The Grim Ghost #2
Published and © by Atlas (Seaboard), March 1975
Title: “The Grim Ghost Returns …”
Synopsis: The Grim Ghost hosts a party for his neighbors, but sneaks out early to send some bad guys to hell.
Writer: Michael Fleisher
Artist: Ernie Colón
Review: On the opening page, writer Michael Fleisher calls his new leading man an “earthbound spectre,” just in case there was any doubt about the vibe he was trying to duplicate here. Throw in a bit of Batman, and a little Son of Satan, and you get a character that’s both familiar and surprisingly fresh. This issue begins to introduce a supporting cast, and the series’s sense of history holds promise. Add some distinct artwork from the underrated Ernie Colón, and you’ve got a series with serious potential. Sadly, it’d soon go down with the rest of the Atlas (Seaboard) line.
Cool factor: The antebellum vibe of the Grim Ghost’s alter ego, Matthew Dunsinane, gives this leading man a distinct character quirk.
Not-so-cool factor: The Grim Ghost sends petty crooks straight to hell and eternal damnation. The Atlas (Seaboard) books were into some tough justice! (At least the Grim Ghost doesn’t eat his foes.)
Character quotable: “Haahaaa!” – The Grim Ghost, who could have been called The Creepy Laugher
Editor’s note: This review was originally published by Comics Bronze Age on June 3, 2009.
