Okay, in my continuing attempt to finally read comics that I should have read long ago I'm now setting my sights on the Spirit. Though I probably won't be reading any of it until I finish "Reinventing Comics" by Scott McCloud and Maus Volumes 1 and 2 by Art Spiegelman, I am looking for advice on where to start. So, is it just as simple as picking up the Spirit Archives (a pricey adventure) or does anyone have any other suggestions?

Two other possibilities that aren't quite as pricey:

1) Pick up the "Best of the Spirit" TPB - it's not archive-quality (i.e. - it's softbound) but it does showcase some great Spirit stories, including the first one. It's not going to be as all-encompassing as picking up the many archives but at $11 or so it's definitely cheaper (still, as you pick up spare money here and there I do strongly recommend grabbing the occasional archive of "The Spirit").

2) It's not quite the same thing as reading something "essential" but if you're wanting a feel for the character while seeing if you enjoy him enough to pick up an archive, there's the new "The Spirit" series by Darwyn Cookie. I'm having a real blast reading it and can't recommend it enough; even if you go after the actual Eisner stories - strongly recommended - I still suggest you give this series a try (and issue #3 even is a good "hopping on" point so if you can't find the first two issues - as good as they may be (#2 is better than #1) - you're still in prime position to start reading the series).

Thanks for the feedback (sorry, can't rep you yet). I saw that issue 1 was going in for a second printing but I didn't realize that they were up to issue 3 already. Is this series a limitted or ongoing thing?

Near as I know, it's ongoing and here's hoping that Cooke keeps it ongoing for a very long time.

Eisner is the greatest there ever was, but the best Spirit stories start around Vol. 11 of the Archives, IIRC. (and when I say 'best' I mean that it's critically considered such. It's all so good.)

Also, as they are typically found in dollar bins now, you'll probably enjoy the 90s New Adventures of the Spirit issues from Kitchen Sink. Featuring contributions from John Ostrander, Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, Neil Gaiman and others.

Rokk Krinn speaks the truth. You definitely can't beat the original because, well, it's Eisner.

And Cooke has done an excellent job (in my opinion) of capturing the feel of the Spirit in the new series. A lot of people might have been able to get the look down, but not a lot of people could have captured the characterization as closely as Cooke has.

And, Rokk, of course #2 was better. It had P'Gell!!!!!!!!!!

So now we know - Grantie prefers blondes. I, personally, like the character of Silk Satin better.

Btw, is it just me or does anyone else ever read the older short "Spirit" stories and think of Bruce Campbell's voice for the Spirit?

Hey, it's Granite not Grantie. C'mon now.

I never thought of Bruce doing the voiceovers, but now I don't think I'll be able to read them without hearing his voice. Which isn't really a bad thing, because it definitely fits quite well.

Bruce Campbell does voiceovers for everything in my head. Hail to the King baby!

Whoops. Guess I just was taking you for Grantie'd. Yeesh, I used to be a lot better about watching my typing but lately I've just been typo'ing like mad.

I'm really looking forward to the Spirit film.

You're damn right baby!

You know I really enjoyed the Kitchen Sink Spirit reprint series, and picked up heaps of em in 25 cent bins!

Theres great deals on Ebay I'd look into if you like the classic 'singles', heck this thread just inspired me to look on ebay and bid on a nice little "the Spirit" package deal!

Ouch.






Filler, filler, filler.

Thanks again for the advice everyone. I picked up issues 1, 3, and 4 of the newest series last night and I'm hopeful that I can track down #2 somewhere. I also ordered The Best Of and it should be coming in next week. I decided to try that out before diving in to the Archives.