The Spirit
DC Comics. All written and drawn by Will Eisner unless otherwise noted.
The Spirit Archives 1 (June-December 1940). [From
DC Comics: DC announces plans for THE SPIRIT ARCHIVES, an ambitious
project designed to present full-color reprints of Eisner's most famous
creation—complete and in chronological order spanning from 1940 to
1952—in handsome hardcover volumes. The first of fifteen planned volumes
(scheduled for release three times a year through 2004) arrives in stores
this May, and the arrival of THE SPIRIT ARCHIVES Volume 1 is cause for celebration
among longtime Eisner fans and newcomers alike. Featuring a new introduction
by Eisner, the first volume in the series reprints the Spirit weeklies (7-
and 8-page stories included with many Sunday newspapers) from the character's
introduction on June 2, 1940 through the end of that year. In unforgettable
stories that seem as ahead of their time now as they must have on publication,
readers meet Denny Colt, a man who, after being buried by mistake in Wildwood
Cemetery, dons a mask and becomes The Spirit, "the greatest crimefighter
of them all, to aid the weak and oppressed." From his secret headquarters—complete
with crime lab—in his underground tomb, the Spirit embarks on lighthearted,
action-packed adventures against con men, murderers, femmes fatales, mobsters,
and more, aided by his sidekick, Ebony, and the irascible Commissioner Dolan,
as well as Dolan's beautiful daughter, Ellen. All the stories in this volume
have been painstakingly recolored to Eisner's specifications from the best-quality
source materials available, making this collection the best way to see The
Spirit.] 
The Spirit Archives 2 (January-June 1941). [From
DC Comics: The first-ever chronological full-color reprinting of Will
Eisner's most famous creation—The Spirit—continues in August with
THE SPIRIT ARCHIVES Volume 2. This stirring hardcover volume reprints the
weekly Spirit newspaper sections that originally appeared from January 5
through June 29, 1941. This period saw writer/artist Eisner's storytelling
talents continue to mature as he developed new levels of sophistication,
introducing new characters such as Silk Satin (with her first two appearances
included in this volume) and revealing new details of Denny Colt, Commissioner
Dolan and his daughter, Ellen, in stories that find the war in Europe beginning
to influence the Spirit's stateside adventures.] 
The Spirit Archives 3 (July-December 1941). [From
DC Comics: Continuing the comprehensive and chronological reprinting
of Will Eisner's most famous creation, the Spirit, this full-color hardcover
edition contains the Sunday strips that originally appeared in newspapers
from July 6-December 28, 1941. Reflecting the current affairs of World War
II, the Spirit joins the fight against real world evil as he travels to
Damascus and goes up against Nazi spies in occupied France. Also included
in this volume are the returns of Silk Satin, Dusk, and the Christmas Spirit.]
The Spirit Archives 4 (January-June 1942). [From
DC Comics: In the fourth installment of the Spirit Archive series, the
costumed crimefighter continues to join the Allied forces in their fight
against the Axis powers. As his last work on these Sunday strips before
being inducted into the army for World War II, Eisner brings real world
elements into his stories as the Spirit gets involved in spy and espionage
games with the Squid, Silk Satin, and Madam Minx. Collecting the Sunday
strips from January 4-June 28, 1942, these tales also include two very special
"army operas" and an appearance by Eisner himself as he aids the
Spirit in solving a perplexing mystery.] 
The Spirit Archives 5 (July-December 1942; w Will Eisner, Manly
Wade Wellman, William Woolfolk; a Will Eisner, Lou Fine, Jack Cole).
[From DC Comics: The comprehensive collection of Will Eisner's indelible
creation, the Spirit, continues with THE SPIRIT ARCHIVES Volume 5—a
224-page hardcover reprinting the newspaper Spirit sections from July 5
to December 27, 1942. This volume of THE SPIRIT ARCHIVES finds more of the
famous Spirit strips written and drawn by Eisner, as well as strips executed
by the more-than-capable members of Eisner's staff—during the period
when Eisner was spirited away by the United States Army for the duration
of World War II. But with writers like Manly Wade Wellman & William
Woolfolk, and legendary artists like Lou Fine & Jack Cole at work, the
quality of the weekly Spirit newspaper sections certainly did not falter.
But don't take our word for it; see for yourself in this meticulously reconstructed,
gorgeously presented hardcover collecting rollicking stories like "The
Royal Flush Gang," "Ebony Meets Frankenstein," "The
Return of Scar Cainam," "Espionage in Egypt," "The Mock
Invasion," and the memorable "Improve Your Memory in Ten Easy
Lessons." Also included is a special introduction by comics historian
Ron Goulart, who profiles the creators and traces the history of The Spirit
during this run.] 
The Spirit Archives 6 (January-July 1943; w Will Eisner, Manly
Wade Wellman, William Woolfolk, et al.; a Will Eisner, Lou Fine, Jack Cole,
et al.). [From DC Comics: DC Comics continues its
comprehensive, Eisner Award-winning collection of Eisner's most famous creation,
the Spirit, with THE SPIRIT ARCHIVES Volume 6, a 224-page hardcover reprinting
the newspaper Spirit sections from January 3 to July 27, 1943. Volume 6
brings back the heady, frantic days of World War II, when Will Eisner, like
so many young Americans, was called upon to serve his country. For the duration
of the war, his creation, the Spirit, needed to be passed along to his assistants.
But what a Who's Who of assistants it was: Lou Fine, one of the most highly
respected draftsmen ever to have worked in comics; Jack Cole, creator of
Plastic Man and one of comics' true geniuses; noted novelists Manly Wade
Wellman and William Woolfolk; and many others! In their capable hands, with
America embroiled in the conflict, the Spirit began to take on Axis foes
as well as the usual cast of colorful thugs, crooks and killers. Volume
6 also features an introduction by Eisner describing his work for the Army
and his role in the development of comics as an educational tool—including
an 8-page gallery of his military comics' work during and after the war
years!] 
The Spirit Archives 7 (July-December 1943; w Manly Wade Wellman,
William Woolfolk; a Will Eisner, Lou Fine et al.). [From
DC Comics: When the legendary Will Eisner was drafted for service during
World War II, he left his most famous creation - the Spirit - in the more-than-capable
hands of the Quality Comics staff. The comprehensive collection of one of
comics' most enduring characters continues to chronicle that era with THE
SPIRIT ARCHIVES Volume 7—a 224-page hardcover reprinting the newspaper
Spirit sections from July 4 to December 26, 1943. Written by noted novelists
Manly Wade Wellman and William Woolfolk, with art by luminaries such as
Lou Fine, Volume 7 features a cover by Eisner and an introduction by comics
historian R.C. Harvey about the creation of the Spirit simulacrum "Midnight,"
by Jack Cole. In this exciting volume, the Spirit must face: Ellen Doran
framed for a dance marathon murder(!); a police pursuit after a prominent
businessman is found dead, with the Spirit a prime suspect; the Maestro,
a mysterious villain with a big grudge against big bands; a shipyard saboteur;
a kidnap by a couple of dangerous gun-toting women; a construction site
colonized by a murderous ex-con; and much, much more!] 
The Spirit Archives 8 (January-July 1944; w Manly Wade Wellman,
William Woolfolk; a Lou Fine, Jack Cole). [From DC Comics:
The comprehensive, award-winning collection of Will Eisner’s indelible
creation, The Spirit, continues with THE SPIRIT ARCHIVES Volume Eight—a
224-page hardcover reprinting the newspaper Spirit sections from January
to July, 1944. This volume of THE SPIRIT ARCHIVES finds strips executed
by the more-than-capable members of Eisner’s staff—during the
period when Eisner was spirited away by the United States Army for the duration
of World War II. But with writers Manly Wade Wellman and William Woolfolk,
and legendary artists Lou Fine and Jack Cole at work, the quality of the
weekly Spirit certainly did not falter. But don’t take our word for
it; see for yourself in this meticulously reconstructed, gorgeously presented
hardcover that also features a 4-page portfolio of Eisner’s work done
for the U.S. Army! Thrill to the adventures of the Spirit as he fights the
likes Killer Ketch, Dr. Peroo, and the deadly Black Marx!] 
The Spirit Archives 9 (July-December 1944; w Manly Wade Wellman,
William Woolfolk; a Lou Fine, Jack Cole). [From DC Comics:
The comprehensive, multiple award-winning collection of Will Eisner's indelible
creation, The Spirit, continues with THE SPIRIT ARCHIVES Volume Nine—a
204-page hardcover reprinting the newspaper Spirit sections from July 2
to December 31, 1944.At this point in time, Eisner had been spirited away
by the United States Army for the duration of World War II. But while he
was gone, the Spirit strips were executed by the more-than-capable members
of Eisner's staff: writers Manly Wade Wellman and William Woolfolk, and
legendary artists Lou Fine and Jack Cole! Together they produced the further
adventures of The Spirit, Ebony, Commissioner Dolan and Ellen: a mysterious
murder at the circus (with a Bengal tiger tossed in for good measure); a
Leading Lady facing death in the footlights; the secret of a sinister shipwreck;
the return of the super-spy Satin; the frightful Dread Dragon Society; the
mysterious Metal Monsters; the murder of society climber Miss Meda; and
much more! Plus, this hardcover features a portfolio section of artwork
produced by Eisner for the Army during WW II!] 
The Spirit Archives 10 (January-June 1945). [From
DC Comics: Featuring nearly 200 pages of clasic Spirit adventures originally
published from January to June 1945! The Spirit wrangles with jailbreaks,
grifters, murderers, and more! Plus, a portfolio of Eisner's military-related
artwork produced while he was in the Army!] 
The Spirit Archives 11 (July-December 1945). [From
DC Comics: The year was 1945. World War II was drawing to a close—and
a new chapter in the saga of THE SPIRIT, Will Eisner's immortal comics creation,
was about to begin. THE SPIRIT ARCHIVES Volume 11 is a 216-page hardcover
that collects stories from July 1 to December 30, 1945, including the first
created after Chief Warrant Officer Eisner’s return from the U.S. Army.
This volume also includes an introduction by writer/artist and comics historian
Michael T. Gilbert (Mr. Monster). Appropriately, Eisner returned with "The
Christmas Spirit of 1945"—the penultimate episode in this volume.
This warm-hearted tale signaled the beginning of a comics renaissance that
would continue into the 1950s, ensuring THE SPIRIT a place in history as
one of the greatest comics of all time. Also among the 26 stories in this
volume are: "The Kuttup Shop," where murder is not a novelty;
"The Vicram Forgery," which is anything but a pretty picture;
and "The Alibi Factory," where innocence is made to order, as
well as a second Eisner-penned tale!] 
The Spirit Archives 12 (January-June 1946). [From
DC Comics: In late 1945, Will Eisner received his honorable discharge
from the Army, and in December of that year he returned to his masterwork:
The Spirit. He was poised to revolutionize comics. What was to come forth
from Eisner’s typewriter and pen would change comics forever, creating
new methods of storytelling, developing new depths of characterization,
and showing not only his readers but virtually every other comics professional
at the time and to come that comics could truly become an art form. THE
SPIRIT ARCHIVES Volume 12, written and illustrated by Will Eisner with a
cover by Eisner, is a 196-page hardcover collecting Spirit sections originally
published between January 6, 1946 and June 30, 1946. This volume, which
serves as a great jumping-on point for readers new to The Spirit, also features
an introduction by Eisner’s former publisher and current literary agent
Denis Kitchen. Eisner’s return to The Spirit was marked by a mature
new sensibility, honed by his years illustrating U.S. Army posters and instructional
comics. Eisner’s bold new style and dramatic layouts helped carve The
Spirit’s impressive niche in comics history! Highlights of THE SPIRIT
Volume 12 include a retelling of the Spirit's origin, the return of Satin,
the exit of Ebony and the introduction of Alaskan sidekick Blubber…plus
more classic Eisner femmes fatales than ever before!] 
The Spirit Archives 13 (July-December 1946). [From
DC Comics: This handsome 196-page hardcover presents seven Spirit sections
originally published between July and December, 1946, just a year after
Eisner’s honorable discharge from the Army. His work here revolutionized
comics, presenting new methods of storytelling, previously unseen depths
of characterization, and a boldly original art style. Included in this volume
is the introduction of P'Gell, the return of the Octopus, appearances by
Cox Robin and Olga Bustle, and classic Spirit Halloween and Christmas tales!
Plus, an introduction by comics historian R.C. Harvey.] 
The Spirit Archives 14 (January-June 1947). [From
DC Comics: In late 1945, after his military service, Will Eisner returned
to his masterwork - The Spirit. And, as the stories from late 1946 collected
in this volume prove, he was on his way to revolutionizing comics. What
was to come forth from Eisner's typewriter and pen would change comics forever
- creating new methods of telling a story, developing new depths of characterization,
and showing not only his readers but virtually every other artist at the
time and to come that comics could truly become an art form. The adventures
of Will Eisner's most famous creation continue in this volume reprinting
the Spirit newspaper sections from 1/5/47-6/29/47. Featuring appearances
by Ebony, Dolan and Ellen, the seductive P'Gell, Hoagy the Yogi, Silken
Floss, Saree and more. Plus an introduction by Jim Vance.] 
The Spirit Archives 15 (July-December 1947). [From
DC Comics: Will Eisner at his peak on his masterwork - The Spirit. As
the stories from late 1947 collected in this volume prove, he was in the
midst of revolutionizing comics. What issued from Eisner's typewriter and
pen would change comics forever - creating new methods of telling a story,
developing new depths of characterization, and showing not only his readers
but virtually every other comics professional at the time and to come that
comics could truly become an art form.. In addition to almost 200 pages
of classic Spirit adventures, this volume contains an insightful introduction
by N. C. Christopher Couch!] 
The Spirit Archives 16 (January-June 1948). [From DC Comics: This edition includes the introduction or Powder Pouf, the return of Silk Satin, and more. Featuring an introduction by movie producer Michael Uslan.] 
The Spirit Archives 17 (July-December 1948). [From DC Comics: Another volume of peak-period story-telling by the master! Volume 17 includes the classic "The Story of Gerhard Shnobble," Eisner's unique take on two stories by Poe and Bierce, and more.] 
The Spirit Archives 18 (January-June 1949). [From
DC Comics: Will Eisner's masterwork continues through one of its greatest periods in The Spirit Archives Vol. 18, featuring the classic stories "Thorne Strand and the Spirit," "Visitor" and "Satin" as well as an introduction by Eisner's former editor at Kitchen Sink Press, Catherine Garnier.] 
The Spirit Archives 19 (July-December 1949). [From DC Comics: Reprinting the Spirit sections from July 3 to December 25, 1949, Will Eisner's masterwork continues through one of its greatest periods in THE SPIRIT ARCHIVES VOL. 19, featuring the classic stories "Ye Olde Spirit of '76," "Death of Autumn Mews" and "Ten Minutes" as well as an introduction from Stephen Weiner, co-author of THE WILL EISNER COMPANION.] 
The Spirit Archives 20 (January-June 1950). [From DC Comics: In the first half of 1950, Will Eisner was at his peak. As the stories collected in this volume prove, he was in the midst of revolutionizing comics. What issued from Eisner's typewriter and pen would change comics forever - creating new methods of telling a story, developing new depths of characterization, and showing not only his readers but virtually every other comics professional at the time and to come that comics could truly become an art form. In addition to almost 200 pages of classic Spirit adventures, this volume contains an insightful introduction comics historian John Benson.] 
The Spirit Archives 21 (July-December 1950). [From DC Comics: Will Eisner’s masterwork continues through one of its greatest periods in THE SPIRIT ARCHIVES VOL. 21, collecting Spirit sections from July 2 to December 31, 1950, and featuring such classic stories as “The Moment of Glory,” “The Wreck of Old 78” and “Camp Wachoobee.”] 
The Spirit Archives 22 (January-June 1951). [From DC Comics: Will Eisner's masterwork continues through one of its greatest periods in WILL EISNER'S THE SPIRIT ARCHIVES VOL. 22, collecting the Spirit Sections from January though June 1951 and featuring such classic stories as "Death is my Destiny," "The Octopus is Back" and "The Hero!"] 
The Spirit Archives 23 (July-December 1951). [From DC Comics: Eisner's masterwork continues through one of its greatest periods in WILL EISNER'S THE SPIRIT ARCHIVES VOL. 23, collecting classic Spirit Sections from late 1951 and featuring such classic stories as "Heat," "The Counterfeit Killer" and "The Man from Mars."] 
The Spirit Archives 24 (Contents unknown). [From DC Comics: Don't miss this massive final volume of Eisner's weekly Spirit stories. This volume collects adventures from the early 1950s, including the lushly illustrated series that took The Spirit from Central City to the surface of the moon, with art by Wally Wood!] 4/30/08 
Best of the Spirit (Contents unknown). [From DC Comics: DC's first-ever collection celebrating the greatest stories by comics mastermind Will Eisner starring one of the most indelible characters ever created: The Spirit. The Best of the Spirit reprints 22 Spirit sections from 1940-1950, featuring famous first appearances, classic confrontations, human interest tales, and all those magnificent splash pages. Eisner's blue-suit-clad, fedora-wearing crimefighter starred in hundreds of newspaper adventure stories that thrilled readers with Eisner's groundbreaking style. Eisner was a master of utilizing the comics format to its greatest strengths, and his Spirit stories are some of his finest examples. This volume also features an introduction by Neil Gaiman.] 
Vol. 1 (1-6, Batman/Spirit Special; w Darwyn Cooke, Jeph Loeb; a Darwyn Cooke & J Bone). [From DC Comics: Darwyn Cooke – the visionary creator of the acclaimed DC: THE NEW FRONTIER — turns his attention to the classic Will Eisner creation The Spirit in this amazing hardcover collecting the first six issues of the new series from DC Comics plus the BATMAN/THE SPIRIT special! In these thrilling tales. Cooke maintains the “spirit” of Eisner’s creation but brings his own original sensibilities to the character. The Spirit, a.k.a. Denny Colt, Commissioner Dolan, and his Daughter Ellen are reintroduced in this go-for-broke, shoot-the-lights-out collection of crime stories filled with action, adventure, humor and sexy girls!] 