The Complete Terry and the Pirates Volume 2: 1937-1938

If the unevenness of volume 1 left you wondering how Milt Caniff earned his exalted reputation, volume 2 (1937 to 1938) removes any doubts. The characters have become more layered and the narratives more intricate. This is an artist and writer reaching full mastery of his medium. The Sandhurst plot and the introduction of Big Stoop and Judas are highlights, but it's the long section with Burma (including close to a year of strips without Pat Ryan) where this strip really sends off sparks. It's one of the best runs on any adventure strip ever. This is Caniff--"the Rembrandt of the comic strip"--firing on all cylinders.