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Review: Spencer & Locke #2

By Philip Schweier
May 31, 2017 - 08:37

Locke is on the case. His girl has been murdered and her child gone missing, and his latest clue is linked directly to his troubled past. Of course, Spencer can only provide so much support. Panther he is, though real is not.

I am enjoying Spencer & Locke very much. It’s a crime drama with comic strip overtones, though it’s as far a cry from Dick Tracy as one might get. I especially enjoyed the wee bit of game play Locke uses to stir up trouble in a strip bar. He had to get into the office suite somehow. A++ for creativity.

I sometimes ask myself (of any given comic book), “How would this be portrayed on film?” In the case of Spencer & Locke, I don’t see how it could. Someone better versed in filmmaking than I might feel differently, but I think they would agree it’s a tough nut to crack. All of which suggests to me that Pepose and Santiago have created something truly unique to the comic book genre.

One might think animation would be the way to go, but different styles of animation convey different sensibilities. Heck, even animation in and of itself would potentially be a poor choice of film portrayal.

Live action? Again, I don’t see how it would do the property justice. The thought brings to mind a mash-up of Cool World and Who Framed Roger Rabbit? The middle ground might be CGI, but I was disappointed with the Tintin movie, and tend to steer clear from such films.

I don’t mind that, actually. I appreciate knowing that there is a comic book that fans can have all to themselves, without some ham actor using it to polish his public image. That kind of exploitation can be so disappointing. But it’s easier when you can soothe your bruised spirit with your very own plush Spencer. Anyone know where I can get one?

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12