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Any Dick Tracy fans out there? Last year we saw guest stars among the other King Features characters and now it looks like Dick Tracy's turn to feature the Phantom. As you can see the Phantom is hardly shown and Devil tends to be featured more but either way it is kinder cool to see the characters guest star in each others adventures. Who would you like to see the Phantom guest star in or a character guest star in a Phantom adventure? #Devil #KingFeaturesSyndicate

Chronicle Chamber has posted and discussed in the latest Podcast about the Empty Throne Saga from Egmont which is written by Claes Reimerthi and drawn by the late Paul Ryan. It features the 21st Phantom missing for over a year and features Kit and Heloise going through the procedure off becoming the 22nd Phantom. As discussed before these stories are not a 'What If' story line that does not exist in the Egmont canon. The first website the article was featured in was Aftonbladet. What I myself got out of the article was ONE) We will see 3 part stories of this saga a year. TWO) They talked to Sy Barry and the Falk family about the saga (NOTE: Correction by Andreas that they did NOT talk to the Falk family about this). THREE) The change will not feature in the Newspaper stories FOUR) Very possible we will see TWO Phantoms running around at the same time FIVE) It is going to be a test to see if the time is ripe for the 21st to die/ retire The second website is The Local and they tend to focus on the fact that the next Phantom is likely going to be Heloise. It also makes out that Andreas the Egmont editor is leaning towards that path. Read the articles yourselves and let us know what you think. EDIT: There has been several other websites reviewing and writing about the story which is listed below. Thank you to Andreas for the heads up regarding them. You will need a translator (or Google Chrome) if you do not understand the language. Toppraffel Shazam Luslasning Some plots are detailed in the above links so this is your official spoiler warning #22ndPhantom #Egmont #LeeFalk #SyBarry #ClaesReimerthi #PaulRyan

One of the more hotly anticipated productions celebrating The Phantom’s 80th Anniversary is Tales of the Ghost Who Walks, a commemorative issue released at the Dublin Comic Con over the weekend of August 6th and 7th. This special one-off edition is licensed by King Features Syndicate and proudly pays tribute to the legacy of The Phantom. Readers looking for the warmly familiar and oft reprinted artistic stylings of Wilson McCoy and Sy Barry, or even the more modern artists like Alex Saviuk and Sal Velutto, may be disappointed; however for those keen to see something new, this represents a Phantom that harkens to the traditional but also embraces the now. The 20-page comic book features 6 original stories and two articles as well as reprinting The Phantom's origin strip from 1936 by creator Lee Falk and art by Ray Moore. In this sense it is a little reminiscent of the recent Hermes Free Comic Book Day issues in that it gathers a series of short stories, but it's important to remember that this is 95% new and original work. The special edition ties in with an initiative by Dublin Comic Con to showcase the work of previously unpublished local comic book creators. Those who have contributed to the production of the magazine have either never had their work published before or have only self-published under 500 units of their work. Original short stories, strips and article content have been provided by: Cian Tormey, Johnny McMonagle, Arif Iqbal, David McDonagh, Ashwin Chacko, Karl O'Rowe, Chris O'Halloran, Stephen Carey, Danny McLaughlin, Roisin Young, Basil Lim, Dave Williams, Derek Keogh, Sean Hill, John O'Reilly, Jerry Higgins and Sinead O'Neill. The project was coordinated by Lightning Strike Comics Publisher Eoin McAuley in association with Dublin Comic Con. Chronicle Chamber has been lucky enough to be sent a review copy of the comic and in a word, it looks phantastic. The cover art by Basil Lim is striking even in our low resolution review copy. The Phantom descending through the Skull Cave into the Crypt is a powerful image. Moore’s origin strip on page 1 and the short introduction from David Williams sets a tone of respect for our beloved hero, with this reviewer getting a small lump in the throat at the thought of The Phantom dynasty representing the “purest view of a hero, one who does it knowing there is no victory in their lifetime.” Without spoiling the plots of the various stories throughout the comic, it is fair to say that there is something here for every phan: The Magician’s Hoard has an urban Phantom using “Stealth. Patience. And vicious cunning” to overcome a most unlikely named villain, who is seeking to use the world’s relics (including those from the Skull Cave) to harness forces of darkness. On The Phantom’s Trial (difficult to read in our low res review edition) seems to showcase the character through a series of historical flashpoints. The Collector uses the familiar Falk trope of a jungle explorer who refuses to believe in The Phantom or Old Jungle Sayings, before discovering that not every urban legend is as fanciful as Bigfoot or The Jersey Devil. The Wolf Who Walks provides for a spectacular if short (one page) look at what Devil gets up to between adventures with his purple-suited master. Pirates of the Ether is another brief story, only four panels, but should delight those phans who have always wondered where The Phantom’s oath leaves him standing on Internet piracy. Trouble at Sea is a far more traditional view of The Phantom, battling Singh pirates and destroying their galleon. Closing out the comic, this story cleverly reinforces the message from the introduction that The Phantom’s journey is one that will never end: “the pirates may be stopped for today, but there will be more tomorrow” The six stories are broken up through the comic by two short editorial style articles, a biography of the great Lee Falk and a history of King Features Syndicate. While these contain very little that would be new for die-hard Phantom phreaks, they certainly put the character into historical perspective "for those who came in late". With very diverse artistic styles across the six stories, and the clever, respectfully written short scripts, this 80th Anniversary issue is bound to be a hit and highly desirable with collectors worldwide. Following its release at Dublin Comic Con, and while limited stock lasts, copies of The Phantom 80th Anniversary will be made available internationally from The Phantom's Vault: http://www.phantomsvault.com.au/pre-order-dublin-comic-con-80th-anniversary-comic/ Cover price is €5, but it remains to be seen what exchange rates, import costs and postage will add to this price for Phantom’s Vault customers. All proceeds of the sale of the comic will be donated to three children's hospitals in Dublin, Ireland; Temple Street, Crumlin and Tallaght Hospital, a worthy project that we’re sure all phans can get behind. For more information on Dublin Comic Con please visit: www.dublincomiccon.com #DublinComicCon #HermesPress #LeeFalk #KingFeaturesSyndicate #RayMoore #80th #LightningStrikeComics

This news has gone unnoticed by many, but last week and again this week news has been leaked out of Scandinavia that Egmont will be releasing in August a story line about the future of the 21st Phantom. The translation of the above preview advert says: THE TWENTY-SECOND PHANTOM Part 1: The Empty Throne by Claes Reimerthi and Paul Ryan (Cover by Henrik Sahlström) In the near future… For over a year, the 21st Phantom has been missing without a trace. Kit and Heloise try to remain hopeful, but in a Bengali where troubles are increasing there is a desperate need for The Phantom. The day when the next generation must take over comes closer – but who is ready for the task? Some sources on Facebook makes it sound like this is a ‘What If’ storyline but from what I can tell this is going to be a series of stories happening in the near future. I am happy with this and hope it doesn’t become like the unpopular The First Assignment (Frew 1349) which features Kit running around with a Tiger as a side kick – honestly! Also worth noting that the panels show Kit and Heloise older as adults compared to what they are currently being shown in both Egmont and Newspaper stories which had them recently celebrate their 15th birthdays, so this is happening in the future at least 3-5 years away. I guess it could be similar to the Spider-man 2099 storyline, which features a Spider-man in that year while Marvel still created stories in today’s era. In the recent Falkist/Modernist debate on Episode 41 of the X-Band podcast we briefly discussed how Falk should have passed the baton onto the next generation and it looks like it is possible Egmont could be doing what has been needed to be done years ago. Frew has said in the past that they will NOT publish part stories scattered throughout like they did with the first few Nat Turner's Spirit parts, so I assume Frew readers will read these stories together maybe not even until next year. The way I see it in short is: This is NOT a WHAT IF storyline. It is happening and will be part of the official Egmont lore/canon. This is happening in the FUTURE. The 21st Phantom is still alive in 2016, today’s current Phantom world with new stories featuring the 21st Phantom. IF there is going to be a passing of the baton full time, it will be a slow burn to keep the Falkists happy. Below is a few pages of the first part with wonderful art by Paul Ryan. #22ndPhantom #Egmont #Podcast #XBand #Frew

Congratulations goes to Colin Cuskelly who has won the NEW Price Guide competition which was donated by Niche Press. Initially the judges were going to judge but we where at loggerheads over who should win. We opened it up to the phans at Phantom Collector to have their say and see if their votes collectively could break the dead lock. It did! So Colin will be receiving the price guide in the mail soon. Again thanks to Niche Press who donated the prize. If you do not have one you can buy them here and have a listen to my review on the X-Band Podcast about it. Also thank you to everyone who entered and it is a great thing to be able to see everyone’s collections. Below are the entries (hover your mouse over each pic for the names of entrants): #NichePress #XBand #Podcast #PriceGuide

In X-Band episode #42, we caught up with the Frew Crew at SupaNova. Publisher Dudley Hogarth and Glenn Ford (co-owner) dropped not one but TWO exclusives on the popular podcast. In the quick interview with Dudley, he asked for the Phans' feedback on whether they want colour Phantom comics or not. For those who came in late, Frew recently released issue 1748, the Paul Ryan tribute comic, with the whole comic in colour. Following from that success they want to know from the phans, which is us whether we want it in EVERY issue or only every so often? It is not often when the power of the people happens and we get a big say in the progress of any company, this is your opportunity so get in touch with Frew via their website or Facebook or post it on Phantom Collector your thoughts. At the end of the interview with Dudley, Glenn came to inform us that Frew will be releasing colouring in books very soon. As you may know colouring in books have become a craze among Adults which I think will become popular among phans of all ages. This will be the first (Non Defenders of the Earth) Phantom colouring in book since the 1960’s. Where do you sit with the Frew colour comics and will you be buying a colouring in book? #XBand #Podcast #Frew #DudleyHogarth #GlennFord #PaulRyan #Supanova

Hermes continues with the releases with pre-orders available for the #1 Avon novel, Hardcover & Softcover Comic Series TPB #1 as well as to celebrate the new artist Sean Joyce, his painted cover will be a print only available for San Diego Comic-Con. To pre order: For those who do not want to purchase and ship from the USA, Phantoms Vault and other local comic stores I expect will be getting the majority of the above in. Please note that you have to attend the San Diego Comic Con to pick up the limited edition print. By purchasing this voucher you are agreeing to the following terms: You must be able to pick up your product IN PERSON at SDCC on Thursday 7/21, Friday 7/22, or Saturday 7/23 from 10am– 7pm at our Booth #1821 at the San Diego Comic Con in the exhibit hall. To redeem your voucher for the specified products, you must present all the following items: Printout of this email confirming your order (voucher) Your Photo ID 2016 San Diego Comic-Con badge The credit card used for this transaction. If you used paypal no credit card is necessary #HermesPress #AvonBooks #PhantomsVault

Lightning Strike Comic Books has announced the cover as well as some of the contents and artists for their Dublin Comic Con 80th Anniversary Comic. The cover features the Phantom walking down a crypt like area of I am assuming his Skull Cave with the past Phantoms profiles looking at him, its very modern and the style almost looks like it was done by a computer. Art by Basil Lim and text design by Robin Jones. As detailed in an extensive interview by Comic Mix, the comic itself will feature previously published comic strips, including The Phantom’s origin strip from May 1939, material on the history of The Phantom, his creator Lee Falk and an article on King Features Syndicate. There will also be original comic strips created by local artists featuring the work of: Cian Tormey, Johnny McMonagle, Arif Iqbal, David McDonagh, Karl Orowe, Simon Hall, Roisin Young, Basil Lim, Vanessa Ronan, Ashwin Chacko, Derek Keogh, Sean Hill, John O’Reilly, Jerry Higgins, Sinead O’Neill, John Fitzwilliam and Dave Williams. The project will be edited by Lightning Strike Comics Publisher Eoin McAuley. The full story line-up for the original comic strips and their authors, featured in the ‘Phantom 80th Anniversary Special’ for Dublin Comic Con. Featured are: ‘The Magician’s Hoard’ by Sean Hill. ‘The Collector’ by Jerry Higgins. ‘The Wolf Who Walks’, ‘Pirates of the Ether’ and ‘Trouble at Sea’ by John O’Reilly. ‘On The Phantom’s Trail’ by Derek Keogh. It is looking like an amazing comic which still is only available via the comic convention in Ireland on August 6th and 7th. They have also produced a quick 5 second 3D render of the Phantoms face which you can see here. We have included a screenshot of it (left). #DublinComicCon #80th #LightningStrikeComics

Bradford Exchange has released a new print to celebrate The Phantom's 80th Anniversary with art by Glenn Ford for a cost of $499.95AU. It has been a bit quiet down at Bradford Exchange the last year or so but they have come back with a bang with this print that is available for pre order with delivery in August 2016. You may notice the new Glenn Ford design is a direct copy from one of the Women’s Mirror covers that where the first Australian Phantom comic books. To buy you can go to their website. Below is Bradford’s descriptive text on this print: There are certain things in life that you can always count on: the sun rising in the morning, The Bradford Exchange offering you the world’s finest limited editions and The Phantom™ thrilling millions of readers daily. He’s been doing that for eighty action-packed years. Introducing “The Phantom 80th Anniversary Gallery Edition Print,” a celebration of Lee Falk’s greatest legacy which is set to become a prized edition for just 499 fans in Australia and New Zealand. Glenn Ford’s 12-year stewardship of the Australian edition of The Phantom comic created a golden age of adventures. A lifelong fan, Glenn was perfectly positioned to create the ultimate celebration…with a uniquely Aussie spin. The covers sit magnificently alongside specially commissioned art from Glenn which truly captures the heroic mystique of the 500-year old Ghost Who Walks™. Meticulously hand-crafted by our master printers and framers, the montage is faithfully rendered in fade-resistance inks ensuring a lifetime of vibrancy. It is preserved under a crystal-clear, museum-style cover. The black matting adds richness and depth. This sophisticated presentation is a spectacular 59cm high by 48cm wide including its dramatic, black frame. Equally impressive is the pure-silver layered medallion which we commissioned to accent Glenn’s contribution to the edition. It gleams as only silver can and contrasts Glenn’s art brilliantly. The medallion is yours FREE when you acquire the edition today! Laminated for protection, it’s also a stunning work of art in its own right because it offers you a concise biography of Lee Falk as well as reproducing those five landmark covers and the stories they featured. Fascinating on its own, it completes the edition in spectacular style. Behind the frame is the all-important Certificate of Authenticity. Be one of just 499 fans to own the hand-signed and hand-numbered print. Pre order for expected delivery in August 2016! The Phantom 80th Anniversary Gallery Edition Print. Crafted and framed to a true gallery standard with never before seen Glenn Ford Art. Delivered with a silver-layered medallion and full colour certificate. #BradfordExchange #GlennFord #80th

Comic Reflections, a podcast about all things Silver and Bronze age in the world of comics, have dedicated a whole episode on the Phantoms 80th Anniversary. You can listen to it here or download it on your iTunes/ Android devices. They talk about the Hermes Free comic books, the history of the character, his importance, and also why he is not the popular hero he should be. Thanks to Ohm for the heads up about this. #Podcast #80th

Now that the excitement of the opening is over, we can have a more sedate look around the Phantom Art Show as it appears at the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery. Curators Peter Kingston and Dietmar Lederwasch have really put together a marvellous display of all things Phantom, with a clear and obvious focus on two of the first (and many would say, greatest) Phantom artists: Ray Moore and Wilson McCoy. Visitors to the Gallery are greeted by a pair of life-size Jungle Patrol figures, created by Dietmar himself. Once you enter the gallery, one of the first thing that jumps out is how imposing and impressive somepieces are, through sheer size as much as anything. Charles Blackman's They say he is over 400 years old, nearly 2m square and one of the first things you see as you enter the room. Dick Frizzell's Grieving Phantom (used for the front cover of the Art Show catalogue and much of the Show's advertising) is about the same size, as is Euan McLeod's Father of the Phantom (below). But size is not everything, and these pieces are just magnificent representations of our hero. So too is the PNG war shield, owned by a private collector and originating from the Wahgi tribe. Some pieces, such as Glenn Morgan's The Phantom Kicks Arse Down Under (below) - with Michael Leunig's Your Prime Ministership is Incompetent in the background of the shot - are unashamedly political. Others are more whimsical, such as Peter Kingston's chess set (left) or the many movable dioramas (below) that are interactive and fun for even the youngest phan - as this father of a 6 year old can attest! A wide range of media are used in these interpretations. Along with the dioramas there are the paintings and drawings that one would expect in an art exhibition (oils, pastels, inks, pencil, and many more styles than this particular philistine knows about!), but also wooden sculptures and cut-outs, ceramics, tin, lamps, telephones ... everything is here. Even audio-visuial multi-media is represented, with Peter Kingston's "Phantom" movie Fanta, filmed and produced in the mid-1970's is playing on a loop in a side room. You can watch this yourself in the video below. There's no doubt that not everyone is going to like everything that is in the Show. Some pieces are confronting and perhaps even a little disturbing for some phans, in a way that suggests this is an exhibition designed for general art lovers as much as it is for devotees of the purple-clad comic strip hero. However, with over 40 artists represented and wildly varying interpretations of the character, this was always going to be the case. There is little doubt though that for every piece you don't like, there will be dozens you do. Pieces that make you think, pieces that make you laugh, pieces that make you green with envy as you wonder how you could get that home and where you would find the wall space to hang it. This author would heartily encourage anyone who can to see the Art Show as it tours around Australia. It really is something Phantom you just will not see anywhere else. You can take a short virtual tour of the Toowoomba version of The Phantom Art Show by watching the video below: And for those who just can't get to Toowoomba to see the Show, listen below to the X-Band podcast from the Toowoomba Art Show, where Dan walks and talks the Gallery with Gary Horne and Chris Hill, phans who travelled from Brisbane to see it. For a fuller look at all pieces that appeared at the Sydney show in December 2014, most of which continue to travel around Australia with the Show, please visit the Australian Gallery website. #ArtShow #RayMoore #WilsonMcCoy #Podcast #XBand #PeterKingston #DietmarLederwasch

Falkists vs Modernists. In this episode Steve moderates The Great Debate between Falkists and Modernists- That Lee Falk's Phantom is the One True Phantom. Jermayn takes the modernist's perspective and the boys are joined by Dan Fraser for the Falkists. Who will come out victorious? You be the judge! #XBand #Podcast #LeeFalk #KingFeaturesSyndicate #TeamFantomen #Egmont #Semic #Frew

The catalogue for The Phantom Art Show is truly a collector's item in itself. Printed in the style of a 40's era Frew comic, it is a treasure trove of information about the artists behind the artwork, but also about the original creators: Lee Falk, Ray Moore and Wilson McCoy. The opening editorial by Matthew Holle discusses the reason for the Art Show in the first place, and the appeal of the charater in general. Musings from key contributor Dick Frizzell justify his passion for McCoy's art and loathing of almost everything else, together with a piece by Dare Jennings that explains why he regrets meeting Lee Falk, are fascinating insights into the various mindsets that phans can have when considering The Phantom. However, mostly the catalogue is a wonderful collection of images far removed from anything comic book devotees will have seen before, as the images below attest. If for that reason only, The Phantom Art Show catalogue is a must have for any serious Phantom collector. While the Art Show curators would love for this to be complimentary for all visitors, there is the cold hard fact that it costs money to tour this magnificent collection, and so the catalogue is available for $5 at any of the exhibitions on the tour. #ArtShow #LeeFalk #RayMoore #WilsonMcCoy #PeterKingston #DietmarLederwasch

These days it seems every day we hear sad news about creators passing or getting sick and being stuck with mountains of medical bills. Sal Velluto is the latest name. Sal Velluto has produced a lot of Phantom work throughout the years. He has produced work for Egmont that has been featured around the world in Fantomen, Fantomet and Frew along with him recently finished the Hermes mini series. What is great is that several phans of Sal, his Phantom and his other work, have banded together and started several fundraisers to help him pay the bills associated with his illness. Salt Lake Comic Con has gathered several of the guests, giving away sketches and commissions with all funds being raised going to Sal's Go Fund Me campaign. Erik, a devoted Phantom phan, has also donated one of Sals covers for Egmont from his personal collection for an auction with all proceeds to go to the medical bills as well. It is great to see so many phans from around the world both Phantom phans and other fans giving to help a gentlemen of the comic book world. #SalVelluto #Egmont #Fantomen #Fantomet #Frew #HermesPress

Not many comic strip heroes can lay claim to a two-year travelling Art Show in their honour. Fewer still can say that their regional exhibitions were opened by a former Governor-General of Australia. On Sunday 5th June 2016, Dame Quentin Bryce and husband Michael graced the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery to officially open The Phantom Art Show exhibition. Curators Peter Kingston and Dietmar Lederwasch were among the 80-100 Toowoomba phans in attendance, and all were treated to entertaining speeches by both Michael and Dame Quentin. After an entertaining introduction by Toowoomba Regional Councillor Geoff McDonald, it was Michael who took to the microphone first. He began what seemed like a meandering exposition of the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II aircraft, a fighter jet used by the American air force during the Vietnam War. Some in the crowd were starting to wonder if Michael realised exactly which Phantom he was here to talk about! Everything snapped into focus though, when Michael revealed that he had in fact met a mysterious American pilot who flew a F4 Phantom II and bore the name tag Christoher Walker. Had he, in fact, met The Phantom? Michael closed out his portion of the opening by presenting the curators with his own Phantom artwork - a rendition of the F4 Phantom II. Dame Quentin then took to the microphone, and she spoke with great aplomb about her memories of The Phantom. Remarkably thought, she almost took the curators to task for their lack of attention to Diana in the show - and with only a few pieces depicting the woman who has been at his side for 80 years, she may have had a point! Dame Quentin was firm in her assertion of Diana as a feminist role model and a strong character in her own right. It was only towards the end of her presentation that the penny dropped - Dame Quentin, the former Governor-General of Australia, had attended the opening of The Phantom Art Show in cosplay. Dame Quentin was dressed as Diana Palmer! Beautiful touches like this made the opening of the Art Show a delight to attend. However I must say I am looking forward to going back to the Art Gallery in the coming days and weeks without the crowd, giving me the time to enjoy the artworks in a little more peace and quiet. There are literally dozens and dozens of amazing Phantom art works to examine. Rest assured, there will be a ChronicleChamber article forthcoming at that time! #ArtShow #PeterKingston #DietmarLederwasch