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Jermayn Parker goes solo as he interviews Fantomen creator Mikael Bergkvist who is one of the few creators who draws and writes Phantom stories for the Fantomen magazine. He joins the likes of Joan Boix, Hans Lindahl, Mikael Sol, Felmang and Lennart Moberg. Mikael is an interesting person whose career has been interwoven with several other known creators, including Fantomen writer Dai Darell and American creators like Neal Adams and Joe Rubenstein. We go over his two stories, his career, him growing up with the character, being a part of the Fantomen Club and much more. His two stories are: "The Mark of the Phantom" by Mikael Bergkvist, with art by Gerardo Canelo (Published in Fantomen 13/2024) "In the Shadow of a Friend" by Mikael Bergkvist (Published in Fantomen 24/2025) Please note. Due to some technical difficulties, some of the times, the camera is a little jumpy. We apologise. You can email us at chroniclechamber@gmail.com or chat with us via our social media profiles on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram. We love comments and feedback from the Phantom phans from around the world. Make sure you stay with us, and do not forget to subscribe and leave a review on our podcast on our YouTube Channel.

The team at Art of Play Games has been busy behind the scenes with some game updates over the last few months. For those who do not listen to our podcasts, we have mentioned this in our last two Phantom comics and news podcasts. We would recommend phans follow the podcasts; if you are someone who cannot find time to sit through the whole podcast or are not interested in everything from around the world, we would recommend using the timestamp codes we have for each monthly comics and news podcasts. Updates on the video game First up, as explained by Stephen East in our X-Band: Phantom Podcast #333 - March 2026 newspaper stories, comics & news review: The team at Art of Play Games knows the game is not perfect. They have put in 60+ hours (at the time of recording) and had planned on putting in over 100+ by the end of April 2026. If you are a newbie like me, you may ask if the updates will be updated for those who have already brought the game. The answer is yes. When Art of Play Games releases the update, whether you have a chip or not, when you play the game, it will ask you to update, and hopefully those pesky bugs will be fixed.   The biggest change that may seem insignificant to some is that PEGI reclassified the Phantom game as a PG-12 from PG-7, which saw Art of Play Games needing to re-release the game digitally on every platform to try and get it reclassified again as a PG-7. We have also been told that the 'cheat sheet' will be back online soon for phans to use if they get stuck playing the game. Updates on the art book They have been test printed, and unless there are more delays, they will be shipping preorders from the middle of May 2026. At the moment, the art book is not available to be purchased on their online shop. Remember this book was limited to only 250 copies, but if there are any unsold copies, they will be made available on their shop. You can follow more Phantom Video Game updates via their website or social media pages: Website Online shop Facebook Instagram

Christian Moller  reviews the fifth Austrian Phantom comic from the newest magazine series from Art:9 . The magazine was first released in shops in March 2026. This is the first time that these two stories have been published not only in Austria but also in Germany and Switzerland, where this series is also available for sale. If you're from Germany, Austria, and/or Switzerland and are buying this series, let us know your thoughts on reading these for the first time. " Das geheimnisvolle Mädchen " (" The Mysterious Gir l") by Lee Falk and Ray Moore " Der goldene Kreis " (" The Golden Circle ") by Lee Falk and Ray Moore You can order your copy of this from the Art:9 website . They also sell their comics from shops throughout Germany and Switzerland. This issue costs 25 euro - the other four volumes have all been 21 euro which is a small increase. I will still think it is good value for what you get. These stories are in black and white, and this issue is 122 pages. The reprint quality of the stories is top-notch. The paper quality is thick and printed in the same quality and format as the Hermes Press format, which some phans may be more familiar with. " Der goldene Kreis " (" The Golden Circle ") by Lee Falk and Ray Moore was recently republished by Frew with the story recoloured with a sequel story in their 2000th comic. This sequel story was written by Julie Ditrich and Wendell Cavalcanti . It was reviewed in X-Band: The Phantom Podcast #311 . All our reviews of Phantom comics from Germany and Austria will be included in our monthly X-Band: The Phantom Podcasts . You can find out more at our website and/or subscribe to our YouTube channel  for more videos. If you would like to join the team and review new comics being released around the world, please contact us. We are still chasing reviewers to review Phantom comics being released in Sweden, Norway and others.

Yes, you have read that right! King Features has quietly slipped some earth breaking news on their website that a new TV show is currently in development. Some phans may have already known about the possibility but now its official. News at this stage is very sparse but what we know and can share is American television production company " Universal Content Productions " operating within the Universal Studio Group division of NBCUniversal , which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Comcast is developing the show. They have created successful shows like " Warehouse 13 ", " Killjoys ", " The Umbrella Academy ", " Quantum Leap ", " Resident Alien " and many others. Some of these shows have been on platforms like Netflix , SyFy channel , Peacock , Hulu and their own NBC channel. Nothing yet on which channel will show the TV show. At this stage there is no official announcement further than the TV show is in development and " Universal Content Productions " are the company behind it. KFS do like the Defenders of the Earth licence so chances are we may see Flash and Mandrake make an entry but nothing has been announced either. Please continue to google and see if you can find something we cannot. If you do, please let us know. Also we want to know who you would like to see play the main role, what type of TV show would you like to see? What other actors, actresses and producers would you like to see fulfil the roles on the show? Let us get excited.

King Features President CJ Kettler has released a statement to Variety announcing Reginald Hudlin as Director and Producer of The Phantom live action TV series. Source: UCLA School of Theatre, Film & Television “The development of a live-action series for the iconic comic strip “The Phantom” marks a pivotal expansion to meet the current cultural zeitgeist for this brand. By partnering with award-nominated director Reginald Hudlin, who possesses a deep reverence for the comic industry and source material itself, we are confident this adaptation will meet the high expectations of both longtime and new fans globally.” Reginald Hudlin has had a long career in the entertainment industry as a writer, director and producer. He first sat in the director's chair for 1990's award winning movie " House Party " which Reginald also wrote. He followed this up in 1992, directing the movie Boomerang starring Eddie Murphy. His most recent movie was another Eddie Murphy project, the 2023 Christmas film Candy Cane Lane . In the years between, Reginald has carved out a career championing the lives of notable contributors to American culture such as actor Sidney Poitier , music executive Clarence Avant and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall . He has also directed a number of episodes of popular TV shows such as The Office, Modern Family, Bones and New Girl . As a producer, Reginald has been involved in movies such as 2012's Django Unchained , a number of TV series like The Boondocks , as well as TV specials including the NAACP Image Awards since 2013, the 2016 88th Academy Awards and, from 2020-2022, the Primetime Emmy Awards. Reginald is also no stranger to comic books. In 2004 he co-authored, with Aaron McGruder , Birth of a Nation: A Comic Novel . This was followed by a notable run on Black Panther between 2005 and 2017 as well as the comic tie-in to the movie Django Unchained and some work on Spider-Man . With such an extensive CV as this, the phans here at Chronicle Chamber are very excited with this latest announcement. Chronicle Chamber has been anticipating a live-action TV series for some time now, with a number of tidbits filtering out over the past couple of years. However, this announcement really adds substance to the rumour mill that has existed around the project for some time. With The Phantom's ongoing popularity in Australia, Sweden and India and burgeoning growth across Europe, North and South America with the release of new comics, it seems like an ideal time for The Phantom TV series to finally see the light of day. With over 90 years of history to draw from, renowned creators from around the world, and a phan base chomping at the bit to see their hero on the screen, we wish Reginald all the best in bringing The Phantom to life on the screen once more. Happy Phantoming! Sources: Image: https://www.tft.ucla.edu/executive-board/reginald-hudlin/ https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/the-phantom-live-action-tv-series-reginald-hudlin-1236724486/ https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0399737/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reginald_Hudlin https://www.amazon.com.au/Birth-Nation-Comic-Aaron-McGruder/dp/1400083168

Defenders of the Earth: Dark Destiny #4 is the grand finale to the follow-up miniseries from Dan Didio, Alex Sanchez, Juancho! , and Carlos M. Mangual . Several story threads are all buttoned up, and readers are treated with a finale that can serve as both a capper to this series from Mad Cave Studios , as well as a springboard for future stories, should more miniseries or follow-ups be in the works! Credits for the issue are: Title: " Blood Wedding" Writer: Dan DiDio    Artist: Alex Sanchez Colorist: Juancho! Velez    Letterer: Carlos M Mangual    Editor: Sarah Brunstad   Main Cover: Marco Santucci Synopsis: MERCILESS MARRIAGE! The Defenders' greatest enemy has somehow won the hand of Flash Gordon's beloved, Dale Arden! And if Flash intervenes...he dooms the planet Mongo. Meanwhile, Rick Gordon, Jedda, and LJ have unearthed a terrible secret. Now they have a plan to save two worlds--but will they be fast enough? The epic ends here! Defenders of the Earth: Dark Destiny #4 cover by Marco Santucci Question for the Phans: Did this finale stick the landing? Follow-up Question: Would you read another series? Let us know by commenting below this article, on our YouTube, or by dropping us a line . We'd love to hear your thoughts!

The Phantom has had an interesting relationship with the fine folks of Papua New Guinea . The country is located north of Australia , sharing a land border with Indonesia on the New Guinea Island, with hundreds of other offshore islands. According to tradition, during World War II, The Phantom was first introduced to the locals, and he was an instant hit, as a purple jungle-dwelling hero likely appealed to them more than other heroes living in areas that did not relate to them. Even though the character has been popular in Papua New Guinea , the country only had one comic book series publishing the Phantom in 1978 by Wantok Publications , released soon after it became an independent Commonwealth realm. This series was printed in Tok Pisin, the creole language of Papua New Guinea. Two known newspapers have also published the character in the 1970s: the Papua New Guinea Post-Courier published Daily Adventures in English, and the Wantok newspaper published Daily Adventures in the Tok Pisin language. While it has been decades since a newspaper and comic publisher has published the Phantom regularly, Frew has distributed their comics regularly since. All this has now changed with news that, timed beautifully with the 90th birthday, the character is back in the Papua New Guinea Post-Courier . On the Phantom's 90th birthday (17th February 2026), their physical Tuesday copy of the newspaper included a special 40-page Phantom comic, which included the " Rotten Apples " story first published by Frew in 2021, written by Duncan Munro , with art by Jeff Weigel . This continues with every Tuesday a physical comic is included in the physical newspaper. The first comic was a special 40 pages, and since then, each comic is 16 pages. As you will see with the images attached below, they are releasing Frew -created stories in a serial part format. Attached is the online digital banner that has been seen on Facebook, promoting the start of their comic book series and a few examples of the promotional banners on the physical and digital newspapers. On top of the physical comics being released as a supplement with the physical newspaper, since 2025, the newspaper has been publishing the daily adventures once a week. They started printing " The Muckmen of Zumaridi River " daily adventure by Tony DePaul  and Mike Manley . Below is an example from the Tuesday, 31 March 2026 page. A huge shout-out to Marko Davidovic, who has helped with his research skills for this article. If we have missed any Phantom-related news, please email us at Chroniclechamber@gmail.com .

On the back of the Ray Moore and Lee Falk daily adventures being published by Austrian publisher Art:9 , they have now announced they will be publishing the Sunday stories as well. The first volume will be shipping before the end of April 2026. You can order your copy at their website here The price is €25.00, and the book in landscape format will be 114 pages and printed in black and white in German. " Die Liga der Verlorenen " (" The League of Lost Men ") by Lee Falk and Ray Moore " Die wertvolle Fracht des Colonel Winn " (" The Precious Cargo of Colonel Winn ") by Lee Falk and Ray Moore " Die Feuer-Göttin " (" The Fire Goddess ") by Lee Falk and Ray Moore " Der Strandläufer " (" The Beachcomber ") by Lee Falk and Ray Moore " Die Saboteure " (" The Saboteurs ") by Lee Falk and Ray Moore It is worth noting that only "The League of Lost Men" and "The Precious Cargo of Colonel Winn" have previously been published in Austria and/or Germany, and that was back in the 1980s and heavily edited. It is interesting why Art:9 did not publish these stories in color like they were originally printed in newspapers and printed by Hermes Press . Make sure you keep an eye on our website and/or YouTube channel as we review all the Art:9 books and other Germany Phantom comics.

In Phantom 2040: A New Shadow Episode 8, we find out what happened to Carlos Oserio's friend Mel. For those who are caught up, Carlos and Mel were separated after the events of the 6th episode. The creative team of writers Alex Segura and Michael Moreci and artist George Kambadais have taken us on a short jump back in time to fill in the gaps, as well as introduce a new character into the mix. Read Phantom 2040: A New Shadow  Episode 8 here Whereas the past couple of episodes have been heavy with the drama and action, this episode peppers in some much-needed lightheartedness to the mix. We learn little tidbits about the world while Mel dashes away from Charles Tyrus' press conference, and it's just enough to keep this episode interesting and moving along at a nice pace. For those looking to find out what happened to Carlos, they'll have to wait at least another episode. Other than a brief glimpse in one panel, we don't know how his cliffhanger in episode 7 is going to pay off just yet! Phantom 2040: A New Shadow art by George Kambadais Question for the Phans: Do you like lighthearted interludes like this episode? Let us know by commenting below this article, on our YouTube, or by dropping us a line . We'd love to hear your thoughts!

Stop! Listen. What's that sound? Everybody look at what's going down in episode 13 of Phantom 2040: A New Shadow over at Comics Kingdom . After being reunited once again last episode, the mentor/mentee bond between Carlos Oserio (the new Phantom) and Kit Walker Jr. (the older Phantom) is severed! Strange things are afoot as tech magnate and Maximum Inc. patsy Charles Tyrus puts his plan into motion that causes a fracture in the Ghost Jungle. Read Phantom 2040: A New Shadow Episode 13 here . Writers Alex Segura and Michael Moreci are juggling a hefty number of story threads as we push deeper into the second act of this webcomic. In this episode, we touch base on Charles Tyrus and his shadowy benefactor ( no spoiler: we won't say who!), Carlos' friend and possible love interest Melinda, and Carlos' storyline all in one go! It's fast-paced, with no room for breathing as the plot gets amplified. What does it mean? What even is going on?! We haven't a clue. As we dive deeper into this series, with art from the likes of George Kambadais and John Amor , we hope to get some answers so we can truly wrap our heads around the cataclysm that is looming in the near future. Phantom 2040: A New Shadow episode 13 art by George Kambadais Question for the Phans: What do you think "dark magicks" refers to? Let us know by commenting below this article, on our YouTube, or by dropping us a line . We'd love to hear your thoughts!

After a three-week hiatus, Phantom 2040: A New Shadow is back with episode 17! This episode starts with a little bit of a recap, this time told from the perspective of Charles Tyrus , one of the main villains in this webcomic sequel series. Whereas Carlos Oserio , the new Phantom, was taking a sledgehammer to Tyrus' operation last episode, this time around we learn more about what the villains are up to. Read Phantom 2040: A New Shadow  Episode 17 here This episode looks like it combines art styles from John Amor and George Kambadais , as it brings in elements from earlier episodes in its recap of the series thus far. Alex Segura and Michael Moreci introduce a new twist this episode, as the shadowy benefactor, Rebecca Madison , steps into the light and seizes control of the operation. This is after Carlos proved to be more than Tyrus' bots could handle! As we've said in previous reviews, for every reveal and further information peppered into each episode, more questions remain. For example, we learn more about Fitzroy, but we still really don't know she she is. Also, what about the Ghost Jungle is important to the Anti-Phantom suit, and how does "black magic" exist and work in this cyberpunk dystopian world? Phantom 2040: A New Shadow Episode 17 art by John Amor and George Kambadais Question for the Phans: How do you feel about "black magic" being interwoven into the Phantom 2040 universe? Let us know by commenting below this article, on our YouTube, or by dropping us a line . We'd love to hear your thoughts!

In the latest Frew 1759 that comes out in Newsagents on Thursday the 11th August, Dudley breaks some exciting news about a new series that will start in Frew 1761 called the Phantom's World. It is a series of comics from all around the world that have never been previously published in English. Dudley then mentions that the first of this new series will be another Spada story from artist Angelo Todaro who will also be creating a new Frew cover. Attached is an image that was posted on Angelo's Facebook post a few months ago. We (Chronicle Chamber) posted it at the time, but as it was still going through the processes and still a secret project, we were asked to remove it by Frew. We expect the cover (left) to be changed slightly with the 'Phantoms World' labeling, the Frew numbering, and maybe some other small changes, but here is an idea on what we should be receiving in our mail or from our newsagent in a few weeks. If you liked the Felmang issue (Frew 1753) earlier in the year, you will love this. There have been countless Spada, Egmont, Brasil, Indian, and even American stories that have never been published in English before, so we are in for a real treat. The question I have: will this be for previous past published stories that have not been published because technically every new Egmont story has not been published before in English? I expect it to be just past stories and NOT new stories. I think we are beginning to see new ideas and strategies starting to come into fruition with another slip by Dudley in an earlier Frew issue about the Phantom Kids which we touched upon in the last podcast . I wonder what else we will see.

Frew 1754 saw a new cover artist drawing the cover. His name is Shane Foley and the team at Chronicle Chamber interviewed him to find out about him and his long journey to become a Frew Phantom cover artist. Chronicle Chamber: Were you a Phantom phan growing up or now? Shane Foley: If a ‘phan’ is the Bandar version of a Marvel Zombie, then no. I have been very hit and miss with reading the Phantom over the years. Having said that, I adore the Phantom up to the early Sy Barry years. I guess I’ve found some of the more modern versions, including Lee Falk’s later stories, harder to embrace – but that happens to all us older guys. It’s the same with my appreciation of Marvel – I’m a Marvel guy who loves the 60’s and 70’s, so I find only a little of the later work resonates with me. I know not everyone’s like that – but I am. But if a ‘phan’ is someone who appreciates and loves and collects at least 30 years worth of Phantom stuff, then yes, I am a ‘phan’. CC: What was the process like submitting your art to Frew? SF: Easy. Because I submitted my stuff and then moved on, thinking Dudley was one of those editors who responded very promptly and nicely but then really had no work for me. So I forgot about it. Back in 2015, I bought a Phantom (as I spasmodically did – which is more than I do for Marvel or DC now. It was issue 1724 – pictured right) and thought the cover was a good idea that could be done better. It seemed to be simply a smallish panel from the story enlarged, thereby losing detail and clarity. I did my version of that cover, giving it the detail I thought would make it look better, and then, as an extra, altered the Mr Walker figure to that of the purple Phantom. I sent it to Dudley, saying I was happy to work with whatever layout they liked – either my own, or redoing a panel they liked. He responded graciously, but it went no further than that then. I put it all behind me until that sudden and unexpected phone-call from Dudley in April this year. Having said all that, I had submitted to Frew in the late 80’s and mid-90’s, but Jim Shepherd didn’t seem interested at all. So it’s been a Long time coming and no overnight thing. CC: What made you initially submit your art to Frew? SF: Hmmm – I must have got carried away in the last question, because I think I answered it there. The other reason, of course, is that the Phantom seems to be the only real possibility for any comic work in Australia that I could think of. I’ve been involved in the local industry before, particularly in the early 90’s and 00’s, but I’m a bit more out of touch with it now, so wouldn’t know where else to approach. CC: What is your background in art? School? Self Learned? SF: I have been drawing since I can remember – I’ve never been able to understand people who don’t. And from a really early age – probably from after reading my first Phantom – it’s been comic art that galvanized me the most. So much so, I didn’t do art at school because I thought it was more about potato cuts and tie-dying t-shirts, which I couldn’t stand. Later, when working in a bank, I thought a few times about quitting and going to Art College but never did. And apart from a diploma from an ICS Correspondence Art Course (remember them?), all my work is self- taught. CC: What comics you read now? and as a kid? SF: The Phantom was first – I found a copy of #225 in a caravan when I was about 7 and was awe-struck by it. My Dad then bought the Phantom for us regularly, starting with 286, which came out around Easter 1965 (thanks to the GCD for verifying my memory of the issues and giving the dates) and I read the Phantom for years after that – even buying copies that reprinted stories I had, so I guess I had a bit of the collector bug from the word go. In 1968, a friend of my brother’s introduced us to mid-60’s Marvel and the work of Jack Kirby in particular increased that fascination with art and comics. All through the 70s I read mostly Marvel and some Phantom. I sold all my comics and stopped reading in the early 80’s, then slowly returned to it a few years later. Then, in the late 80’s I came across The Phantom Goes to War! – probably when looking for a Marvel book I hoped I’d like – and rediscovered my fascination with the Phantom and collected everything of Moore, McCoy and early Sy Barry that Frew put out. I love those ‘complete’ versions. Jim Shepherd and his crew did a fabulous job! Now? Very little. Some Phantom obviously. Hellboy. I’m mainly involved with Twomorrows publications. I read and do spot illustrations for Roy Thomas’ magazine Alter-Ego and the Jack Kirby Collector. CC: What are your artistic inspirations? SF: Jack Kirby and John Buscema would have to be the top two! Sy Barry has always been in that next tier of inspiration, alongside Barry Windsor-Smith, John Romita (Snr), Gene Colan, Mike Mignola, Herge, JC Mezieres and so forth. I love looking at how others work too. I find I’m really interested in Keith Giffen’s ‘cluttered’ panels, where he seemed (back in the early 90’s this was) to tell the story while drawing people as little as possible. I love his ‘5 Years Later Legion’ art. I find Bruce Timm inspiring. And I like John Byrne’s and Herb Trimpe’s open, uncluttered storytelling. For Inking, I look mainly to Steve Ditko, Windsor-Smith, Romita (Snr) and I get a lot from Alcala. I am fascinated by Wilson McCoy’s simple yet so effective art. I have a Phantom friend who still prefers his approach, because it’s so easily readable. And Ray Moore – particularly his earliest work – has a moody appeal that I didn’t like as a kid, but which I adore now. (I’m actually working on a story now where I’m going to try to mimic his inking style. If I can. Ouch!!!) CC: Do you look to other Phantom artists? SF: For my own covers? Absolutely! Early Sy Barry! Bam! No question! Island of Dogs – Drummer of Timpenni – Mysterious Ambassador – the stories of this Era have the best version of the Phantom ever in my mind. And since I want to keep the mood of the Phantom and not make him feel like a Jack Kirby creation (which is the approach I can often lean towards), I definitely look to Barry, as well as Moore and McCoy, to get the feel as right as I can. I also look at the work of Leppanen and others to get a sense of where the modern spin on the Phantom differs from the older one – but usually find that taking the older approach is what they generally do as well. CC: What directions, if any, do Frew give you for a cover? SF: Frew sent me a PDF of the story – still not translated at that point – out of which I was given freedom to find images that I thought would translate into a strong cover image. I sketched out 3, out of which they stated which they’d prefer for the cover and which for the back. I like that approach. It gives me freedom to work the way I like, but also I know I’m working with images they are happy with. Because if they didn’t think any of them were suitable, it would mean we are on different wavelengths, and/or I wasn’t an appropriate cover artist for them. They also stated the size they wanted the cover drawn to allow for the necessary bleeding off the sides, the space needed for the logo (but stating it didn’t matter if part of it was covered) and stuff like that. I ended up sending them this massively heavy file which I’ll have to correct next time CC: Do you ever work with any of the other Phantom artists? SF: Well since 1754 was my first with Frew, the answer, so far, is no – I haven’t. If I’m asked to though, I see no reason why I’d not want to be involved. Read more about Frew's latest Phantom cover artist in his ABC News expose here .

Frew 1755 saw Gary Chaloner finally get his chance to become a Phantom creator after a near miss back in the early 1990s, and the team at Chronicle Chamber interviewed him about his long journey to become a Frew Phantom artist. Chronicle Chamber: Were you always a Phantom phan? Gary Chaloner: The Phantom has always been a constant presence on the newsstands, in show bags, and at second-hand bookstores. Frew ’s editions have always been there. It’s a large part of growing up in Australia. I’ve got more than my fair share of Phantom comics in my collection. So I think the answer is pretty much… yeah! CC: What comics do you read now? and as a kid? GC: As a kid? I soaked up comics like Tintin by Hérge ; Conan the Barbarian by Barry Windsor Smith and Roy Thomas ; Master of Kung Fu by Doug Moench , Paul Gulacy, Mike Zeck, and Gene Day ; Tomb of Dracula by Marv Wolfman and Gene Colan ; Werewolf By Night by Doug Moench , Mike Ploog and Don Perlin . I’m a big fan of the old school monster and adventure comics. Now? I get to read lots of amazing Australian comics of all shapes and sizes due to my involvement in the Ledger Awards. CC: Do you have a day job or are you a full time artist? GC: I’ve spent the most of my life as a freelancer. Comic books and design. But currently I’m working part time for MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) down in Hobart. The rest of the time is still comics. CC: What made you initially submit your art to Frew ? GC: For this cover, they approached me. CC: What was the process like submitting your art to Frew? GC: Well, after Frew contacted me and I agreed to work on a cover, they suggested I send a few ideas to them to look at first. I sent them an initial idea which they liked straight away. They only suggesting one addition — the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, seem as how it was going to be a Phantom Down Under special issue – then they gave it the green light. CC: What directions, if any, do Frew give you for a cover? GC Absolutely none. I think they wanted to see what I’d come up with. Of course, they sent through a copy of the story that I was doing the cover for. So I gave that a good read and came up with an idea that I thought would make an eye-catching cover design. Being my first Frew cover, I also wanted to make a bit of a splash by drawing the iconic Phantom with his arms crossed. It was great fun! CC: What is your background in art? School? Self-learned? GC: Totally self-taught. CC: What are your artistic inspirations? GC: As an artist, I studied Will Eisner’s work, Roy Crane, Jack Kirby, Dave Sim, Mike Mignola, José Luis Garcia-Lopez , the list is never-ending! The older you get, the more you look backwards at the masters who have come before you. CC: Do you look to other Phantom artists? GC: I’ve always loved the Ray Moore material. I’m a sucker for the older stuff. I’d love to do a Phantom story set in the 1930s. “The Phantom in New York”, or something like that. CC: When doing initial research on you I found a mention on the Deepwoods website about your initial work on the Rumble in the Jungle Australian created story. Could you tell us about that? GC: At that time, Jim Shepherd was thinking about doing an original Phantom story set in Australia, written by him and drawn by a local artist. I had an office a few floors above Frew’s office in Sydney. I bumped into Jim a few times, and we got along fine. He told me about his plans and asked me to draw up a few sample pages based on the script that was “ Rumble in the Jungle ”. I was pretty excited that I might have a chance to draw my version of the Phantom, so started on a few pages. I didn’t get very far though, as Jim contacted me a few weeks later saying that Keith Chatto had recently dropped by and things had progressed to the stage where Keith was given the job. Probably the right choice, too, as Keith was a direct link to the golden age of Australian comic art, having worked on a lot of great stuff over his long career. It seemed kind of right for him to do the first original story for Frew. Interesting side note: around that time, Keith had popped in to the Cyclone Comics office (as I said, in the same building as Frew) in the hope that we might publish some of his new material he was working on. We had to pass on that, but it was probably around that same visit that he popped his head in to the Frew office to chat to Jim. The rest is history. But now, I’ve finally had a Phantom cover published by Frew! It may not have been a full adventure, but it still counts! I’m a Phantom artist… at last!

The latest Frew we saw Shane Foley debut as a Frew cover artist, over the weekend Gary Chaloner posted his new Frew cover on Facebook and a few weeks ago it was announced that Angelo Todaro is also set to produce a cover. It is great to see more artists getting the opportunity to create Frew Covers. It also makes Frew's Signature Series more of a series worth getting with different artists signatures. Shane Foley and Gary Chaloner are both local Australian artists who are very well credited in Australian work but also mainstream US comics. Thanks to Jeremy I also found out that Gary was on the short list for the Rumble in the Jungle story that Keith Chatto ended up drawing. Angelo Todaro is Italian and more known for his Fratelli Spada stories. The cover he is doing will also feature one of his stories similar as the Felmang Spada story that was published earlier in the year. This is a works in progress of Gary Chaloner 's cover.