Crisis Aftermath: The Spectre #1
	Story: 'Dead Again' (Part 1) Writer: Will Pfeifer Art (& Cover): Cliff Chiang Colorist: David Baron Letterer: Rob Leigh Asso. Editor: Nachie Castro Editor: Matt Idelson Published by: DC Comics Based on Ideas and Characters developed by GREG RUCKA
	Reviewed by: Bruce Logan

The second ‘Crisis Aftermath’ mini (and no relation to the forgettable ‘Battle for Bludhaven’), this three parter with just one issue is heads, shoulders….heck, even waist higher than the ‘haven one. Well told, well drawn and smooth paced, there is nothing that there is wrong here. The only thing that might be going against sales success here is the familiarity of two main names here, one, the Spectre and two (and more importantly), Crispus Allen, Detective, G.C.P.D. (Gotham City Police Department).

But being one who has had run-ins with both of these characters, I was looking forward to the telling of the story of the ‘new’ Spectre, if only because I never have read about the origin of the previous one. And boy was it worth the wait. With a quick retelling of how Allen came to be the way he is, and how his death affected his near and dear ones, we are straightaway taken to a ride that just doesn’t let up…right up till the end. Unlike what was shown in ‘Day of Vengeance’ the Spectre spirit just doesn’t take possession of Allen’s body….well, not for long anyway, just long enough to put down Star Sapphire. What happens is that the Spectre offers Allen the opportunity to ‘Take his fight for justice to the most sacred of levels,’ only to have it chucked back at his ghostly face.

What happens next is the passage of a year, a nice and simple way to cover the OYL angle, all without going into a lengthy and overtly decompressed tale. At this point, I went Two-Face regarding the length of this mini. While the story telling makes me want to have at least six (if not more) issues, I also realize that with that many numbers, decompression would have come into play, taking away from the experience. Anyways, spending time with Ghost Allen, we see how he tries to spend his time, the horrors that he witness (and unsuccessfully, tries to stop), the discoveries he makes (including the ‘ultimate’ case for any Gotham police officer) and also how helpless he feels at not being there for wife and children….not being able to touch them, hold them close…give them hope n’ support.

After the passage of the year…well, the cover is enough of a hint for that. This time around, the Spectre’s offer is accepted and justice is handed out….if only to one person for now. However, none of this holds water in front of grin on the face of Spectre-Allen and the realization that dawns on him (i.e. the Allen part).

All in all, I can’t wait for the next issue of this mini. In fact, having already washed away the memory of the ‘Battle for Bludhaven’ I am also considering looking up the other upcoming ‘Crisis Aftermath’ minis. Now I just have to check out what they are and when they come out.

Conclusion: Come one, come all. This is a ghost story, for one and all. (GACK! I better keep away from attempting poetry.)

RATING: 9/10