corazón friki.
September 7, 2017
Outstanding art and relatively tight plotting for these first 12 issues. There are a myriad of spelling inconsistencies between issues though, which is not a good reflection on the letterer/editor for these issues when they came out. The content isn't unfamiliar: Vertigo-influenced "dark" superhero content, borrowing HUGELY in artistic style from Saga of the Swamp Thing (possibly my favorite comic series ever) but not borrowing at all in its life-affirming qualities. The central conflicts are easy to understand. Our micro-conflict is between the Spectre & Jim Corrigan, the two identities trapped in a seemingly endless war with one another, while a macro-conflict between the spirit of vengeance & a twisted form of retributive justice and the ever-present spirit of violence and conflict is waged.
Ostrander's Spectre today reads as almost parody. It's so overly dark and gritty that it's hard to take seriously. It's best moments are all in the art, as the Spectre descends to Hell and has a literal battle with Michael at the gates of heaven. The direction of the series is clear. Jim will come closer to the forefront as he and Spectre become more distinct. He will learn that his Dantean take on retribution is far closer to the evil he claims to oppose than any type of reasonable vengeance or justice. He will try to save Amy, or fall in love again, or something, because why not. I would like to read more, but I don't necessarily have the highest expectations. It can't reach the peaks of a Swamp Thing or any comparable series because its entire conceit is its heady darkness, an overt reliance on DARK over form. The book suffers as a result. Humor isn't necessary, but the specter (ha) of the hope, is the only thing that can make plodding and indulgent darkness meaningful. Any "mature" story without that is shallow.
There are problems with the plot here. I know, I know- early 90s. But HIV/AIDS was and is a real problem, and here it's hard to tell if they are trivialized or thoughtfully considered. I just haven't consumed enough HIV-focused media from that time period to know. In 2017, Ostrander's intent to be sympathetic is clear. The quality of the execution is unclear. Amy Beiterman is mostly powerful and badass, and her HIV-positive status is treated with some sensitivity. When people are critical, hateful or, in the case of the detective, super-paranoid about even the most basic physical contact with Amy, they are shown as villainous or morally bankrupt or incomplete. Like I said, there's a clear positive intent. The execution leaves much to be desired, as othering HIV-positive people in 2017 isn't just out of vogue, it's fucked up and innately harmful.
I'll read the rest of these trades but I don't have the highest expectations
Ostrander's Spectre today reads as almost parody. It's so overly dark and gritty that it's hard to take seriously. It's best moments are all in the art, as the Spectre descends to Hell and has a literal battle with Michael at the gates of heaven. The direction of the series is clear. Jim will come closer to the forefront as he and Spectre become more distinct. He will learn that his Dantean take on retribution is far closer to the evil he claims to oppose than any type of reasonable vengeance or justice. He will try to save Amy, or fall in love again, or something, because why not. I would like to read more, but I don't necessarily have the highest expectations. It can't reach the peaks of a Swamp Thing or any comparable series because its entire conceit is its heady darkness, an overt reliance on DARK over form. The book suffers as a result. Humor isn't necessary, but the specter (ha) of the hope, is the only thing that can make plodding and indulgent darkness meaningful. Any "mature" story without that is shallow.
There are problems with the plot here. I know, I know- early 90s. But HIV/AIDS was and is a real problem, and here it's hard to tell if they are trivialized or thoughtfully considered. I just haven't consumed enough HIV-focused media from that time period to know. In 2017, Ostrander's intent to be sympathetic is clear. The quality of the execution is unclear. Amy Beiterman is mostly powerful and badass, and her HIV-positive status is treated with some sensitivity. When people are critical, hateful or, in the case of the detective, super-paranoid about even the most basic physical contact with Amy, they are shown as villainous or morally bankrupt or incomplete. Like I said, there's a clear positive intent. The execution leaves much to be desired, as othering HIV-positive people in 2017 isn't just out of vogue, it's fucked up and innately harmful.
I'll read the rest of these trades but I don't have the highest expectations
January 30, 2025
'The Spectre' series of the 1990s emerged during a creative high point in DC Comics history, a time when certain superhero (and superhero-adjacent) titles were finally free to shed the constraints of the Comics Code Authority and embrace a more mature audience. This was just before the launch of the Vertigo imprint, which provided a new home for ground-breaking series like 'The Sandman' and 'Doom Patrol', allowing them to distance themselves from the wider DC Universe. Strangely, 'The Spectre' never made the leap to Vertigo—though it certainly would have fit in. Had it done so, I suspect it might be more widely remembered today.
Despite being out of print for decades, the series retains a devoted cult following, with fans frequently ranking it among the best DC was producing at the time. Coming to it fresh, having missed its original run, I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype. Is it on par with the best of that era? Absolutely not. Any claim that it is must be driven purely by nostalgia. While 'The Spectre' may have felt sophisticated and ambitious in its time, it now comes across as dated—the storytelling is straightforward, sometimes contrived, the dialogue can be clunky, and the characters lack depth. But if you can set aside the exaggerated praise from its most ardent defenders, there’s still plenty of enjoyment to be found here. Taken as a relic of its time, it’s a fun, pulpy read.
From a historical perspective, it’s also fascinating. The 1990s are often remembered for their gritty, angst-ridden superheroes, and 'The Spectre' arguably takes that to the extreme. It’s a true product of its era, dripping with melodrama and dark intensity. Yet, despite its flaws, I had a good time with it—and I’m curious enough to pick up the next volume to see where the story goes.
Despite being out of print for decades, the series retains a devoted cult following, with fans frequently ranking it among the best DC was producing at the time. Coming to it fresh, having missed its original run, I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype. Is it on par with the best of that era? Absolutely not. Any claim that it is must be driven purely by nostalgia. While 'The Spectre' may have felt sophisticated and ambitious in its time, it now comes across as dated—the storytelling is straightforward, sometimes contrived, the dialogue can be clunky, and the characters lack depth. But if you can set aside the exaggerated praise from its most ardent defenders, there’s still plenty of enjoyment to be found here. Taken as a relic of its time, it’s a fun, pulpy read.
From a historical perspective, it’s also fascinating. The 1990s are often remembered for their gritty, angst-ridden superheroes, and 'The Spectre' arguably takes that to the extreme. It’s a true product of its era, dripping with melodrama and dark intensity. Yet, despite its flaws, I had a good time with it—and I’m curious enough to pick up the next volume to see where the story goes.
August 17, 2015
Saying Balzac as a swear word once is kinda funny (or it was, back in the day ), but making it the catchphrase of a tough as nails cop is ridiculous and makes him look like an ass.
This title was pretty cool and cutting edge back when it came out in the early 90s. Now, although the artwork is still impressive, the dialog comes across as cheesy and melodramatic.
This title was pretty cool and cutting edge back when it came out in the early 90s. Now, although the artwork is still impressive, the dialog comes across as cheesy and melodramatic.
August 16, 2016
The art in this was really cool, but I don't feel a need to read the sequel. I think it would be interesting to see a Rebirth series for the Spectre tho... maybe teaming him up with Justice League Dark or just Deadman (who is one of my favorites).
February 13, 2020
SPOILERS BELOW!!!
I've always liked the Spectre but I didn't pick up this series when it first came out because I had just gotten married and I was cutting back on the amount of comics that I was buying. Later on I picked up the entire run when a comic shop was going out of business. But I still never read them. I kind of wish I would have left it that way. I picked up the first two trade paperbacks when a new Half Price Books opened up up near me and they were 40% off so I finally sat down to read them.
I'll start with the artwork before I get into the story. Tom Mandrake is at times a good artist but more often his figures are awkward and his his faces ugly even on people are supposed to be attractive. The Spectre falls into the latter category.
Now for the story. I have enjoyed a LOT of books by John Ostrander through the years but there are parts of this book where the internal logic just breaks down completely. The overarching plot is about a serial killer who is stalking and killing women who are HIV positive. One of them is Amy Beitermann, Jim Corrigan's latest love interest. The Spectre vows to guard Amy but is FORCED away from her by The Powers That Be to avenge the death of an innocent. But throughout the series people are killed on a regular basis, one of them a virgin who was saving herself for marriage but she was raped and caught HIV from her attacker. She is murdered by the serial killer but the Spectre is never alerted to the incident let alone FORCIBLY SUMMONED to it.
Another scene has Corrigan questioning a dying victim but the person dies before Corrigan can get any answers. He changes into the Spectre and follows the person's soul to Heaven in order to get some answers. But the Archangel Michael blocks his way telling the Spectre that he is not allowed to enter Heaven but Corrigan can if he gives up the power of the Spectre. A six page battle follows and Michael sends the Spectre packing back to earth. Corrigan says "Now to do it the RIGHT way-- the HARD way. Retrace the psychic steps from the place of death and track this bastard down!" A TWO page interlude following the supporting cast and we pick back up with Spectre at the home of the serial killer. "Here. The trail of blood leads HERE. This is the Reaver's abode." He then finds clues that reveal that the next victim is Jim Corrigan's girlfriend Amy. If it was that easy why didn't the Spectre do it IN THE FIRST PLACE?
There were just TOO many inconsistencies like this in the book for me to enjoy it.
I've always liked the Spectre but I didn't pick up this series when it first came out because I had just gotten married and I was cutting back on the amount of comics that I was buying. Later on I picked up the entire run when a comic shop was going out of business. But I still never read them. I kind of wish I would have left it that way. I picked up the first two trade paperbacks when a new Half Price Books opened up up near me and they were 40% off so I finally sat down to read them.
I'll start with the artwork before I get into the story. Tom Mandrake is at times a good artist but more often his figures are awkward and his his faces ugly even on people are supposed to be attractive. The Spectre falls into the latter category.
Now for the story. I have enjoyed a LOT of books by John Ostrander through the years but there are parts of this book where the internal logic just breaks down completely. The overarching plot is about a serial killer who is stalking and killing women who are HIV positive. One of them is Amy Beitermann, Jim Corrigan's latest love interest. The Spectre vows to guard Amy but is FORCED away from her by The Powers That Be to avenge the death of an innocent. But throughout the series people are killed on a regular basis, one of them a virgin who was saving herself for marriage but she was raped and caught HIV from her attacker. She is murdered by the serial killer but the Spectre is never alerted to the incident let alone FORCIBLY SUMMONED to it.
Another scene has Corrigan questioning a dying victim but the person dies before Corrigan can get any answers. He changes into the Spectre and follows the person's soul to Heaven in order to get some answers. But the Archangel Michael blocks his way telling the Spectre that he is not allowed to enter Heaven but Corrigan can if he gives up the power of the Spectre. A six page battle follows and Michael sends the Spectre packing back to earth. Corrigan says "Now to do it the RIGHT way-- the HARD way. Retrace the psychic steps from the place of death and track this bastard down!" A TWO page interlude following the supporting cast and we pick back up with Spectre at the home of the serial killer. "Here. The trail of blood leads HERE. This is the Reaver's abode." He then finds clues that reveal that the next victim is Jim Corrigan's girlfriend Amy. If it was that easy why didn't the Spectre do it IN THE FIRST PLACE?
There were just TOO many inconsistencies like this in the book for me to enjoy it.
May 20, 2025
I am reading some John Ostrander lately and realizing he was a very under rated writer for comics. Suicide Squad, this, Firestorm. In a time when good (mainstream) comics seemed few and far between and I stopped reading them (late 80's and the 90's) he was solid.
While I didn't enjoy this as much as his Suicide Squad (I read the DC Finest collection) I was still impressed. This came across as "pure Vertigo". Let me explain. Vertigo was a DC offshoot that published more violent stuff than the main DC line. You have Sandman, Constantine (under Hellblazer) and Swamp Thing by Alan Moore (okay - Swamp Thing was never Vertigo either but it felt like it :). Like all of those titles - Spectre is the gritty dark side of magic/mystical, there is over the top violence, and there is a flawed main character who is definitely not your "I never kill" hero.
The art is great by Tom Mandrake, the stories are quick paced but also advance the character and the main side characters, and it was just a fun, engaging read. I can't say that any of these stories are classic in the sense I will remember them in ten years but it was fun to read this series for the first time.
While I didn't enjoy this as much as his Suicide Squad (I read the DC Finest collection) I was still impressed. This came across as "pure Vertigo". Let me explain. Vertigo was a DC offshoot that published more violent stuff than the main DC line. You have Sandman, Constantine (under Hellblazer) and Swamp Thing by Alan Moore (okay - Swamp Thing was never Vertigo either but it felt like it :). Like all of those titles - Spectre is the gritty dark side of magic/mystical, there is over the top violence, and there is a flawed main character who is definitely not your "I never kill" hero.
The art is great by Tom Mandrake, the stories are quick paced but also advance the character and the main side characters, and it was just a fun, engaging read. I can't say that any of these stories are classic in the sense I will remember them in ten years but it was fun to read this series for the first time.
August 17, 2020
Hard to get this trade paperback -- friend Mokk dug it up -- he's really good at that sort of thing. This first set of Ostrander stories is WEIRD for more than a few reasons, as in "good weird." The story centers around a woman with HIV/AIDS who is being stalked by a serial killer seeking revenge for ... getting AIDS. The Spectre's origin story (what a complete jerk he was as a police detective!), a cop named Kane who frequently exclaims "Balzac!," an evil soul-collecting entity named Azmodus, and a killer named Geller all decorate this collection in strange color. The Spectre is a bizarre creation -- he's a dead cop who is sent back to earth to understand why people do the evil things they do, yet he also has the power to act for the powerless dead by AVENGING them. And he does this brilliantly and often without a hint of mercy.
March 24, 2023
Where as I enjoyed this book, I just say it did at points feel disjointed at times. The fact that they have an entire subplot dedicated to executing HIV positive women feels very out of place reading this in the year 2023. The early issues are more when the story shines with Corrigan/Spectre solving cold cases but it quickly yields to large extra dimensional beings.
I will say this Mandrakes art is top notch. I've always found it strange that he doesn't command the same level of respect as some of his contemporaries. Still very worth the read for this specifically.
I will say this Mandrakes art is top notch. I've always found it strange that he doesn't command the same level of respect as some of his contemporaries. Still very worth the read for this specifically.
November 20, 2024
This is great. My only complaint would be that the story is too intense. There are too many exciting moments happening constantly, and eventually it all starts blurrying together. The same thing goes for the art, which is powerful and evocative but... too much. The impact of the artwork diminishes when every page is so elaborate and crazy. It actually took me a while to read this story, but for an older comic it was not very wordy, which made it hard to pace myself. I suspect it would be best to read this volume issue by issue.
May 16, 2024
I really liked this book. The Spectre is one of those characters that DC has that only works on a few levels, but when it has the right story it really sings.
The overall story is tragic and has lots of stakes for both Jim Corrigan and his counterpart as The Spectre.
Another interesting thing is that the story heavily relies on concepts of good and evil and heaven and hell that you just don’t see in modern comics that are all-inclusive, sterile and safe.
I recommend!
The overall story is tragic and has lots of stakes for both Jim Corrigan and his counterpart as The Spectre.
Another interesting thing is that the story heavily relies on concepts of good and evil and heaven and hell that you just don’t see in modern comics that are all-inclusive, sterile and safe.
I recommend!
November 30, 2024
De las pocas veces que he lloriqueado con una obra loco, también me sigue sorprendido como a pesar de lo antiguo que es este comic mucho de los temas que toca todavía son bastante relevantes.
El viaje de Jim para entender su misión en el mundo y al mismo tiempo comprenderlo mejor es algo maravilloso.
El viaje de Jim para entender su misión en el mundo y al mismo tiempo comprenderlo mejor es algo maravilloso.
July 12, 2017
Superb mediation on morality and judgment, packed with desperate characters full of palpable longing to belong and gorgeous Old Testament imagery. The Spectre is one of the best comics DC has ever published.
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