{"id":33976,"date":"2025-11-01T09:00:04","date_gmt":"2025-11-01T09:00:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.comicsreview.co.uk\/nowreadthis\/?p=33976"},"modified":"2025-10-07T07:53:50","modified_gmt":"2025-10-07T07:53:50","slug":"the-golden-age-spectre-archives-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.comicsreview.co.uk\/nowreadthis\/2025\/11\/01\/the-golden-age-spectre-archives-2\/","title":{"rendered":"The Golden Age Spectre Archives"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\nBy Jerry Siegel<\/strong> & Bernard Baily<\/strong> with Gardner F. Fox & various (DC Comics)
\nISBN: 978-1-5638-9955-3 (HB)<\/p>\n

This book includes Discriminatory Content<\/strong> produced in less enlightened times.<\/em><\/p>\n

Win\u2019s Christmas Gift Recommendation: Masterpieces for all Comics Addicts… 9\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ola! Happy D\u00eda de (los) Muertos!<\/em><\/p>\n

There were and still are a lot of comics anniversaries this year: many rightly celebrated, but a lot were unjustly ignored. As a feverish fanboy wedged firmly in the past, I\u2019m abusing my privileges here to kvetch again about another brilliant vintage book, criminally out of print and not slated for revival either physically or in digital formats. That means occasionally recommending items that might be a bit hard to find. At least you might be buying from those poor beleaguered comics shops and specialists desperately in need of your support now, rather than some faceless corporate internet emporium..,<\/em><\/p>\n

In fact, considering the state of the market, how come DC doesn\u2019t just convert its entire old Archive line into eBooks and win back a few veteran fans? Don\u2019t ask me, I only imitate working here…<\/em><\/p>\n

Created by Jerry Siegel & Bernard Baily in 1939, The Spectre<\/strong> is one of the oldest characters in DC\u2019s vast character stable. He debuted with a 2-part origin epic in More Fun Comics<\/strong> #52 and 53 (cover-dated February & March 1940 and on sale from December 28th<\/sup> 1939 and February 2nd<\/sup> 1940 respectively). He was the first superhero to star in that previously all-genres anthology, and reigned supreme in the title with flamboyant, eerily eccentric supernatural thrillers. He gradually slipped from popularity as firstly Dr. Fate<\/strong> and then Johnny Quick<\/strong>, Aquaman<\/strong>, Green Arrow<\/strong> and finally Superboy<\/strong> showed up to steal the limelight.<\/p>\n

By the time of his last appearance in More Fun<\/strong> #101 February 1945, the Ghostly Guardian had been reduced to a foil for his own comedic sidekick Percival Popp, the Super-Cop<\/em>…<\/p>\n

Just like Siegel\u2019s other iconic creation, the Dark Man suffered from a basic design flaw: he was just too darn powerful. Unlike that vigorously vital and earthy early Superman<\/strong>, however, the ethereal champion of justice was already dead, so he couldn\u2019t be logically or dramatically imperilled. Of course, in those far-off early days that wasn\u2019t nearly as important as sheer spectacle: grabbing the reader\u2019s utter attention and keeping it stoked to a fantastic fever pitch. This the Grim Ghost could do with ease and ever-increasing intensity.<\/p>\n

Re-presenting the first 19 eerie episodes and following a fulsome Foreword<\/em> detailing the state of play within the budding marketplace during those last months of the 1930s – courtesy of preeminent Comics historian Dr. Jerry Bails – the arcane action in this astoundingly enticing collection commences with \u2018The Spectre: Introduction\u2019<\/em> as first espied in More Fun Comics<\/strong> #52. This wasn\u2019t the actual title: like so many strips of those early days, most stories didn\u2019t have individual descriptors and have been retroactively entitled for compilations such as this.<\/p>\n

The Astral Avenger was only barely glimpsed in this initial instalment. Instead, focus rests on hard-bitten police detective Jim Corrigan<\/em>, who is about to wed rich heiress Clarice Winston<\/em> when they are abducted by mobster Gat Benson<\/em>. Stuffed into a barrel of cement and pitched off a pier, Corrigan dies and goes to his eternal reward.<\/p>\n

Almost…<\/p>\n

Rather than finding Paradise and peace, Corrigan\u2019s spirit is accosted by a glowing light and disembodied voice which, over his strident protests, orders him return to Earth to fight crime and evil until all vestiges of them are gone. Standing on the seabed and looking at his own corpse, Corrigan began his mission by going after his own killers…<\/p>\n

MFC<\/strong> #53 details how \u2018The Spectre Strikes\u2019<\/em> as the outraged revenant swiftly, mercilessly and horrifically ends his murderers before saving Clarice. Naturally \u201cCorrigan\u201d calls off the engagement and moves out of the digs he shares with fellow cop and best friend Wayne Grant<\/em>. A cold, dead man has no need for the living. The origin ends with Corrigan implausibly sewing himself a green & white costume and swearing to eradicate all crime…<\/p>\n

Splendidly daft and intensely enthralling, this 2-part yarn comprises one of the darkest and most memorable origins in comic book annals and the feature only got better with each issue as the bitter, increasingly isolated lawman swiftly grows into the most overwhelmingly powerful hero of the Golden Age.<\/p>\n

In MFC<\/strong> #54 the Supernatural Sentinel tackles \u2018The Spiritualist\u2019<\/em>, a murderous medium and unscrupulous charlatan who almost kills Clarice and forever ends the Spectre\u2019s hopes for eternal rest, after which #55 introduces worthy opposition in \u2018Zor\u2019<\/em>: a ghost of far greater vintage and power, dedicated to promulgating evil on Earth. He too menaces Clarice and only the intervention of the Heavenly Voice and a quick upgrade in phantasmal power enables Spectre to overcome this malign menace.
\n\"\"
\nMore Fun Comics<\/strong> #56 was the first to feature Howard Sherman\u2019s Dr. Fate<\/strong> on the cover, but the Spectre was still the big attraction, even if merely mundane bandits and blackmailers instigating \u2018Terror at Lytell\u2019s\u2019<\/em> were no match for the ever-inventive wrathful wraith. Far more serious was \u2018The Return of Zor\u2019<\/em> in #57, as the horrific haunt escapes from beyond to frame Corrigan for murder and again endanger the girl Jim dare not love…<\/p>\n

An embezzler turns to murder as \u2018The Arsonist\u2019<\/em> in #58, but is no match for the cop – let alone his eldritch alter ego – whilst \u2018The Fur Hi-Jackers\u2019<\/em> actually succeed in \u201ckilling\u201d the cop, yet still suffer the Spectre\u2019s unique brand of justice. In #60, \u2018The Menace of Xnon\u2019<\/em> sees a super-scientist utilising incredible inventions to frame the ghost and even menace his ethereal existence – prompting The Voice <\/em>to again increase its servant\u2019s power. This means giving The Spectre the all-powerful Ring of Life – but not before the Ghostly Guardian has been branded Public Enemy No. 1.
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\nWith Corrigan now ordered to arrest his spectral other self on sight, #61 (another Dr. Fate cover) features \u2018The Golden Curse Deaths\u2019<\/em> wherein prominent citizens perish from a tech terror with a deadly Midas Touch, prior to \u2018The Mad Creation of Professor Fenton\u2019<\/em> pitting the Phantom Protector against a roving, ravaging, disembodied mutant super-brain. In #63, a kill-crazy racketeer gets his just deserts in the electric chair only to return and personally inflict \u2018Trigger Daniels\u2019 Death Curse\u2019<\/em> upon all who opposed him in life. Happily, The Spectre is more than his match whereas \u2018The Ghost of Elmer Watson\u2019<\/em> is a far harder foe to face. Murdered by mobsters who also nearly kill Wayne Grant<\/em>, the remnant of the vengeful dead man refuses to listen to The Spectre\u2019s brand of reason. Thus, its dreadful depredations must be dealt with in fearsome fashion…<\/p>\n

\u2018Dr. Mephisto\u2019<\/em> was a real-deal spiritualist who used an uncanny blue flame for crime in MFC<\/strong> #65, after which the Ghostly Guardian battles horrendous monsters called forth from \u2018The World Within the Paintings\u2019<\/em> (probably written by the series\u2019 first guest writer Gardner Fox), whilst Siegel scribes \u2018The Incredible Robberies\u2019<\/em>, putting the phantom policeman into fearful combat to the death and beyond with diabolical mystic Deeja Kathoon<\/em>. From #68 on The Spectre finally acknowledged someone\u2019s superiority after losing his protracted cover battle to Dr. Fate even though, inside, the \u2018Menace of the Dark Planet\u2019<\/em> features a fabulously telling tale of Earthbound Spirit against alien invasion by life-leeching Little Green Men. In his next exploit \u2018The Strangler\u2019<\/em> murders lead Corrigan into an improbable case with an impossible killer…<\/p>\n

This terrifying titanic but far-too-short tome terminates on issue #70 and \u2018The Crimson Circle Mystery Society\u2019<\/em> in which a sinister cult employs merciless phantasmal psychic agent Bandar<\/em> to carry out its deadly schemes and desires…<\/p>\n

Although still a mighty force of fun and fearful entertainment, The Spectre\u2019s Glory Days and Nights were waning, with more credible champions coming to the fore. He would be one of the first casualties of the post-War decline in mystery men and not be seen again until the Silver Age of 1960\u2019s. His path to his own title was tough then too and also led to an early retirement…<\/p>\n

Moreover, when he did finally return to comics full-time, the previously omnipotent phantasm was curtailed by strict limits and as he continued to evolve through various returns, refits and reboots The Spectre was finally transmogrified: being bound to a tormented mortal soul inescapably attached to the actual embodiment of the biblical Wrath of God. Revamped and revived in perpetuity, revealed as the Spirit of Vengeance wedded to a human conscience, Jim Corrigan was finally laid to rest in the 1990s and Hal <\/em>(Green Lantern<\/strong>) Jordan<\/em> replaced him. Returning to basics in more recent years, the next host was murdered Gotham City cop Crispus Allen<\/em>.<\/p>\n

They\u2019re all worth tracking down and exhuming: spooky comic champions who have never failed to deliver an enthralling, haunted hero rollercoaster – or is that Ghost Train? – of thrills and chills.
\n\u00a9 1940, 1941, 2003 DC Comics. All Rights Reserved.<\/p>\n

Today in 1942 writer Michael Fleischer<\/strong> was born. We\u2019ve covered far too many of his books like Jonah Hex<\/strong> and the Spectre<\/strong> to list here so just use the search box, OK? One year later Roy Cranes<\/strong>\u2019 Buz Sawyer<\/strong> began. Do yourself a huge favour by diving into Buz Sawyer: The War in the Pacific<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Jerry Siegel & Bernard Baily with Gardner F. Fox & various (DC Comics) ISBN: 978-1-5638-9955-3 (HB) This book includes Discriminatory Content produced in less enlightened times. Win\u2019s Christmas Gift Recommendation: Masterpieces for all Comics Addicts… 9\/10 Ola! Happy D\u00eda de (los) Muertos! There were and still are a lot of comics anniversaries this year: … <\/p>\n

Continue reading “The Golden Age Spectre Archives”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[75,305,76,102,225,127,68],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-33976","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-crime-comics","category-dc-horror","category-dc-superhero","category-fantasy","category-mystery","category-nostalgia","category-the-spectre"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p4AFj-8Q0","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.comicsreview.co.uk\/nowreadthis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33976","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.comicsreview.co.uk\/nowreadthis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.comicsreview.co.uk\/nowreadthis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.comicsreview.co.uk\/nowreadthis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.comicsreview.co.uk\/nowreadthis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33976"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.comicsreview.co.uk\/nowreadthis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33976\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":33980,"href":"https:\/\/www.comicsreview.co.uk\/nowreadthis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33976\/revisions\/33980"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.comicsreview.co.uk\/nowreadthis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33976"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.comicsreview.co.uk\/nowreadthis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33976"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.comicsreview.co.uk\/nowreadthis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33976"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}