Seeker 3000!

This evocative and graceful 1978 Marvel Premiere cover by Dave Cockrum and Joe Sinnott dropped out of nowhere. The saga of Seeker 3000 immediately put me in the mind of those classic Star Trek adventures, a dynamic captain and his determined and varied crew in a sleek spaceship poised to cruise across the depths of space. That was doubtless intentional.

The actual comic book story by underrated scribe Doug Moench and painfully underrated artist Tom Sutton gives us something a bit stranger still. It's rather high-concept sci-fi. 

In 1998 Marvel decided to finally exploit this lost gem. First, they reprinted the story from Marvel Premiere #41 under a new cover by Andrew Currie and Art Nichols, which intentionally evokes the Cockrum original. This was done to promote the four-issue limited adventure written by Dan Abnett and Ian Edgington. Here is the complete cover gallery.

Apparently, the series never caught on, and these six comics are all that exist of the intriguing universe of Seeker 3000. I've never read the follow up stories, but I suspect they might be found in many a back issue bin. Might be worth the time, or perhaps not.

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The Complete Wraith!

The Wraith is Michael T. Gilbert's 70's reinvention of the classic Eisner The Spirit. According to Gilbert he was casting about for work in those halcyon days when comics seemed to about to expel the last gasp just any minute and found work with Mike Friedrich's little Star*Reach outfit. Specifically in a short-lived comic dubbed Quack which hoped to reap some of the glamour stirred up by the out-of-nowhere ascendancy of Marvel's Howard the Duck. Suddenly the superhero was displaced, and funny animals were on...if only briefly. 

Looking for inspiration, Gilbert was a fan of The Spirit and thought a funny animal version might just work. He produced seven stories featuring The Wraith, one each for the six issues of Quack and another for his later comic Strange Brew published by Aardvark-Vanaheim. And as far as I know that's all of the Wraith there is.

The Wraith began as an homage to the classic Eisner hero and little else, saving a lady of the evening from her employers. Other stories have him battling mad scientists and even falling in love on an isolated island. The stories are in continuity, so despite their frolicsome nature what happens is remembered. That adds quite a bit to stories which by design are often quite slender, the whole perhaps greater than the sum of the parts. The one cover appearance for "The Reality Ray" really shows how offbeat and creative Gilbert was in trying to make the stories click.

The tome I read featured very detailed text pages by Gilbert about how The Wraith came to be and how his misadventures often reflected Gilbert's own personal life at the time. We also get a nifty explanation of some of the techniques Gilbert used. We are seeing an artist grow in real time with these stories and this background info helps to make sense of the style and thematic changes.

But Gilbert seemed all too ready to leave The Wraith, suggesting he'd done all he could do and it was time for other projects (such as his most famous creation Mr.Monster --more tomorrow on that). I doubt he thinks that still today and I wonder if and when we'll ever see another Wraith tale. I'd be interested.

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The Spirit Archives Volume Twelve!

As I've said before, I was not able to collect up these volumes when they first appeared, and I have always craved them. Last summer in anticipation of his comprehensive review I snagged as many as I could reasonably afford. But alas, a few were beyond my reach. Volume twelve was one of those. It showcases the return of Will Eisner to his most famous creation and consequently commands a hefty price in the markets I travel in. Yet nonetheless, my compulsion for completion drove me to spend more on this book than I have ever spent on any single tome. I'm not bragging. Far from it. But I am absolutely delighted to add this to my collection at long last. 

This volume is dubbed "Will Eisner Returns!" and that's true, but it's also the arrival of Jack Spranger who pencils all of the stories below with Eisner's masterful finishes. Despite this epic work, Spranger is an artist who all but disappeared after 1959. Gil Kane reported that Spranger had suffered a nervous breakdown, but nothing is known.  So, without further ado, let's begin a look at the beginning of the peak of Eisner's Spirit. 

Hildie and the Kid Gang January 6, 1946

Hildie is one of three European orphans who make their way to the United States. The rough and tumble lives they'd been living in the post-war landscape hardened them and made them kids with little regard for the rules of society. When a crime spree brings them in contact with the Spirit, not all of them are willing to kill, but some of them are. 

Dolan's Origin of the Spirit January 13, 1946

Commissioner Dolan relates the origin tale of the Spirit, a good thing for readers who might have come in late. Denny Colt's fatal encounter with Dr. Cobra is pretty much the same as readers delighted to years before, but a few nuances are altered here and. Alterations in the tale can be attributed to Dolan's limited perspective. Great use is made of the logo once again. 

Hildie and Satin January 20, 1946

The golden-haired Hildie returns as does Silk Satin, a character we've not seen in quite some time. Satin was a British spy who worked with the Spirit a number of times and even had a budding romantic interest in our hero. Secrets are revealed. 

The Siberian Dagger January 27, 1946

This is a farce of sorts which has several Russians who might be comfortable in a Marx Brothers movie looking for a lost dagger of great renown. The action is furious and non-stop leaving little space for the Spirit. I can only assume the Cyrillic spelling of the Spirit's name is accurate. And given the set up was it all a dream? 

The End of the World February 3, 1946

The "Atomic Age" comes to Central City. Some scientists have a bomb which they use to blackmail the city, and more. The Spirit gets onto the case in the nick of time, if not actually too late. We have swallowed the nuclear pill for generations now, so the shock of this story might be lost on modern readers. The dangers of radiation are on full display. 

As Ever, Orange February 10, 1946

Ebony is cajoled by a lovely girl named "As Ever" Orange to investigate her boyfriend who is fresh from the military with all sorts of tales. It turns out that there was indeed something to look into. At the same time Commissioner Dolan and the Spirit discuss educational opportunities for the loyal assistant. 

Introducing Blubber February 17, 1946

Ebony White has gone off to school and that leaves an opening for a sidekick for the Spirit. It gets filled for a short time by Blubber Wales, an Eskimo kid who helps the Spirit defeat the murderous pirate Captain Batt who gets up a gang to retrieve a cache of whale blubber and oil he'd gotten during the war when whaling was called off. The Spirit needs the help of English fluent Blubber to survive his encounter with Batt, though justice is done. 

Rockhead Stone February 24, 1946

The Spirit searches for the notorious gangster Rockhead Stone who is obsessed with radio contests. Ellen Dolan and Blubber seek to impress the Spirit by finding the villain themselves, but things go awry. All the while Commissioner Dolan seems convinced he's captured Stone himself already. It all gets cleared up by the story's end. 

Tarnation March 3, 1946

It's off to Tarnation Texas where the Dolan clan is in the midst of a feud with the Calico clan. Dolan and Ellen are joined by the Spirit and Blubber as the action runs fast and furious. The discovery of oil doesn't help matters. It's a trip to a timeless West which never existed. Truth told, there's almost too much happening in this wild one. 

The Fly March 10, 1946

This gets pretty high concept. We begin with the brief life of a fly and then we meet Guthrie Bendbagel Jr. Guthrie is a messenger who in all his years of service stayed just that. He was reliable and when he's given a particularly expensive tiara to deliver all sorts of villains and of course the Spirit get involved. 

Nylon Rose March 17, 1946

The especially fetching Nylon Rose is part of a girl gang who are into smuggling. But when Nylon spies the Spirit her libido is ignited and a competition for his attention is underway with Ellen Dolan. Even when Nylon's secret is exposed, her desire for the masked crimefighter does not waver. She will return. 

The Man Who Killed the Spirit March 24, 1946

This story takes place aboard a trolley car headed to its final stop at Raven Point. Aboard is a hood named Cauley who claims he shot and killed the Spirit. When Cauley sees that other members of the gang are on the trolley his fear takes over. There are secrets within secrets in this Eisner classic, one of his best tales. And that splash page is magnificent. 

Yafodder's Mustache March 31, 1946

Blubber Wales is annoyed that everyone keeps bringing up Ebony White. But then the two assistants get the chance to work together to bring to justice Zoltan P. Yafodder, a notorious defacer of public property who draws mustaches on things. Blubber and Ebony work together but Ebony is oddly silent, a secret revealed in the last panel. 

The Kissing Caper April 7, 1946

All the cops want to work a case of beatings and robberies where the only clue is some lipstick prints. Ellen goes so far as to tie up the Spirit to keep him out of his case which all believe will lead to a pretty dame. Ellen investigates herself leaving the door open for her old nemesis Nylon Rose who discovers the hogtied Spirit and makes the most of it. 

Max Scarss's Map April 14, 1946

Crooks abound in this one about gold hidden from the Axis forces. While Dolan and the Spirit attend a dinner party, deceit and death are all about them. There are blows to the noggin and poisonous drinks all over the place. The Spirit proves a bit more fallible in this one, adding some depth to his portrayal. 

Introducing Mr. Carrion April 21, 1946

Aside from the Octopus, Mr. Carrion is likely the Spirit's most famous villain of the male persuasion. In this story which introduces us to Carrion and his vulture Julia, we see him as a cold-blooded swindler who is draining money from desperate people eager to find out the fates of loved ones missing in the war. It's a nasty scheme and Blubber pays a price to bring this plot to an end. 

Dig a Hole April 28, 1946

A man named Pewter disgruntled with the world in 1786 buries himself to hide. Another man named Fiduciary does the same in 1946. Turns out Pewter is still alive and the two bond, digging out to find a world that Pewter finds filled with wonder. There is a battle with hoods who are digging for treasure in the grounds of the company Pewter's descendant plans to concrete. The Spirit fights ruggedly to defend the ground for the sake of charity. This is a story for our times for certain. 

The Head in the Desk May 5, 1946

Commissioner Dolan forgot he put a victim's head in a rolltop desk, a head which could've proved murder against a gangster convicted only of manslaughter. That thug is now out and looking for vengeance. The Spirit meanwhile tries to trick another hood into revealing the location of some stolen loot. This is a wild tale full of theft and mayhem and a grisly finale. 

Welcome Home, Ebony May 12, 1946

It's a welcome back for Ebony White who returns from his stay at school and a goodbye to Blubber Wales who becomes best buds with Ebony and the two share some ice cream before Blubber packs his things to return to the Arctic which he has become homesick for since his beating by Mr. Carrion. The Spirit meanwhile fights a thug who didn't turn himself in on time. The party awaits its guest of honor in vain. 

Carrion's Rock May 19, 1946

Mr. Carrion returns, this time washed up on a remote island owned by another criminal named Dr. Scalpel. The two plot to turn on one another for their own gain as the Spirit shows up to bring in Carrion. Ebony brings a rescue crew from the ship they'd both been aboard. The two villains give the Spirit quite the battle. 

Magnifying Glasses May 26, 1946

This one is all about big and small. A salesman pushes off glasses which make small things large and he also sells Spirit wind-up dolls. Confusion after confusion ensues when a hood seeking revenge on the real Spirit but loses his glasses and cannot see well enough to follow through. It's crazier than that really. Eisner's homage to the Outcault's The Yellow Kid, P.S. Smith shows up in this one, as enigmatically silent as ever.  

Tidal Wave June 2, 1946

Goona Island, a remote Pacific island home to a tribe of poor unfortunate tribe forced to work in Uranium mines by three villains. The Spirit and Ebony arrive to bring one of the villains to justice and the Spirit almost dies. A tidal wave proves destructive but its real cause is a mystery of sorts. Fraternization H. Shack returns to the cast. 

Pool's Toadstool Facial Cream June 9,1946

Matilda Dolan, the Commissioner's sister, returns and matrimony is again the center of attention. This time she's engaged to Gut Mutton a "wealthy sportsman" but actually a gangster looking to use a potential family connection to win influence and so commit crime with abandon. Ellen thinks its time the Spirit pops the question but when he's hit on the noggin yet again some visions show him what married life might be for a crimefighter. This is the first appearance of Gam the piano player who offers up a few verses of "Ev'ry Little Bug!" He will return. 

Bucket of Blood June 16, 1946

The Bucket of Blood is a remote cafe which caters to a rough crowd. An undertaker named Ides O'March appears looking for business. He's come to the right place criminals fall out over a lucky idol and death and murder erupt. The Spirit tries to bring Cooler to justice but it's a hard fight, especially since another villain named Shiv is intent on stabbing almost everyone. 

The Grumley Murder June 23, 1946 

The mind is a fragile thing and Dolan's mind needs some peace and quiet when pressure mounts to solve the murder of Grumly. He retreats to his lodge only to find the body there, and then it isn't. Is it his mind? Has Dolan lost the plot? He returns to Central City to find out. The real secret is cruel and the Spirit steps in to make sure justice is done. 

The Lost Fortnight June 30, 1946

In a parody of the film The Lost Weekend , which is about alcoholism, we are treated to Ebony being overcome by soda pop. The Spirit leaves in his keeping a strange keyboard which can ignite eight atomic bombs, but the targets are unknown. While he goes to capture the villains with a fake keyboard Ebony becomes more and more compelled to drink pop. When he hocks the deadly keyboard to pay for his habit, things really get hot. 

Will Eisner is back with a bang. The stories in this collection were far from the more straightforward mystery yarns by Eisner's replacements. I have some respect for those stories, but the craftsmanship on the stories in this volume is undeniable. The old cast is slipped back into place and as we all know the best is yet to come. 

Next time we tackle volume thirteen and meet for the first time all over again, the fetching P'Gell. I can hardly wait. See you in a fortnight and take it easy on the soda.

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Femme Noir - Spirit In A Skirt!

I love this series. To begin with I'm an absolute nut for Joe Staton. Ever since I stumbled across his work on E-Man for Charlton back in the 70's I've craved more of his stuff. His early Charlton work is a must-have for me when I find them, his covers especially. So, when I chanced across a series online that he was illustrating I had to check it out. It was big time fun.

The series was written by Chris Mills, a name I'd come across in other Indy comics and a name I've come to associate with stuff I like. (He was even a commentor at the Dojo in its early days.) The two of them produce a comic story that's got all that old-fashioned storytelling jazz I adore. It's grim but not necessarily gritty. It's dark but not necessarily gloomy. It's a ripe blend of fun and furious action. It was a great online comic adventure. And when I heard the boys were going to publish some of these on actual paper I was thrilled. The series did not disappoint. 

The stories were wide-ranging in contents and characters but nonetheless still obviously took place in a recognizable world. Whether fighting jungle girls or robot hoods, "Blonde Justice" the knockout star of the series finds a way to give the adventure a clever and distinctive twist. The series evokes Will Eisner's The Spirit for certain, and then it adds layers of other references and influences. Spotting what inspired this, that, and the other in the short-lived series is fun for fans. Whether you round up these stories in the original comics or get the trade, I highly recommend this series. It's the most fun you can have reading comics...period. 

Here are the covers (with both A and B versions) for the four-issue mini-series. 

If you can find it, it's a treasure. For more about where to look, check out this link to the Thrilling Detective Website. 

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