SPENCER SPOOK began (after)life in GIGGLE COMICS #21 (August 1945) from American Comics Group (who would later go on to publish Magicman, Nemesis, John Force, and Herbie Popnecker, among other classic comics). His first appearance by writer Hubie Karp (who wrote many of Spencer’s tales) and artist Ken Champin actually pre-dates a certain Friendly Ghost by six months.

In the mid-80s, RON FRANTZ purchased the rights to publish Spencer via his ACE Comics company, putting out six issues of The Adventures of Spencer Spook, before a parade of distributors (in the days before there was one to rule them all) went under, leaving Ron with the choice of publishing more comics or keeping his house. He chose to stay under a roof

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Before he closed his doors, Ron reprinted many stories from GIGGLE COMICS as well as previously-unpublished tales and a few by writer JOE GILL and artist PAT BOYETTE.

Having worked with Ron Frantz on my own novel The Original SKYMAN Battles the Master of Steam, we decided that the grumpy, fear-fraught world could use the kind of smiles that only Spencer could deliver.

Working off a story idea by Joe Gill and Ron Frantz, I enlisted the awesome ERIC HAWKINS to illustrate the story that I wrote where Spencer is given the assignment to haunt the International Space Station. Everything goes okay … until the aliens arrive.

A sample of Eric’s work graces this page above.

Then Ron and Eric team up to present the first installment of RESTORATION HOSPITAL where old comics are given a new lease on life by some of the oddest (and most recognizable) characters in fandom.

Rounding out this inaugural issue is a reprint from Giggle Comics #47, featuring the never-before-reprinted ORIGIN of Spencer Spook.

With a fresh cover by ERIC HAWKINS, we are offering variant covers by noted artists such as TY TEMPLETON (Stig’s Inferno, Superman, Spider-Man, Howard the Duck, many more), SCOOT McMAHON (Aw Yeah Comics!), and KEN WHEATON (The Simpsons and Popeye comics artist), as well as a blank cover edition, a variant from ERIC HAWKINS, and more!

I’m only asking for a couple of grand. My primary intent is to use the money to print copies of the comic book and to mail them out. After that, I would like to put some money in Eric’s pocket as well as Ron Frantz’s. I’m going to make my own money from selling the comics online and at a comic book show near YOU.

For stretch goals, I’d love to offer coffee mugs, t-shirts, and other variant covers. If I get enough, I’d even write an ALL-NEW full-length story. But that will depend on YOU.

At any rate, thank you very much for your consideration.

Brian K. Morris, Rising Tide Publications