Written by John Ostrander
Art by Tom Mandrake; Carla Feeny; Digital Chameleon; & Todd Klein
Cover Art by Timothy Truman
SUMMARY:
Published by DC Comics for February 1994, it’s entitled “Old Blood.” On the Sinai Peninsula, the Phantom Stranger warns the infuriated Spectre re: his desire to destroy Earth for its evil. In Cairo, the Hayoth (mystic Ramban; swordswoman Judith; & Golem) reluctantly stands to protect ex-terrorist Kemal Saad during Israeli-Palestine diplomatic discussions.
Though he fails to enlist Constantine, the Phantom Stranger recruits Inza Nelson’s Doctor Fate and Etrigan the Demon to face the Spectre. In Cairo, in order to kill Saad, the Spectre dispatches Golem & Ramban in battle. Judith is betrayed by her boss: Colonel Hacohen, who is possessed by Eclipso. Ramban joins the Spectre vs. Eclipso; yet, the Spectre himself may be the next corrupted by Eclipso.
REVIEW:
Capably supported by Tom Mandrake’s art team, writer John Ostrander pens an intriguing look at the Spectre’s gradual descent into madness. Curiously, one scene makes little sense: early on, it’s implied that Jim Corrigan/Spectre is temporarily possessing Colonel Hachohen in the presence of the Hayoth. Yet, it’s later revealed that Hacohen is Eclipso’s pawn. Unless he meant it as deliberately ambiguous, Orstrander doesn’t clarify this plot twist.
Also, in his cameo, an inebriated Constantine is depicted face down in booze and/or vomit; yet, on the next page, the liquid appears to be blood. Ostrander doesn’t explain this oddity, either (unless it’s a coloring gaffe).
Otherwise, this issue has some top-flight scenes, including Ramban vs. the Spectre (twice!) and the Phantom Stranger’s recruitment efforts. For those reasons alone, Spectre # 15 is definitely worth the read.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There is a two-page letters-and-answers column. Also, a single-page Justice League public service announcement for the National AIDS Hotline features Fire, Blue Beetle, and Booster Gold.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
