Written by John Ostrander
Art by Tom Mandrake; Todd Klein; Carla Feeny; & Digital Chameleon
Cover Art by Tom Mandrake
SUMMARY:
Published for May 1994 by DC Comics, a four-issue arc concludes with “Final Judgments.” Ramban, Madame Xanadu, and Father Craemer free Jim Corrigan’s soul from the Eclipso-corrupted Spectre, but now they must free Corrigan himself. In battle, an infuriated Phantom Stranger realizes what has occurred. He urges his allies (Zatanna Zatara; Etrigan the Demon; and Inza Nelson’s Dr. Fate) to re-double their efforts to fixate the Spectre’s wrath on them instead of obliterating Earth.
Father Craemer urges a depressed Corrigan to regain his faith in God. The Stranger saves Inza Nelson from Eclipso, but it may be too late for Zatanna & Etrigan. Facing their now-corrupted allies and Eclipso, the Stranger and Dr. Fate need their own rescue.
Corrigan’s willpower to reclaim the Spectre’s mantle saves Zatanna and Etrigan before expelling Eclipso. The Spectre then unleashes his full power against Eclipso. Confessing his conscience-driven frustrations, Corrigan’s Spectre realizes (after fifty years) that he must confront and comprehend evil to better grasp the darkness within his own soul.
REVIEW:
To writer John Ostrander’s credit, he keeps his story’s metaphysical and religious elements dramatically comprehensible without the climax becoming a cop-out. Guest stars Zatanna; Etrigan; Inza Nelson’s Dr. Fate; Ramban; and the Phantom Stranger make valuable contributions, as Eclipso’s threat is satisfyingly resolved.
Capably supporting Ostrander is a competent art team, whose low-key visuals deliver exactly what is necessary. The Spectre # 18 sets up the character’s insightful new weapon: human empathy, making this issue a potent read.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There is a page-length tribute honoring late artist Jack Kirby.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars
