Legendary comics artist Tom Mandrake joins Byron to discuss the release of one of the most iconic, atmospheric, and terrifying runs in DC Comics history, The Spectre (now collected in two Omnibus Editions,) and his new work as series artist finishing up Rick Veitch's run on the Swamp Thing from 1989, a project that has been shelved for decades due to controversy.
We kick things off by celebrating the long-awaited hardcover treatment of Tom's masterpiece: The Spectre (with writer John Ostrander). Spanning 62 issues of unmatched supernatural horror, Tom shares behind-the-scenes stories, pushing the boundaries of mainstream DC editorial in the 90s, and utilizing the incredible visual malleability of The Spectre in the book.
We also go back to the future to discuss Tom's return to the Swamp Thing. Learn what it was like to step back into his 80s artistic style; help finish Rick Veitch's legendary, once-cancelled run; and collaborate with creators to complete a historic piece of comic book legacy.
🎶 - Show notes
The Heartland Series on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9_j-6Ab6evTS6TbRqXtAyKaJgkPtXpsd
The Devil and Daisy Dirt Play - http://thedevilanddaisydirt.blogspot.com
📚 The Spectre Omnibus Volume Two hits shelves on October 13th
The Spectre stars in thought-provoking, character-defining stories from comics legends John Ostrander and Tom Mandrake, now presented in their first omnibus collection!Writer John Ostrander and artist Tom Mandrake were already well-established in the comics world by 1992, following acclaimed and influential runs on Suicide Squad and Batman, respectively. For their next move, they teamed together and took on The Spectre: slain cop Jim Corrigan, who returned from the afterlife as a nearly all-powerful divine agent of vengeance.Drawing upon his theology studies, Ostrander brought new dimension to the character, placing the Spectre and his frequently brutal brand of justice in ethically nuanced situations.In these tales from the 1990s, police detective Jim Corrigan tries to end his mission as the Spectre. But the grisly crimes of a serial killer pulls him back into the battle for justice—and sends him on a trip to hell itself. And the enigmatic mystic known as Madame Xanadu tries to help Corrigan and his friends—but her help may lead one of them to commit suicide.And when the Spectre decides to wipe out the human race, it’s up to DC’s mystic heroes including John Constantine, Etrigan the Demon, the Phantom Stranger, Doctor Fate, Zatanna and more to try and stop him.This omnibus collects the first half of Ostrander and Mandrake’s run: The Spectre #1-31 and #0, and material from Who’s Who: The Definitive Directory of the DC Universe #21.
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