The Spirit #9

A striking graveside scene dominates this 2011 DC First Wave entry, with a stone monument bearing the inscription "The Spirit of Central City" rising above the gates of Wildwood Cemetery — and a poised, black-clad woman holding a pistol standing in the foreground, radiating both elegance and menace. The cover art by Ladrönn delivers an atmosphere thick with noir tension, contrasting cold stone and overcast skies against this formidably dressed figure. Part two of "The Return of Jimmy Bauhaus," written by David Hine with art by Moritat, also includes a Spirit Black & White second feature by Paul Dini and Mike Ploog — making this a particularly satisfying package for fans of pulp-inflected storytelling.