Pasty-faced Fun: Spectre #1

When you think of ghosts, you usually think of something scary. Ghosts jump out at you in the night, screaming and moaning and making you run for the exorcist. Maybe they possess creepy dolls, or make the walls of your house bleed, or throw some crockery around. At the very least, they leave creepy Ouija Board messages. Scary stuff, kids!

However; in the DC Universe, ghosts apparently can't do squat. At least, that's the case for the ghost of Crispus Allen. Allen is a ex-homicide detective. "Ex" because he is, ironically for the guy who shows up at murder scenes, deceased in the line of duty. Shortly after his death, where he is quite surprised to find himself still hanging around, Crispus is paid a visit by the Spectre. The pasty-faced Instrument of Divine Justice wants to recruit Detective Allen for the cause, but the recently deceased detective is not interested in the position.

Not one to take no for an answer, the Spectre gives Crispus a year to ponder his choice. In that year, he discovers that ghosts just can't do very much. He observes the world around him, but he can't make his presence felt to his family, to his killer, or even to Batman. (And that guy doesn't miss anything!) After a year of this unsatisfying existence, Allen is a bit more interested when the Spectre returns, but administering God's justice may not be the gig he is expecting...

The Spectre #1, an Infinite Crisis Aftermath tie-in, is written by Will Pfeifer with art by Cliff Chiang. Pfeifer's story tells you everything you need to know about the Spectre, and makes a great start for this new series. I knew nothing about the Spectre going into this issue and I never felt like I was missing anything, despite the ties to other DCU stories. Chiang's art is dark and spooky, so it has the right vibe for this otherworldly tale.

If you want a little ghostly fun, but don't want to cut holes in your good sheets, give The Spectre #1 a try. Don't be scared to try it now, while it is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week!