FROM DC COMICS: "Will Eisner's legendary hero The Spirit returns for a monumental meeting with The Dark Knight in this special one-shot event written by comics luminaries Jeph Loeb (SUPERMAN/ BATMAN) and Darwyn Cooke (DC: THE NEW FRONTIER) with; Art by Cooke and J. Bone!

When the American Criminologist Association holds its annual convention, its members are unaware that America's criminals are holding a gathering of their own. And when Batman's rogue gallery joins forces with the Spirit's colorful criminals, things can only get worse!

With dozens of villains on the loose and the nation's security at stake, two very different crimefighters must come together to save the day. Guest-starring just about everyone from the supporting casts of both comic-book icons — including Robin, Catwoman, the Joker, Ebony, P'Gell, Commissioner Dolan and more — this is an historic comics event you won't want to miss!"

I picked up the one shot BATMAN/THE SPIRIT while visiting my local comic book shop yesterday. Sat down last night and read it too. Here’s my analysis: “meh.”

Now, that doesn’t mean it’s bad, it just wasn’t really my cup of tea. On the other hand, I’m sure many people will like it, so I’ll give you the story's rundown, a recommendation, and as always, let you decide for yourself.

The storyline revolves around a police commissioners convention being held in Hawaii. Of course, commissioners Gordon from Gotham and Dolan from Central City are attending. Speaking of them, the story is told as a “flashback” by the two who are, I guess, in “present time.”

At any rate, there’s another convention in being held in Hawaii as well. However, instead of a bunch of police leaders, this convention is being held by super villains. So, you have a ton of Batman and The Spirit rogues appearing -- some in cameos, some having a major role in the story.

As expected, both The Dark Knight (if that terms applies to him in this story is in question) and The Spirit are on hand and eventually team up to take out the bad guys.

I don’t know about you, but The Batman doing his thing in Hawaii during the day just doesn’t float my boat.

Author Jeph Loeb does nice work here, but don’t expect anything like his THE LONG HALLOWEEN. It actually feels more as if it’s based on the BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES universe, as you have Robin (in his original comic book uniform) and Harley Quinn having major roles in the story. And The Joker is very B:TASish as well. It also has quite the "40s" atmosphere, so one may get the feeling it's a nod to the Golden Age of comics.

Darwin Cooke’s artwork, while nice, is a tad cartoonish -- or perhaps animatedish is a more suitable term. Consequently, this only adds to the animated feel of the story.

I think fans of The Spirit might enjoy BATMAN/THE SPIRIT more than fans of The Batman. As a result, I can’t recommend that you run down to your comic book shop and plop down $4.99 for it. On the other hand, it does have some historical significance as it is the first time that these two classic characters have appeared together in a comic book.