Star Jaws And More!

Will Eisner was always looking for new outlets for his cartooning skills, and he found such an outlet with Baronet paperbacks. These are breezy and light-hearted gags which put me in mind of Dave Berg's work for MAD Magazine. The books were arranged by theme and Eisner's work was combined with that of Keith Diaczun, Barry Caldwell, and Wade Hampton. 

These frothy little paperbacks must've found an audience because there are several of them. I've managed to round up the ones pictured here. 

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The Spirit Archives Volume Twenty-Three!

In the twenty-third volume of Will Eisner's The Spirit Archives we near the end of the run and will witness Eisner stepping away from his creation again. This time it will not be the war that forces him to leave the weekly supplement but rather the fact that business is better in other areas. Talents such as Jules Feiffer, Klaus Nordling and James Dixon will be left to keep the Central City fires burning for a bit longer. 

A Ticket Home July 1, 1951

The Spirit is desperate to get back to Central City after a long odyssey in Asia and so accepts passage on a flight arranged by P'Gell out of a country seeking to imprison all foreigners. But the ever-treacherous P'Gell in typical fashion is playing both sides against the middle for her own benefit and she and The Spirit end up aboard a plane lost at sea, a plane neither of them can fly. This was both written and drawn by Klaus Nordling. 

The Loot of Robinson Crusoe June 8, 1951

Stranded on a remote island with a gorgeous woman like P'Gell seems an attractive prospect for any typical man, but The Spirit is always on the alert for his female ally to turn the tables on him as they both seek food and shelter on the island. It turns out the island is not quite deserted and fact that both pearls and diamonds seem to be scattered about only increases the motives for deceit and danger as the duo seek rescue. This was both written and drawn by Klaus Nordling with inks by James Dixon. 

Heat July 15, 1951

During a heatwave The Spirit lies largely helpless in an alley while the city's activities unfold all around him. He has been wounded in a battle against the minions of The Octopus. Since we know our hero will survive it is little surprise when his limp form is eventually discovered. This one was written by Jules Fieffer and drawn by Eisner with James Dixon inks. 

Quiet July 22, 1951

The Spirit is in hospital recuperating from his wounds suffered at the hands of the mob of The Octopus. The villain sends three killers to finish the job while both Commissioner Dolan and Mayor Dolan visit our hero, who must take matters into his recovering mitts to save his life. This was written and drawn by Klaus Nordling with James Dixon inks. 

Veta Bara July 29, 1951

Commissioner Dolan resigns and we discover that he does so because he's been torn between his duty to uphold the law and his infatuation with a lovely woman named Veta Bara who in all likelihood murdered her husband. The Spirit seeks enough evidence to reopen her trial, while Dolan succumbs for a time to her ample charms. This was written by Jules Fieffer and drawn by Will Eisner with possible input from Klaus Nordling. James Dixon supplies the inks. 

The Return of the Narcissus August 5, 1951

The Spirit tells a tale of his time before he returned from the Far East. He ends up at a remote location called the Copra Outpost and is there when a ship called The Narcissus arrives, a mere thirty-three years late to the day. He boards this spooky craft and explores it finally chancing upon the ship's log which details a mutiny which left the ship, its captain and passengers helpless before a hurricane. Now The Spirit is in possession of the log despite being told it was impossible. Most likely written by Klaus Nordling with art by James Dixon. 

The Foxtrot Poll August 12, 1951

The target is television, specifically color television and we are treated to a Spirit story fashioned like a TV show with commercials and all. Commissioner Dolan is being interviewed by host Bert Smirk about The Spirit's attempt to crack a diamond smuggling ring which just so happens to involve his childhood love Sand Saref. Included in this story are ads for Gunny Sack Tobacco and Contour Blades made of rubber. Written by Jules Feiffer with art by Eisner with Dixon inks. 

Night on the Waterfront August 19, 1951

The mob is making a huge effort to gain control of the docks and it's up to Commissioner Dolan, The Spirit and the rest of the police force to help stop this gangster takeover. The mob moves with military precision, and despite more than a few blows to his famously tough noggin, The Spirit is able to infiltrate and help block the takeover. Most likely written by Klaus Nordling with art by James Dixon. 

Deacon Mantis August 26, 1951

Deacon Mantis is a fire and brimstone preacher from the hill country outside Central City, a preacher who leaves his mountain flock to go to Central City to confront sin there. He's taken in by pickpockets Light Touch and Fingers who use the crowds his booming messages assemble to ply their illicit trade without his knowledge. When he learns that his devout messages have been so corrupted Mantis calls down divine doom on the "vermin" of Central City, and then he returns to the hills. It might be a coincidence that every gangster in the city drops dead, or maybe not. Written by Jules Feiffer with art by James Dixon. 

Dance of the Bullfighter September 2, 1951

Bull Faraday tells the story of Francesca and her Dance of the Bullfighter. Faraday becomes her manager and eventually falls in love with the entrancing dancer, who it turns out might well be a murderer. He helps to cover for her most recent crime, and despite repeated questioning by The Spirit continues to help prod Francesca's career. Eventually she dances with a real bull, always it seems seeking greater danger. If justice is eventually done is left for the reader to decide. Written by Jules Feiffer with art by James Dixon. 

Dr. Schyzoid September 9, 1951

While The Spirit and Commissioner Dolan furiously attempt to bring some jewel thieves to justice, a Dr. Schyzoid analyzes the action and suggests deep-seated psychological conditions explain The Spirit's relentless desire to see justice done as well as to why he hides his identity behind a mask. The villains too are examined as is Dolan. Everyone in the story, which plays out behind Schyzoid's back on a stage come under his professional scrutiny. Written by Jules Feiffer with art by James Dixon. 

The Counterfeit Killer September 16, 1951

Things get hot for The Spirit and for Commissioner Dolan when a handsome fellow turns up in Central City claiming to be Denny Colt. Not only must The Spirit get to the bottom of the mystery of the man who has stolen his identity, but Commissioner Dolan must answer for why he has allowed the estate of Colt to be used over the many years since Denny's seeming demise. When the stranger is killed, Dolan suspects The Spirit might be responsible and soon the law takes its course. Written by Jules Feiffer with art by James Dixon. 

Stony Keefer September 23, 1951

We learn the story of Stony Keefer, a man who is a contract killer for the mob and the patient of Dr. Silken Floss. Keefer falls in love with Floss and when he's contracted to kill her, he finds that his professionalism as a criminal, clashes with his romantic desire. It's a thorny problem for the professional hitman and explains why the story begins with Keefer atop a trash heap. Written by Jules Feiffer with art by James Dixon. 

The Decline and Fall of the Roamin' Umpire September 30, 1951

In a quite funny parody of Casey and the Bat we are treated to a baseball game in which The Spirit, Commissioner Dolan and sundry police officers play against convicts, a literal "Murderer's Row". The umpire is a convict as well and his decisions behind the plate suggest he's a less than fair arbiter of the game. The cops have a hard time scoring until at last, The Spirit strikes out with explosive results. Written by Jules Feiffer with art by James Dixon. 

The Suicide Town October 7, 1951

Weepsdale is a town that loses control when a corrupt contractor commits suicide, but circumstances suggest might have been murdered. When suspicion falls on his honest rival, the citizens choose to take the law into their own hands and justice loses as does the entire town when their actions result in a ferocious fire. We get the story from a young accountant who is confessing his particular sins to The Spirit. Written by Klaus Nordling with art by James Dixon. 

Tiny Buttrix October 14, 1951

Tiny Buttrix is a tough young woman who demands help from the police and The Spirit when she feels she's being followed and someone is harassing her boyfriends. The Spirit's investigation uncovers a secret fund, a brutal young fellow who loves a sap, and a gangster fresh from jail with a potent secret. Bullets fly tragically as this story winds its way to a conclusion. Written by Jules Feiffer with art by James Dixon. 

A Guide to Clean Living October 21, 1951

We are treated to seventeen tips for clean and healthy living all the time seeing in pantomime The Spirit pursue a gang of thugs in an attempt to bring them to justice. The battle rages in ironic counterpoint to the suggestions in this parody of a public service pamphlet. The artwork is weird in this one as everyone seems to have very short legs, either intentionally or more likely in an attempt to fit the visuals in above the text. Written by Jules Feiffer with art by James Dixon. 

A Perfect Crime Plot October 28, 1951

Young Marvin is a man who has always it seems gotten the blame for things he didn't do. This creates a bitterness in him and eventually he develops a fantasy of committing a terrible crime which he will get away with. When he's brought in for questioning for a bank robbery, he's innocent of, he chooses to leave town, but not before being pursued by The Spirit who suspects him of having stolen a painting. When an opportunity to commit his perfect crime presents itself Marvin submits, but as you might suspect justice does offer an ironic solution. Written by Jules Feiffer with art by James Dixon. 

Claymore's Castle Curse November 4, 1951

When a young man returns to Claymore Castle to claim his inheritance, the past rears up and he's soon caught in a squeeze between gangsters wanting the riches hidden in the castle and a strange beast which haunts the grounds of the ancient estate. The Spirit and Commissioner Dolan are called in by Scotland Yard when a murder occurs on the grounds. Written by Klaus Nordling with art by James Dixon. 

Vote for Scallion November 11, 1951

When a man named Frank disappoints his wife Elly with the news that newly elected governor Scallion will not give him a much-needed job in his administration, Frank takes steps to revenge himself on the false friend from his old neighborhood. The Spirit and Commissioner Dolan are called upon to supply police protection for the parade celebrating the new governor's election when violence breaks out. One is hard-pressed not to think of the tragic assassination of JFK when reading this 1951 yarn. Written by Jules Feiffer with art by James Dixon. 

Baleful Buddha November 18, 1951

This is a reprise of a previous Spirit tale titled "The Bucket of Blood". An undertaker appears from nowhere at the bar the Bucket of Blood where hoods battle over possession of a mysterious idol which presumably grants its owner ultimate protection from harm. As the criminals fight it out, The Spriit arrives to take them into custody and gets a solid beating for his trouble. Written by Jules Feiffer with art by James Dixon. 

The League of Liars November 25, 1951

We learn of a scheme concocted by The Octopus to steal six million dollars-worth of securities through three different small essays written by Mr. Carrion, P'Gell and The Octopus himself. Each writes down why they hate The Spirit the most, and in each case it reveals how our hero foils his or her part in the robbery. Mr. Carrion's attempt to be a lookout fails when Julia is compromised by love, P'Gell is frustrated when The Spirit rejects her advances, and The Octopus is finally put behind bars. Written by Jules Feiffer with art by James Dixon. 

The Man from Mars December 2, 1951

Mr. RZL is a man from Mars, but he looks like a man of Earth. He comes to Earth to bring a message of peace, but his arrival ignites a hysterical wave of fear and hate which ultimately undermines his mission and brings about a change in the Martian himself. The Spirit comes to believe that Mr. RZL is what he claims to be, but others are skeptical. Written by Jules Feiffer with art by James Dixon. 

The Balloons December 9, 1951

Madness overtakes a brilliant professor who ultimately kills. In this story which reprises an earlier Spirit yarn we follow Professor Hormone as he prepares his experiments in balloons to evaluate the upper atmosphere. An assistant named Phip proves to be a singular burden to Hormone and eventually rage gets the better of the Professor. Commissioner Dolan and The Spirit are left to divine the truth of the crime six months after the crime. Most likely written by Klaus Nordling with art by Manny Stallman. 

The Spirit Gets Older December 16, 1951

When The Spirit gets shot that's nothing new, but when he's told his age is requiring him to take longer and longer to recover, he begins to rethink his approach to crimefighting. When he goes to track down his attempted murderer, our hero takes a ferocious beating, and we are left to wonder if a domestic life might be what's best if he's to keep on being healthy. Written by Jules Feiffer with art by Don Perlin. 

Christmas Spirit - Joe Fix December 23, 1951

Joe Fix is contracted by Lucifer himself to wage a war on Christmas. Fix is notorious for "fixing" things and he uses his influence and bribes to change the public's opinion of Santa Claus, causing even children (as evidenced by a rare appearance of Sammy and Willum) to doubt the old elf's goodness. In a campaign which puts public pressure to ruin the holiday Fix is promised a cool million dollars, but as we see The Spirit and the Christmas Spirit win out. Written by Jules Feiffer with art by Manny Stallman. 

Joshua Blows His Horn December 30, 1951

When a drunken New Year's Even celebrant imagines he's Joshua and blows his horn the walls of a bank actually do tumble to the ground. Gathering up the revealed wealth the drunk wanders off only to be waylaid by two thugs named Prosper and Rathbone. They are pursued by The Spirit who is still recovering from wounds suffered a few weeks before and take refuge in a holiday party, but unwisely choose one attended by the police. This one features a rare appearance by P.S. Smith. Most likely written by Klaus Nordling with art by Manny Stallman. 

Eisner's absence hurts the series no doubt, but that doesn't mean there are not still entertainments to be had. The artwork of James Dixon is a far cry from Eisner's lush look, but it did remind me of one of my favorite artists -- Sam Grainger. Grainger was primarily an inker, but he had a wistful style that was much like Dixon's in many ways. The nagging theme of The Spirit's age seems to be the creators commenting on the very nature of the strip itself, as not only is the hero showing signs of age, so is the series and attempts to rejuvenate it are starting to fail. But The Spirit was not dead yet.

Next time we wrap up long run of The Spirit with the final volume dedicated to the Spirit Sections. It's an over-sized affair showcasing all the stories for the final year of 1952. See you in a fortnight. 

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The Big-Screen Spirit!

When The Spirit was released to the cinemas a nearly two decades ago now, I was hopeful that some of Will Eisner's greatest creation would be translated to the big screen at long last.  I'm not naive enough to imagine that the translation would be seamless or that I'd be completely happy, but I held out hope that given a solid comic book man like Frank Miller was in charge, that the essence of the character would remain.

I hoped in vain.

The Spirit we meet on the screen (Gabriel Macht) is a mopey self-absorbed hipster who bounces around town in his overly stylish tennis shoes like a noir Spider-Man. He's got some fetish for "his city" and waxes on endlessly about how he and the city are connected. (A bit too much of the Batman-brew for me.) That would be okay, save that this connection is largely ignored after an overly long set up.

As bad though as The Spirit is, the Octopus (Samuel L. Jackson) is a disaster. The mysterious largely unseen villain of the comics is transformed into a loquacious maniac who kills for sheer delight. Both he and the Spirit it seems have been transformed into supermen of a sort and battle each other out of some grand ennui which more than anything else seems to inform this culture. The city and its occupants seem bored, and the audience cannot be far behind.

The women though are beautiful -- Eva Mendes as Sand Saref, Sarah Paulson as Dr. Ellen Dolan, Paz Vega as Plaster of Paris, Jamie King as Lorelei Rox, and Scarlet Johansson as Silken Floss. The filmmaking is at least stylish and visually arresting in places, but overall, The Spirit as imagined by Frank Miller rambles too far from the source material and finds itself lost. It's a rather dull story actually with some clever set pieces which after it's all said and done don't add up to a good movie. The Spirit deserved better. 

It's a shame really. Will never saw it. That's probably a blessing.

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The Small-Screen Spirit!

Sam Jones was quite something. He burst into my consciousness with his outlandish but irrepressible take on Alex Raymond's classic hero Flash Gordon in the early 80's movie which attempted to revive the franchise and earned many an admirer in doing so. It has a vintage charm nowadays for me, and I've always thought Max Von Sydow the ideal Ming, but Jones always looked a little bit in over his thespian head in that one. Well with The Spirit, a presumably failed ABC 1987 pilot he does a little better in my estimation. There are some pretty big problems with this one, but for the most part they ain't at the feet of Sam Jones.

Being a TV production, it seems the problem might have been budget. The highlights of this show are the settings in Wildwood Cemetery and a few of the noirish settings which felt spot on for The Spirit as established by Eisner oily pen. But also on hand were many bright daylight scenes in the heart of suburbia which totally compromised the effect. And let's talk about the Spirit's suit, it's supposed to be black isn't it. I always assumed the blue was the classic blue-for-black conundrum which early comics faced. Having Sam Jones show up in the bright afternoon to Central City in a bright blue suit we know will become the Spirit's togs really created a breakdown in tone. On the plus side is Ellen Dolan (Nana Visitor) who is lovely and sexy and P'Gell (Laura Robinson) who is arguably even more so. I also liked the top thug in this one, a guy dubbed "Bruno". Ebony renamed "Eubie"(Bumper Robinson) shows up as a frisky kid who helps the Spirit survive his origin and then mostly disappears. Commissioner Dolan is well portrayed by Gary Walberg, a veteran TV actor as well. 

I wanted to really like this one, didn't expect to do so, but ended more pleased than I expected -- if all that makes any sense.

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The Spirit Archives Volume Twenty-Two!

The twenty-second volume of Will Eisner's The Spirit Archives offers up some of Eisner's best stories about his famous masked detective. Old enemies return as well as many of those folks who mean only good for our hero. But the series is poised for changes as Eisner will start to move away and increasingly rely on others to keep the series afloat. 

A Time-Stop January 7, 1951

When an explosion in space stops the rotation of the Earth for a brief period, time stops. During that bizarre intermission on New Year's Eve no less, a Mr. Marc Tymely is saved from being executed by a vengeful thug named Ringo Sykes, and he learns that everyone save for himself is frozen in place. He uses his freedom of movement to commit an array of crimes before time starts again. What happens when time does restart creates a mystery for Commissioner Dolan and The Spirit to ponder. 

Rife Magazine January 14, 1951

In a parody of Life Magazine, we get a series of images and captions which introduce the cast of The Spirit series, at least as perceived by the public. We get snapshots of The Spirit, Ellen Dolan, Commissioner Dolan, Silk Satin, P'Gell, Sand Saref, and others such as Darling O'Shea, Dick Whittler, Sammy and Willum, and even Mr. Carrion and Julia. 

Future Death January 21, 1951

Professor Tempus J. Fugit enters the police station and confesses to the murder of The Spirit. It turns out though that the alleged murder took place in the future, specifically 1970. We have the pleasure of meeting a middle-aged Spirit, plump and happy with his wife Ellen and son Denny. We meet a retired Dolan after a lifetime of leading the police department. Then we witness the crime in a world free of guns, at least as described by the perpetrator. His attempts to find just punishment fall on deaf ears alas. 

The Meanest Man in the World January 28, 1951

Splinter Weevil might well be the "meanest man in the world" but we are witness to his brutal upbringing and it's not difficult to understand where the cold hatred he has for the world originated. Finding no solace from a desolate family, he leaves to find success in criminal ventures, even murder. The Spirit is of course called upon to track down the villain. The teller of this tale might be a surprise. 

Showdown February 4, 1951

We are told a story of how Commissioner Dolan gets a call and goes to confront the notorious Octopus, returned to his station as master of crime in Central City. The Spirit of course gets involved with the fight and a ferocious one it is, ending in the "death" of The Octopus himself. But the villain proves difficult to kill as a certain blind man in Central City can tell you. 

The Octopus is Back February 11, 1951

When a Blind Man travels the streets and subways of Central City in search of The Octopus, he finds him. The reports of his death have been much exaggerated, but the doom possible for The Spirit seems all to possible when he falls into the vengeful clutches of his longtime enemy. As a reader, it's exceedingly nice to see the ultimate Spirit baddie return. 

To Spirit with Love February 18, 1951

The Octopus seems to be behind the scheme by Mr. Carrion to undermine The Spirit by pretending to woo Mayor Ellen Dolan. But when Carrion really falls for the fetching Mayor, that creates a problem for The Octopus, and the two villains come to a parting of the ways with exceedingly violent results. The Spirit for his part is mad with jealousy and the idea of marriage to Ellen resurfaces after quite some time. 

The Portier Fortune February 25, 1951

A French detective name DuFrane shows up to investigate the possible theft of the Portier jewels and finds murder as well as the always gorgeous P'Gell. It seems that P'Gell might well be guilty of the murder and she is arrested, but things are not what they seem as usual and it takes the keen senses of The Spirit to discover the truth of the matter, though P'Gell herself is far from helpless. Much of this tale is a reprint from an earlier 1946 adventure. 

Death is My Destiny March 4, 1951

This story is told from the point of view of a special gun made by Amos File, an honest gunsmith for two hoods named Enoch Vane and his henchman Smiley. File is forced to make the untraceable gun and curses it with his dying breath. The Spirit gets involved in hunting down the men who killed File and who plan to use the gun to silence another hood who is scheduled to testify against them. The reader never doubts the curse will play out. This is a revised and redrawn story from 1942.

The Case of the Double Jones March 11, 1951

Joe Jones began his criminal career in the gold fields of Alaska where he murdered his partner after a strike. He encounters his exact duplicate, a man also named Joe Jones and the two become entwined throughout what remains of their lives. Later Jones murders his new wife to get her fortune and eventually he moves to Central City where The Spirit becomes interested in his behavior. The doppleganger Jones always is around to save the original. 

Darling and the Octopus March 18, 1951

The Spirit pursues The Octopus to a remote Florida island, but things get exceedingly complicated when that turns out to be an island which has been bought by Darling O'Shea, the very wealthy but very spoiled young girl. Her encounter with the deadly Octopus turns out to be a hair-raising event for the villain as O'Shea might well be his match. Andre LeBlanc worked on the backgrounds. 

Damsels in Distress March 25, 1951

Officer Klink attempts to teach two young boys about respect for the police with a story from his early days on the force. The story is actually a reprise of an earlier Spirit story from 1947 and tells how Klink was in competition with The Spirit and falls into the clutches of the gorgeous P'Gell and her spritely daughter Saree. Getting to the bottom of a crime is hard for a cop when he cannot take his eyes off the culprit. As it turns out the boys are already respectful of the cops for a particular reason. 

The Last Prowl of Mephisto April 1, 1951

The Devil comes to Central City under the name of Lucifer T. Mephisto and is eager to snatch up a few souls. When Mayor Ellen Dolan gets fed up with the sexist comments of The Spirit it's into the cab of Mephisto that she lands. This leads her to end up in the hideout of the Hambo Mob who are upset with Mayor Dolan for her relentless pursuit of them. The Spirit shows up to save the day and round up the gang, and Mephisto finds out that gathering souls in the modern world is complicated. This story was likely inked by James Dixon. 

Destiny for Johnny Buffalo April 8, 1951

A young boy in a coonskin cap named Walkalong Haggerty rides his tricycle in relentless pursuit of owlhoots and spots The Spirit and follows him as he is on the trail of the wanted criminal Johnny Buffalo. It's a wild ride for all concerned as the youngster hunts down his prey with implacable energy, that is until he finally needs a nap. 

Time Bomb April 15, 1951

A political fixer and operator of the Escape Travel Agency named Pinnacle and his minion Fingle are attempting to blackmail Commissioner Dolan. It appears that they might be successful, but Dolan shows up not with money but a bomb and demands a confession by a certain time or its curtains. Meanwhile The Spirit is desperately attempting to round up the gang before the deadline. 

Hobart April 22, 1951

Hobart is a happy but silent hermit who has found a happy life away from society. His paradise is invaded by a gangster named The Commodore and his trio of henchmen. The also bring The Spirit with them, as they have captured our hero. The Commodore imagines that Hobart must be a villain also, hiding from the police and attempts to bribe him but Hobart has no use for money save to burn it to start a fire. When The Spirit does get loose things really break out in some hectic action. 

Help Wanted April 29, 1951

Commissioner Dolan is flummoxed when a man named Lester who looks just like him shows up and offers to stand in for him. When he rejects the offer the other man shaves him and takes his place while Dolan cools his heels in jail. Meanwhile the man's brother Ed also turns out to look just like Dolan and with three identical men it proves a real challenge for The Spirit to get to the bottom of the case, especially since the first bogus Dolan fired him from the force. 

The Facts May 6, 1951

In this strange tale of alien invasion, we are introduced to Mr. Carrion's nephew named Ghoul. Ghoul is a prolific inventor and has not only a rocket but also concocts a TV which picks up transmissions from Mars and when the Martians find out they are under scrutiny they come to Earth to take action. The Spirit is the only member of the police force to take the situation seriously, but even after it's all said and done his colleagues still imagine he's been on a fool's errand. The art is by Klaus Nordling and Jim Dixon. 

The Hero May 13, 1951

Henry J. Timeclock was a quiet unassuming man who was far from king of his castle and was forced to commute to work on a relentless schedule to a job of drudgery. But he was not a complainer until he tries to get a seat on his train and finds himself caught up in a robbery, one which The Spirit is attempting to thwart. When Henry finds himself aboard a runaway train with death and mayhem the only result, he becomes a hero, but will anyone ever know. The art is by Klaus Nordling and Jim Dixon. 

The 7th Husband May 20, 1951

The lovely P'Gell is at it again with her seventh husband, this one named Ellis Murdoch is a shipping magnate and he even names a ship after his new bride just before the ship sails with a cargo of guns headed for a warlord named King Kwang in the Far East. Aboard the S.S. P'Gell is The Spirit who hopes to stop the illicit transaction and though he succeeds he finds himself stranded in a distant land. Eisner drew this one with inks by Jim Dixon. 

King Kwang May 27, 1951

Stranded in the Far East, The Spirit finds himself up against the warlord King Kwang, a brutal military revolutionary who returns to his home village and his mother with his cruel army bent on putting the people into servitude. He closes the school and dismisses the teacher Yuang, and then has a happy reunion with his very proud mother. Then news of government reprisal reaches Kwang's ears, and he prepares to wreck the train to stop his loss of power. The Spirit gets involved despite his best efforts. The art is by Klaus Nordling and Jim Dixon. 

The Thing in the Jungle June 3, 1951

Still trying to make his way across the continent to a seaport, The Spirit hooks up with big-game hunter Travail. Travail is a cruel man who is relentless in his pursuit of his prey, this time a legendary creature known as "The Thing". His traps are useless as The Thing proves too intelligent and surprisingly too gentle to trap easily. By story's end Travail is a changed man and The Spirit is once again on the road to home...eventually. The art is by Klaus Nordling and Jim Dixon. 

Wanchu June 10, 1951

The Spirit finds himself in the remote village of Wanchu after an encounter with rebels in the mountains. He finds Wanchu ruled by Warlord Loo - The Morning Lotus, a lovely but cruel woman who is keen to oppress the local population. But she and her men are confident that their advantage in arms will secure them from the rebel attacks. When The Spirit discovers the true nature of the situation he decides to alter the balance of power. The art is by Klaus Nordling and Jim Dixon. 

Khyber Bill June 17, 1951

After a single panel where we learn that the Dolans and Sammy have been monitoring as best they can The Spirit's progress, we get the story of Khyber Bill and his son Willy, two British mercenaries. They work for the Rajah of Opagjore, and he wants them to make sure that Lamasery of the Holy Ones is brought down so as to not pose a threat to his power. The Spirit takes up their cause and after the death of the Rajah, things really amp up. The art is by Klaus Nordling and Jim Dixon. Eisner did touch ups to the faces of the last several sections as well. 

School is Out June 24, 1951

Our scene shifts back to Central City, but The Spirit is not yet home. The only glimpse we get is his small image on a newspaper suggesting he might well be dead. Instead we are treated to the return of Ebony White who celebrates the end of the school season with his best girl Liz and two other friends by setting sail on a cruise of adventure out to sea. In classic Tom Sawyer fashion, the kids imagine a grander adventure than the one they actually take with Ebony imagining he's solving a jewel heist as well. When he finds a cache of crabapple jelly, he might be closer to the solution than he thinks. The cops of Central City welcome him back...eventually. The art is by Klaus Nordling and Jim Dixon. 

This is not the strongest volume in the run by any means. Eisner pet project is beginning to lose readership and he's refocusing his efforts elsewhere. The running of marginally revised vintage tales speaks to the lack of energy to create something new, and the art begins to lose its vigor as well. The Eisner gloss is still there on most stories, but he layouts and storytelling are becoming somewhat pedestrian. It's a shame that not more was done with Ellen Dolan's run as Mayor in this sequence, but perhaps next time. Sammy and Willum disappear and by the final story Ebony has returned. If it's for good remains to be seen. 

We take a look at the last half of 1951, the penultimate year of the series in the next volume in a few weeks' time. While the general quality of the series is slipping there are highlights still to enjoy. 

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