The Spirit has been missing, and presumed dead, for the past two years.

Will Eisner’s The Spirit #2 is the second part of a twelve issue story arc follows some of the most beloved characters from The Spirit‘s world, Commissioner Dolan, his daughter Ellen, Ebony White and Sammy as they attempt to uncover what has happened to the man in blue.

Telling a story about the main draws disappearance is never an easy thing to do, let alone when launching a new series without The Spirit appearing. Matt Wagner has found an interesting way to tell a story about The Spirit vanishing while still keeping him as a key player in the story; his appearances are in a flashback told from the villain’s side. It’s a clever way to remind us of who he is without shoving down our throats how many people miss the vanished hero.

I was excited to read the first issue, but due to an ordering snafu at my local comic shop (I forgot to ask for it) I missed the opening chapter of this story. It wasn’t as big of a hindrance as you’d have thought;  Will Eisner’s The Spirit #2 throws you into the mix of the story pretty quickly, but I never felt anything but a smile as I read this comic. Dan Schkade gives us some great art work that really brings in a sense of fun when you’re looking at this comic, and the creative team work wonderfully together to bring an awesome comic to life. What really struck me, though, was the panel layouts on several pages, and the way in which Dan Schkade presented the story is fantastic.

I fully admit that I have a soft spot for many of the pulp heroes, or crime noir style heroes, and almost any story set around the 30’s and 40’s, and Will Eisner’s The Spirit #2 has the feel of an old timey story that is being told today. There’s a lot going on in this comic, and while the action and the pacing is fantastic, the story never suffers.

I cannot wait until issue #3.

Story: Matt Wagner Art: Dan Schkade Colours: Brennan Wagner
Story: 7.75 Art: 8 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

Dynamite Entertainment provided Graphic Policy a FREE copy for review.