Things Are Hotting Up ... AGAIN!

After a simple social media post and subscription email kicked off the jungle drums earlier today, news of Sammy J’s Hero Complex returning to the stage in 2026 is spreading through Phantom fandom faster than the Monkey Mail could carry it, and fans of both the comedian and the Ghost Who Walks could not be happier. The announcement marks ten years since the debut of Sammy J’s award-winning autobiographical comedy show, and for long-time Phantom devotees, the timing feels perfect.

For those who came in late...

First performed in 2016, Hero Complex charts Sammy J’s lifelong obsession with The Phantom. For him it was a passion that launched a journey involving childhood collecting, schoolyard misadventures, moral dilemmas, and a surprising run-in with police (a tale even funnier than it sounds). Blending stand-up, multimedia storytelling and nostalgia, the show quickly earned a reputation not just as clever comedy, but as one of the most heartfelt tributes to a comic-book hero ever to grace an Australian stage.

With The Phantom enjoying a renaissance in recent years the 2026 anniversary tour is perfectly timed. Hero Complex has always resonated with we readers, not just because it celebrates our purple-clad hero, but because it treats the fandom with genuine affection.

"Thirty years ago, I swapped some comics with my school gardener. Ten years ago, I wrote a show about it. Now it’s back, with fresh twists and new surprises ... I’m so excited to introduce new people to this story in much bigger venues than it originally played in! If you’ve seen it before, I hope you’ll come along again - and if you missed it, now’s the perfect time to learn what “Things Are Hotting Up” really means." - Sammy's social media post

Sammy J never plays his childhood obsession for cheap laughs. Instead, he honours the sincerity, loyalty and occasionally quirky devotion that come with being a Phantom phan. In its first iteration, the show struck a chord with audiences who recognised themselves in the passion, awkwardness, and unwavering belief in a character who stands for justice, legacy, and - just doing the right thing.

Now, ten years on, fans are eager to see how Sammy revisits the story. A decade of further Phantom adventures and fandom developments (did Billy Zane ever find out about that famous line from Sammy's childhood diary?) means the 2026 tour will carry fresh reflections and a renewed heartfelt tone. Those who have followed Sammy’s career know that he has only sharpened his comedic craft, surely making the anniversary version of Hero Complex one of the most anticipated Australian comedy events of the coming year.

Early reactions from the fan community are full of excitement and nostalgic pride. For many, the return of Hero Complex feels like reconnecting with an old friend from the Deep Woods. It’s a reminder of the way fandom shapes identity and offers a sense of belonging, especially for those who discovered The Phantom in childhood and never really let go. For a fandom that thrives on legacy and lineage, a ten-year anniversary feels especially fitting.

Whether you first met Sammy J through Red Faces, his musical comedy, his television antics, or through the purple shadows of Hero Complex, the 2026 tour promises to deliver the same mix of heart, humour and heroism that delivered five-star reviews from virtually every critic and made the show iconic.

And for Phantom phans everywhere, it offers something even more special: a celebration of the passion that shapes us, the heroes who guide us, and the stories that refuse to die - no matter how many centuries the Ghost Who Walks has been walking.

So check the dates for a venue near you in the image above and BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!