The Stop Button

Morger Boys has maybe one bad moment, some missed opportunities, a peculiar finish, and fantastic action. The strip opens twenty-five years ago—so, you know, 1915–with the execution of a notorious murderer, Morger. Mrs. Morger makes their four sons promise to avenge Papa’s death twenty-five years later.

The story jumps ahead, revealing the Morger Boys all look alike—kind of jovial so their murderous ways contrast—and are ready to execute their plan. One of them reveals the targets, and the brothers get to work. Never explained are their preparations for this plan. Nor if they’re all dressed the same as a bit or because it’s just a good visual idea (for Eisner).

The brothers only drive the strip for the first few pages, then one of their targets hires the Spirit as a bodyguard. The Morger brothers are ready for Spirit, who is very much not ready for them. After the quick fisticuffs, Spirit is knocked out.

Luckily, from his criminology studies—which did not include clearing a room, based on this strip—Spirit remembers the Morger family had a weird old stone cabin near the jail and it’d be the perfect place to execute your enemies.

The contrived eureka moment gives way to Spirit busting into the house just in time to save hostages and kick ass. There are some startling panels this strip; sublime work, with the lines getting more and more assured. Spirit is coming into its own, visually, week by week.

Eventually, Dolan will arrive and follow up on one of his own related leads. Dolan and Spirit don’t talk about the Spirit being wanted for murder, instead they kick the Morger Boys’ asses. I think it’s the first time Dolan ever starts busting heads in the strip.

The finale is bizarre, involving what could possibly be considered character development for Spirit but also maybe isn’t; it’s notable primarily because it tries to leverage the “grateful dame” trope.

Maybe only in the funny pages.

It’s a solid strip, with that bad moment—pointlessly flexing supernatural—sailing past for another fine action thriller for the Spirit.