Jack Staff (Dancing Elephant)

(Dancing Elephant, 2003-2005)
™ and © Dancing Elephant Press

In spite of the August 2001 cover date, issues #6 was, indeed, the latest issue of this quirky English comic book. Jack Staff is the British version of Captain America: a man who wore his country’s colors during World War II and beyond.

Illustrated in a spare, stark, black-and-white style that puts the reader in mind of both Alex Toth and Keith Giffen, the series’ true strength lies in the richly drawn and intriguing characters.

This issue showcases a confrontation between Jack and The Spider, a nemesis from Jack’s past. It also introduces the formerly dead Helen Morgan and her former partner Harry Crane, both agents of “Q,” a secret governmental organization — as well as the Valiant Stone, a relic of immense power. This is a wonderfully well-imagined series. The only problem is that, with the erratic publishing schedule, it’s sometimes difficult to remember what’s going on from issue to issue. More catch-up information would certainly be appreciated. But that’s a minor quibble about what is shaping up to be an independent triumph. With any luck, the sun will never set on Jack Staff, Britain’s Greatest Hero!

— John Petty

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