Resurrecting a Lost Legend: The John Law Revival
Every legend has an unsung tale. For Will Eisner, John Law is that tale. Eisner, revered for his creation The Spirit, also birthed this obscure detective hero. Thanks to Titan Comics, John Law is finally stepping out of the shadows.
The Origins of John Law
John Law emerged in 1948. He bore a striking resemblance to Eisner’s more famous Spirit. Both shared brawn and bravado. Yet, John was unique, noticeable with his eyepatch and signature pipe. Unlike The Spirit’s vigilante ways, Law followed the law as an honest cop.
Despite their differences, Eisner found a special use for John Law’s stories. Many were adapted into The Spirit narratives. His muse Sand Serif, now renowned as The Spirit’s femme fatale, was originally linked to Law.
From Eclipse Comics to Titan: A Detective Redux
John Law finally got his moment in 1983 at Eclipse Comics. Editor Cat Yronwode stumbled upon Law’s first story in Eisner’s archives. With Eisner’s nod, she published it as a single issue, "Will Eisner’s John Law, Detective". Two decades forward, Gary Chaloner continued Law’s saga, integrating him with characters like Mr. Mystic and Lady Luck at IDW.
The Ultimate Collection
Now, Titan Comics steps in to compile this overlooked hero’s journey. "The Collected Will Eisner’s John Law" features the original Eisner story alongside Chaloner’s tales. It even boasts a never-seen-before adventure. Denis Kitchen, longtime Eisner colleague, enriches the collection with a heartfelt foreword.
Illustrated treasures from this collection are visible below. While the world waits in eager anticipation, "The Collected Will Eisner’s John Law" is poised to hit comic stands on March 4, 2025. This time, John Law’s legacy is ready to echo in the annals of comic history.
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