The Spirit #27

The cover by Brian Bolland features a super-creepy
looking Lorelei Rox and the deft fingers of
the ever-unseen Octopus.

   Chapter 2 of 'Choices' features a character named Lorelei Rox. She's a siren with an enchanting voice that at the right frequency she can control minds. The Octopus has decided to take advantage of the chanteuse's gift by setting up a sonic device that could enslave the entire city and eventually the world. It's up to the Spirit, Commissioner Dolan and the Central City police, and Octopus affiliate, Dr. Silken Floss to stop the madman's ploy of global domination.

   One part crime noir, one part Phantom, this story was thrilling and a little hokey. The character of Lorelei is a lot like the 1966 Batman series villain Siren, played by Joan Collins. But the character of Ms. Rox was created first sometime around 1940. But I can see that this character definitely was an inspiration to the writers and producers of that classic ABC series.

   This issue builds upon the previous issue with the Spirit having helped to restore Dr. Floss' reputation. But she's still on the fence where her loyalty lies. The team of DeSanto and Uslan have done a wonderful job in crafting what I think is the first ever multi-part Spirit story. But, I felt like the story flipped from gritty noir to goofy parody the moment the Octopus whisks Lorelei to his subterranean sewer lair. Hopefully, the final chapter in the next issue will not disappoint.

   Worth Consuming

  Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.