*wibble* I was just, ahem, chopping onions. Yeah, that's it. Really.
I really enjoyed this post, and have to agree: I'd buy this if it was collected. It's a shame and a pity that older works about such an iconic character aren't made better available.
I love the old-school art - it seems more lively and expressive than some of the rather sterile styles found in comics these days. (Don't get me started on the faux-grittiness, either.)