It's funny: in some ways, DC must see the Spirit as this high class, boutique version of the adventure comics they've done for years.
That's a very accurate description, actually. You always feel you should be bringing it home in a stiff paper bag with string handles and "Comique" written on the side. This is somewhat heightened by Darwyn Cooke's elegant, often New Yorker cartoon-like style. But by and large, the series just never quite made it. I'm sure this isn't anything to do with Cooke's abilities: he's one of my favourite cartoonists around right now.