For those out there who collect Phantom comics not only for reading but as collectibles, this article will detail (probably) all Phantom-related comic books released in the world during 2011. The links compiled here lead to articles on PhantomWiki, the online Phantom encyclopedia that anyone can contribute to. Like all wikis, it is constantly a “work-in-progress”, and the articles will be in varying degrees of completion. It will however give a very comprehensive look on what was released last year, and it can also lead you to find many other interesting articles on PhantomWiki.
Jan 252012
May 142011
Sometimes, things need to be considered in their totality to truly be appreciated. Judging such texts by its parts alone does not do it justice and can cause the viewer to miss its most vital points. The first story arc of Dynamite Entertainment’s The Last Phantom is such a story.
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Jan 062011
Now that 2010 is behind us and 2011 has begun with the promise of bringing more great Phantom stories CC has taken a look back over the past year to see which issues came up trumps. Some of the entries may even surprise you. At any rate, it’s sure the list will cause discussion. So, without further ado we present the top five issues of 2010.
Oh, and some spoilers are contained within, so if you’ve not read these issues you may want to skip their entries.
5. The Last Phantom #1 (Dynamite Entertainment)
Writer: Scott Beatty
Artist: Eduardo Ferigato
Given the controversy that has surrounded this series you may be surprised to find it in our list. However, The Last Phantom has done something that no other Phantom series has truly done – evolved the character of the Phantom. The series opens with Kit(ridge) Walker all but completely removed from the legacy of his family. This is not only a new take on the character but a new character all together. While some of the creative team’s decisions and story points may be questionable it is undeniable that Dynamite took a very bold step on to very new ground with their rendition of the Ghost Who Walks and for that they receive fifth place.
4. The Last Emperor (Frew #1568, Team Fantomen)
Writer: Norman Worker
Artist: Carlos Cruz
While the story may be a reprint it is a great one, and the issue that contains it is one of the best released by Frew. The story of the dying Joonkar and the friendship between him and the Phantom is both touching and inspiring. The human side of the Ghost Who Walks is something that isn’t explored half as much as it should be and this is a wonderful character study of our hero – even if it isn’t the current Phantom it still gives us an insight into his life. Frew have become somewhat infamous for their lacklustre covers but this issue provides us with a beautifully painted cover by Keith Chatto making it one of Frew’s most memorable books.
3. The Phantom: Ghost Who Walks #12 (Moonstone Books)
Writer: Mike Bullock
Artist: Silvestre Syzilagyi
While it might not be the greatest issue Moonstone ever produced, it is what GWW #12 represents that earns it its’ place as our number 3. Moonstone’s Phantom series – both the first series and the Ghost Who Walks reboot – went from strength to strength over its’ seven year run. Arguably coming of age when Mike Bullock took over, the series proved that the Phantom still mattered in a modern world and that his adventures could be just as exciting now as they were back in 1936. Ending in the culmination of all of Bullock’s previous work on the series and Moonstone’s most ambitious story arc, The Phantom: Ghost Who Walks #12 marked the end of an era. Moonstone was a company that was willing to try new things with the character and take him in new directions, all while staying true to his roots. Moonstone’s run will be remembered as one of the finest in the Phantom’s long 74 year history and GWW #12 is the issue with which Moonstone could say “look at all we accomplished.”
2. Hotspot Barbados (Frew #1562, Fantomen 5/2010, Fantomet 4/ 2010, Team Fantomen)
Writer: Claes Reimerthi
Artist: Hans Lindahl
While Team Fantomen has created some interesting stories in their time, they have always “reset” things back to the accepted status quo. This story changed all of that with the death of long time supporting character Samuel “Sam“ Freeday. Many fans praised the brave move by Reimerthi to kill off the character while at the same time lamenting Sam’s passing. It is highly unlikely that Sam will return in some silly “he wasn’t really killed” story given The Phantom’s firm set in reality, so this is a death that will be long felt. This issue proved that Team Fantomen are still willing to take unexpected, drastic turns in their story telling that will forever change the Phantom’s world, and thus Hotspot Barbados arrives at number 2.
1. Phantom Double Shot: KGB Noir #1 (Moonstone Books)
Writer: Mike Bullock
Artist: Fernando Peniche
The reason Phantom Double Shot: KGB Noir is awarded first place is due to its simplicity. As we said in our review of issue one, putting the Phantom in a noir world seems like such an obvious idea it’s amazing no one had done it before. From the first page KGB is a rollercoaster ride of action, adventure and brutal battles. But what really sets this issue apart from the others is just how well it all fits together. While other series tried different things none felt as natural to the character of the Phantom as the noir setting of KGB. From the beautiful black and white art to the fast, brutal script, everything was pitch perfect. The greatest ideas are often those that prove to be the most simple and with this series Moonstone proved that you don’t need character evolution, status quo upset or any other myriad of things to make an awesome story. All you need is a simple idea, a top writer, a talented artist and a desire to try something just a little different.
Written by Joe Douglas
In the second of our videocasts I take a look at issue two of Dynamite Entertainments’ The Last Phantom.
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Of the several reviews that have appeared in the comics press of Dynamite Entertainment’s The Last Phantom #1 all of the reviewers have admitted to having little to no prior knowledge of the character. So what would a phan who was been reading the adventures of the Ghost Who Walks over the last eighteen years think? Read on to find out…
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With Dynamite Entertainment’s The Last Phantom series just around the corner, Paul Jonassen and Joe Douglas decided to put some questions towards the series writer Scott Beatty.
CC: For those who may not be aware of your work could you talk a little about titles you’ve worked on in the past?
Scott Beatty: If you Google me or search my name on Amazon.com, you’ll find that I’ve spent a good portion of my career writing for DC Comics in the company of Bat-Characters mainly. I also wrote RUSE for CrossGen Comics and I just concluded a 12-issue run on BUCK ROGERS for THE LAST PHANTOM publisher Dynamite Entertainment, a company that has graciously allowed me to play with some very cool “action figures.”
Having written several books about the DC Comics universe, it’s obvious you are a knowledgeable and passionate fan of comic books. But how big has your previous exposure to the Phantom been? Have you read Lee Falk’s stories, US or overseas Phantom comic books, etc.?
I’m a HUGE Phantom fan and I hope that comes through in the writing. And as any reader of my Ultimate Guides for DC knows, I’m pretty “immersive” when it comes to research on any given character. I’m familiar with Lee’s stories and I count the Jim Aparo and Don Newton tenures on Charlton’s PHANTOM run as some of my favourite stories.
The Phantom is arguably the most influential costumed hero of all, given that Lee Falk basically created what would later be known as the ”superhero”, complete with a costume, origin and style that has been copied by a thousand other characters. The character is an icon in Europe, Australia, and parts of Asia, but at the time of writing this he seems to be largely forgotten in his ”home country”, the US. Why do you think that is?
Inarguably, The Phantom is an archetypal superhero and the model for just about every costumed hero who followed him beginning with comics’ Golden Age. Perhaps it’s the setting. Superman and Batman are inherently American. The Phantom is the guardian of Bengali, yet doesn’t shy away from globetrotting to battle evil. I think that latter trait makes him so easily embraced by other parts of the world. His primary loyalty, after Bengali of course, is to JUSTICE. So therefore he’s not just the defender of a major Metropolitan city, but a hero to THE WORLD. He belongs to EVERYONE.
Given the lack of exposure and general knowledge about the character in the US as well as the very non-traditional take on the character would it be safe to assume that DE’s series isn’t really aimed at long-time Phantom phans and more at a newer audience who is yet to become familiar with the hero?
I don’t think you can have one without the other. Obviously, we want to appeal to both Column A and Column B. Alex, Ed, and I want to please the hardcore fans while introducing Kit Walker to readers who’ve never read a Phantom story before. But we’re not slowing down for either camp. A good “jumping-on point” for any comics story is simply a GOOD STORY, and that’s what we’re striving for in THE LAST PHANTOM
The Phantom is many things to many people from many different cultures. What is the very core of the character for you?
The core of the character is the enduring nature of Kit Walker. Generation after generation there’s always a Kit Walker, and by extension—always a Ghost Who Walks—because evil is often hard to kill. The Phantom isn’t simply a hero who dons a costume in order to exact retribution on the villains who wronged him. He’s part of a DYNASTY. If you’re the son of Kit Walker, this is the family business, no questions asked. Except Alex and I envisioned a Kit who didn’t exactly figure on carrying on the Walker legacy. That’s a CONFLICT that’s every bit as important as the schemes and stratagems of the bad guys.
One of the many unique aspects of the Phantom character is the whole ”lineage” aspect, where a writer automatically has the ability to write stories that can span around 500 years. Are you interested in exploring the Phantoms of the past in your stories?
Yup, and we will.
What kind of a Phantom story can we expect from this series, and is it an on-going or a mini with the possibility of an on-going if it does well?
As far as were concerned, and this may seem contradictory given the title, THE LAST PHANTOM is an ongoing series until the wheels fall off.
According to the announcement, the title of the book will be The Last Phantom. Could this change later on to the standard ”The Phantom” if a second series or on-going happens?
We’ll see. As far as Kit Walker is concerned, the 21 Phantom is THE LAST PHANTOM.
We know that the Singh Brotherhood features in this story, but if the series goes past this initial arc will we see the return of any other classic Phantom villains or will you be concentrating on new enemies?
Oh yeah? Where did you hear that? I think the best Rogues Galleries are like that old wedding tradition where brides-to-be carry with them four specific items: Something OLD, Something NEW, Something BORROWED, and Something… RED. I’ve said too much!
Let’s talk about the depiction of the Phantom in this series. We heard early on that the character was going to have a costume re-design, that it would be bringing the costume into the “modern era.” However, what we’ve seen in the preview images is very basic (for lack of a better term) costume; it’s basically body paint and a loin cloth. To say this rendition of the costume has shocked some phans would be putting it mildly. Not only is the mask gone – it’s something of an unwritten law that the Phantom’s eyes should never be shown – but the character is also covered in what looks like blood. It seems quite a departure from the traditional costume and the biggest departure from any of the other adaptations of the character we’ve seen. Can you comment on why this design was chosen?
Alex has sworn me to secrecy! It’s a blood oath and I bear the mark of the Good Ring to prove my fealty here. Change is inevitable. Superman didn’t even wear boots in his first appearance. His costume resembled a toddler’s footy pajamas! And Batman carried a gun! Phantom fans need to read the story. Every detail means something. Trust us: WE HAVE A PLAN.
So, where you and/or DE aware that showing the Phantom’s eyes is something of a no-no? If so, why did you decide to do so?
I’m going to go on record and say that Kit WANTS his enemies to see his eyes. As for the reason, you have to read the opening story arc, “Ghost Walk.”
Obviously it’s unfair to judge a book before it’s released but from what we’ve seen thus far the series looks to be very different from anything we’ve seen before. Are you at all worried about alienating current phans of the character?
We’re quite respectful of The Phantom’s huge phan following. And I’m not about to spoil the story by explaining what we have planned. Give us six issues and you’ll be HOOKED.
It’s interesting that the story involves the 21st Phantom giving up the role of the Ghost Who Walks. Why did you decide on this rather than, say, have a descendant who was ignorant to his heritage only to discover it?
THE LAST PHANTOM is set in the here and now. The current Kit Walker believes that after 20 generations, there might be a better way. He actually thinks that he has a CHOICE.
Can you give us any insight into the thoughts behind the Phantom giving up his mantel? Some phans have said that such an action does not ring true for the character. Would you care to comment on those thoughts?
It “rings” true for the latest Kit Walker.
We know Alex Ross was instrumental in bringing the Phantom to DE and that he redesigned the costume and will be doing covers for the series. Will he have any other input into the Phantom books?
Definitely. Alex is part of the creative team from the get-go.
In Dynamite’s initial announcement of their Phantom project a couple of years ago, they proclaimed their plans to relocate the Phantom to New York. Is this still part of your approach?
There are many jungles in this world, including the so-called concrete jungles.
Moonstone put out a few stories where the Phantom teamed up with Mandrake the Magician, Captain Action and the Domino Lady. Is there a possibility to see stories where the purple guy teams up with characters licence by Dynamite, like the Green Hornet, Zorro, etc.?
That’s up to Dynamite Head Honcho Nick Barrucci, as well as the characters’ individual owners and licensors. You’ve undoubtedly read by now that Dynamite acquired the rights to publish stories with Mandrake and Flash Gordon. Want DEFENDERS OF THE EARTH? Write to Nick and make your voices heard!
Since I remember reading one of Dynamite’s ”secondary goals” is to make the film industry interested in classic characters again, I just have to ask: Have you seen any of the previous Phantom film or TV-adaptations? If so, what did you think about them? What do you think a new film has to do to correct mistakes done in the past?
I’ve only seen the Billy Zane film, which I think is simply a hoot. Much fun. In my mind, any comic book film worth its salt simply MUST take the subject matter seriously. I’m talking about staying true to the character(s) core motivations and not dumbing it down for an audience. And for God’s sake, make it about THE HERO. Not his love life. Not umpteen villains vying for screen time with hammy actors chewing scenery. Show us why he wears a purple leotard and zebra shorts. Trust us. If it’s good, we’ll stay until the final credits roll.
And finally, the dumbest question you will ever have to answer in your entire career: Is it true that Alex Ross has a dog called Phantom?!
Didn’t I already tell you Alex and I have a pact! What happens in the Skull Cave STAYS in the Skull Cave!
A HUGE thanks goes to Scott for taking the time to answer our question and to Paul for helping me with this interview!
Moonstone writer Mike Bullock joins us again here at CC to discuss what’s in store for the Phantom in up-coming issues, the origins of the various series and answers some questions that phans have long be awaiting the answers to. Fans of Moonstone’s books WILL NOT want to miss this one!
Chronicle Chamber: G’day Mike, welcome back to Chronicle Chamber. It’s been a little while, how have you been doing?
Mike Bullock: Hi Joe, thanks for the welcome. How are you? 2009 was a very tumultuous year for me and my family, but the skies seem to be clearing, the seas calming and it looks like some good sailing ahead.
CC: I’m very well, thanks! So Moonstone just announced five new Phantom trades. What’s it like to be working at the only American publisher to create enough original Phantom stories to fill that many TPBs?
MB: It’s great. There are a lot of publishers out there, not just in comics, but books, magazines, and I can even lump in some record companies, run by people who are far more concerned with making money than making good creative material. What I really find captivating about Moonstone is how much this is one giant labor of love for them. From Phantom, Zorro, Kolchak and Green Hornet to Black Bat, Spider, Captain Future, Gladiator and more, Moonstone just loves this stuff, which makes working on it a lot of fun. This isn’t just a job.
CC: Your “modernizing” of the Phantom that was one of the key themes of the Ghost Who Walks (GWW hereafter) series and has really brought the Phantom into the modern world wonderfully without losing any of the character’s classic sensibilities. Do you feel there is still more to do in regards to bringing the Phantom into 2010 or are you happy with where the character is?
MB: Well, I don’t think there was ever a time when the Phantom wasn’t modern. Sure, some people get it in their heads that he’s a 1930s character, but anyone who followed Lee Falk’s work knows that Mr. Falk kept The Ghost Who Walks up to date. 1930s characters don’t get into battles with terrorists, but the Phantom did in the 1990s newspaper strips. The things I’ve done are merely an organic extension of what Mr. Falk was doing, although no one will ever do it as well as he did. I had nice conversations with Fred Fredericks and Sy Barry and both agreed, The Phantom (and Mandrake) wouldn’t still be using out dated technology. He’d have a cell phone, computers, etc. The Phantom has access to vast wealth; he’s highly intelligent and driven. So, why wouldn’t he put that wealth and intelligence to use by affording himself the advantages of modern technology?
CC: We know from hints from various GWW issues, as well as solicitations of future issues, that one of the big villains of the last series, HIM, will be making a return. Is this return part of an arc you’ve been planning for a while or did you just felt it was right for HIM to resurface.
MB: When I penned the first Invisible Children arc in Phantom #17-19 I always planned to have HIM return. When I ended the last series in the Checkmate arc, many may have noticed I tied up just about all the loose ends, except HIM. Now, those who are keeping score at home most likely have seen a whole new set of loose threads unraveling in the pages of Phantom: Ghost Who Walks so far. From disappearances in the End War arc, to a certain set of eyes watching the events in the Return of the Eastern Dark, and several other “Easter eggs” planted in the series so far, all signs are pointing towards Godfall: Invisible Children II.
CC: Okay, let’s get to the big question: what’s happening with Dynamite Entertainment (D.E. hereafter)? Back in 2008 comics site Newsarama posted an article saying that D.E. had acquired the rights to do their own Phantom series. This had many wondering where this left Moonstone. After much back and forth between the two companies D.E. said they had put their plans for the Phantom on hold and that Moonstone was free to continue publishing Phantom stories. While things quieted down after that the possibility of D.E. coming in and taking the license was something that was at the back of a lot of phans’, and I’m sure Moonstone’s creators’, heads.
Cut to now and phans are beginning to wonder if the end of Moonstone’s run is drawing near. What first started them wondering is the sheer amount of Phantom publications Moonstone was putting out. GWW, Generations, Double Shot etc. Some saw this as Moonstone trying to get as much product out there as they could before they lost the license. As if to reinforce this thought Moonstone then changed the format of Generations to a larger sized book, effectively giving us two issues in one and drawing the series to a close quicker. The biggest worry for phans however is that the recent solicitation for the Phantom: Guardian of the Eastern Dark TPB reads that it collects the “entire twelve issue series,” which suggests that GWW will only last twelve issues before it ends.
Many phans have seen these as ominous signs of the coming of D.E. and the ending of Moonstone’s Phantom run. So, the big question is are you able to comment on any of that either confirming or denying any of those suspicions and/or give us an idea of what is happening with Moonstone’s Phantom publications?
MB: Wow, that’s a whole lot of queries in one question, Joe. 
Let me see if I can address each one. I have no idea what’s going on with Dynamite. I do know based on conversations I’ve had with King Features that they will indeed have the US comic book Phantom license as of July 1st, 2010. What they plan to do, who will do it, how it will be done and when it will come out are questions I can’t answer as I simply don’t know. As for the goings on you mention from Newsarama, Moonstone has had the license continuously since long before I came aboard. That didn’t change in 2008.
We had a lot of internal discussions in late 2008 about how we could get more exposure for the character, and one tried and true way seemed to simply be putting out more books. We had some great ideas for about five special projects, and managed to sell King Features on a few of them, including the Doubleshot and Generations series. Phantom: Doubleshot was originally something I dreamed up after seeing some of Ruben Procopio’s Phantom art and was simply dubbed Phantom: The Hammer. I thought “What if there was a new, animated Phantom movie and we adapted it into comics?” This led to the rough plot, which led to me contacting Ruben and discussing the idea with him. He was all for it, we dug up the locale of Madeira, Portugal as a neat “James Bond-esque” setting for an action packed story. Unfortunately, several months after I wrote the first script for what was to be a four-issue miniseries, Ruben had to bow out due to other projects he was involved in outside of comics. I took it back to Joe Gentile at Moonstone, he and I then came up with the idea of the Doubleshot series and used the Hammer story as the “headliner” so to speak. I had to tweak the tale somewhat to get it to fit into the new format and the rest is history. It, unfortunately, lost that “animated blockbuster movie” vibe somewhat, but gained a new identity all its own from the wonderful art created by Fernando Peniche.
Next up we had the Generations series, which I think Joe dreamed up, if memory serves, which was something never done before in the history of Phantom comics. It seemed like a no-brainer, King Features loved the idea and we got the ball rolling. However, the format didn’t seem to be working for readers, so we changed it up to include more “bang for the buck” in the form of the Generations Special.
To your last question, sadly, yes, Phantom: Ghost Who Walks is coming to an end with #12. I have rough plots for the series to run through #25, and plot seeds and ideas to keep it going well past #50, but the unfortunate truth is that Moonstone will not be renewing the U.S. Phantom comic book license after June 31st of this year. Regardless of any rumors, speculation or “writing on the wall” this decision was only made a few weeks ago. It’s a shame, as Silvestre, Fernando, Bob, Josh and I had really begun to get into a solid groove, but keeping a creative team on one book for any length of time these days is very rare.
I feel very honored to have been able to contribute what I did to Mr. Falk’s wonderful creation over the last six years and hopefully, at some point in the future, I’ll be able to continue in some form or another. The Phantom has become more than just a character, but more akin to a dear friend. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t very sad when I heard the news, which came only a few days after the 76th anniversary of the character. Regardless, it’s been an unforgettable experience, working with some really talented people, creating fun stories for a wonderful audience. I feel blessed having worked on Phantom at all, much less to have reached the point where I’ve now created more original Phantom stories for US comics than any other writer in history. Even better was to have those stories brought to life by such an incredibly talented group of artists. Working on Phantom was indeed a dream come true, but sooner or later, it seems we all have to wake up from our dreams, no matter how much fun they may be. But, God willing, I’ll return to creating Phantom stories at some point in the future.
CC: Wow. That is a huge shame, Mike. I know Moonstone is going to be missed by many, many phans. So what does this mean for you? What will you be working on post-Phantom and where will fans be able to read your stories?
MB: It is a shame, but the outpouring of support we’ve received from Phans has been great. It’s proof that no matter where the Phantom lands, there will be many good people eagerly waiting to greet him.
I just finished up my second Black Bat and third Death Angel stories, which will be out later this year. I’m also doing new tales featuring Captain Future: Wizard of Science and co-writing tales of Philip Wylie’s Gladiator with fellow Phantom creator Josh Aitken.
Moonstone has also landed another pretty huge license that I can’t talk about just yet; however, I should be able to move straight from Phantom over to that one. It’s another property I’ve loved for a long time, so working on it will be yet another ‘dream come true’.
Thanks for all the support you and the Chronicle Chamber community have shown to Moonstone over the years, Joe. We all really appreciate it.
By Paul Jonassen
But still I will not lock myself at only writing stories of this kind, I will do others as well, for example historical adventures. That means that there is a fairly long time span between each episode in this batch. Once a year I participate in a Phantom-seminar together with Ulf Granberg and Hans Lindahl, where we draw the guidelines for next year’s production. Then I try to get in two-three of these “key-adventures” on the schedule. The 2007-2008 schedule is now nearly done with and there are no more “key-adventures” on schedule. But in a short while it is time for a new seminar, and then I will get the opportunity to start pondering the continuation. Until then I am simply not quite sure.
At the same time I am confident that there should be an overbearing “soap opera” theme in the series; that there will at all times be things happening that brings change to the characters’ lives. Both to create uncertainty about what will happen, and to make the comic more interesting to follow. There shall at all times be stuff happening that will have consequences. The Phantom’s universe was static for way too many years. It is in addition more fun to write a comic that is constantly under devolvement
It has always been popular among fans to discuss who will become the 22nd Phantom and if the 21st will ever die at all. A while ago a rumor was spread that the editors had serious plans about telling stories about the 22nd Phantom, without necessarily killing off the 21st Phantom. What is your opinion on this, should we, and will we, ever see stories featuring the 22nd Phantom of Kit and Heloise, or the death of the 21 Phantom?It is true that it’s been discussed about doing adventures with the 22nd Phantom without killing off the 21st. But so far the discussions have mostly held themselves at a common level as an imaginable possibility. Personally I deem this a good way of testing the 22nd’s carrying power, as there then is a possibility of retreating if the result in one way or another or does not live up to expectations. All things considered I would gladly see more experimenting with the actual concept. I have myself contributed with several of these experiments in the last few years.
ter.I have very free reins when it comes to developing the series, which is of course a strong reason why I enjoy it so much. I can make the series “mine” and write the sort of story that interests me. As I mentioned earlier, most of the ideas for new stories are presented at the Phantom-seminars. Editor Ulf Granberg is off course the one who decides if an idea is to be scrapped or realized. But we (Ulf, Hasse and I) are so coordinated after all these year that we think on approximately the same tracks. Ulf is open for changes and willing to listen to all suggestions on that way. Is it just a good idea, he tends to receive it without protests and also complete it with his own suggestions and ideas.
You can say that I now to some extent accomplished the changes I considered to be most needed. Luaga is gone from the presidential post (for good if I get to decide!) and the Singh have got a new interesting leader, who is just as charismatic as old Dogai, while the piracy is in the process of undergoing an adjustment to the 2000s with the launch of Singh Inc. Luaga must get a new role onwards, but the biggest problem is Diana, who does not at all have any working role in the series anymore. And I am not very sure on the Jungle Patrol’s role either. (When it comes to Diana Hasse Lindahl is of another opinion and has, I think, certain ideas within the future) On the other hand I cannot see any sudden need to do anything with the “order of succession” in the Skull Cave
The Phantom is a character who looks to be very usable for a writer, but in contrast to other comic book figures he has not evolved that much throughout the years. What are your thoughts on the Phantom as a character? Are there any sides of his personality you wish had been different?
Which of your own stories are you the most pleased with?
Discuss this interview on the forums
Feb 252008
By Joe Douglas
Thusly, Moonstone could be seen as stories about a modern Phantom. Again taking him in a new direction, but a different, perhaps more political one than Egmont.The Legend of the Phantom – Egmont, an emphasis on adventure, more mature and an established continuity outside Falk.
The Phantom: Ghost Who Walks – Moonstone. New, modern stories set in 2008 follows on from Falk’s strip but creating its own continuity separate from the strip.
Phantom Chronicles – Re-prints of Falk’s original tales.
As I’m sure you all know Moonstone Books will soon be brining Mandrake the Magician back to comics. As anticipation for the new stories builds I asked Mandrake writer Mike Bullock if he could tell us a little about what to look forward to…
CC: Hello again Mike, thanks for once again joining us here at
ChronicleChamber.com. As we’ve all heard Moonstone will soon be releasing original Mandrake stories, written by yourself. Why did Moonstone decide to tackle Mandrake?
Hi Joe, thanks for having me back. I feel like a recurring guest on The Late Show. To answer your question, it just made sense. Joe Gentile, EiC of Moonstone Books loves pulp/radio/newspaper strip characters, as evidenced by their strong line up of licensed properties (The Phantom, Kolchack, The Avenger, Domino Lady, The Spider, Mr. Keen, etc) and especially loves the works of Lee Falk.
While I can’t say I’ve been a longtime fan of Mandrake, I am a HUGE fan of Lee Falk’s work, especially The Phantom. The more I read, the more hooked I become. When Joe asked if I wanted the opportunity to take on Lee Falk’s other creation, I didn’t hesitate in telling him yes.
What’s it like for you writing Mandrake? It must be a buzz to now be writing new adventures for both of Lee Falk’s classic heroes.
Oh, it certainly is. I’ve always marveled at the creativity of such writers from Lee Falk’s era. Guys like Edgar Rice Burroughs, Robert E. Howard and Lee Falk just had a certain ability to cast vision that you rarely see anymore. Chances are, that’s why their creations have endured for all these decades.
What direction are you taking Mandrake in? You’ve said on the Moonstone Forums that the stories will follow on from Lee Falk & Fred Fredericks’ tales. Can you give us a little more insight into this?
Well, we’re obviously going to bring Mandrake, Lothar and the crew into the twenty-first century (not to say Fred Fredericks isn’t doing the same in the newspaper). However, we’ll also be bringing back a few of his old enemies. One of which has not been seen in quite some time. Just as I’ve done with The Phantom, you can expect Mandrake to exist in a world not dissimilar to the one we all live in today, where current events will have a bearing on the stories as well as the outcomes.
How will Mandrake’s powers be in the book? Is he still simply the
master of illusion or is there perhaps some real magic about him?
A little from column “A”, a little from column “B”.
So far we know of the six-page teaser story that is to appear in Captain Action #1 as well as Mandrake’s appearance in the second Phantom annual. Are these two stories connected at all or are they each their own entity?
They’re each their own. The six-page story is a prelude of sorts to the upcoming Mandrake #1. And while the six pager is really nothing more than a teaser, between it and the annual, readers should have a nice glimpse of what’s to come.
What of Lothar? I assume you had to up-date him somewhat, make him slightly more politically correct?
Lothar has been updated for quite some time; however, I have tweaked him a bit. He’s more suave, sophisticated and downright scary than he’s ever seemed in the panels of the newspaper strips.
You mentioned on the forums that you spoke with Mandrake artist Fred Fredericks on the phone when you began the Mandrake story. Did he have any advice for you or input into the stories?
Fred had lots of insights I’d have never found in any amount of research. And, to get to speak with a man like him was just plain awesome. He’s been around this sort of thing for a long, long time and shared several anecdotes of life working on the strip that I don’t think I’d have heard anywhere else. His interest in the current comic industry was very keen and he was sincere in his offers to lend an ear or read over a plot anytime I needed it.
What kind of stories can we hope to see in the Mandrake books? Action/ adventure? Mystery? Fantasy? All of the above?
Definitely all of the above. While both characters were unique, Lee Falk’s tales of The Phantom and Mandrake always carried those same common elements, ones I love to read and will enjoy building into the upcoming tales.
Ok, so we have the teaser and the Annual. Can you tell us when the first Mandrake “proper” book will be out?
We just finished the final script for the Annual, so now I have to get back to work on some Phantom scripts, but after I have #26 in the can, Mandrake #1 is up next. All I can tell you right now is to expect a big story, spanning forty plus pages that will set the tone for everything that is to come.
Thanks once again for talking with us, Mike.
You’re welcome, thanks for having me!
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Fantomet # 03/ 2012
Fantomen nr 4/2012
1625 - The Jungle Vampire
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