Our intrepid detectives finally admit that only one member of The Spirit‘s infamous Rogues Gallery could have had any chance of defeating their masked mentor. Their investigation ultimately brings them head-to-head with our hero’s deadliest and most relentless foe, The Octopus-a confrontation that could very well cost them their lives!

I’ve mentioned before that I have a soft spot for stories set in the middle on the 1900’s, especially the pulp heroes from the 30’s and 40’s. Needless to say that this series has been a highlight for me each month.  Will Eisner’s The Spirit #5 retains the quality that hooked me on the series; a sense of fun.

Matt Wagner has shifted focus over the last issue or two to The Spirit‘s reappearance after several years way from his city;  while previous issues have focused on the exploits of Ebony and Sammy as they try to solve the mysterious cause behind The Spirit‘s absence by questioning his Rogues Gallery (a dangerous game if ever there was one), this issue finally sees the eponymous hero return to the action.

Dan Schkade and Brennan Wagner continue to illustrate this comic brilliantly with Wagner‘s colouring combining with Schkade‘s line work to give an almost stylized feel that goes a long way to allowing the reader’s eye to just enjoy the comic.

I’ve enjoyed every issue of Will Eisner’s The Spirit that I’ve read over the last four months, and this issue is no exception. It’s a fun, entertaining and very enjoyable comic book series that you should absolutely check out.

You’ll not regret it.

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

Dynamite Entertainment provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review.