Back in November 2024, Mad Cave Studios announced their plans for Free Comic Book Day 2025 with a Phantom Comic . To coincide with the Free Comic Day announcement, they said it could potentially kick off a new standalone series for the character. Now we can inform you of some new details that have emerged regarding the Free Comic Book Day issue. On Mad Cave Studio 's website , it details one of the creative team involved as well as a synopsis that have been released. Mad Cave Studio lists Ray Fawkes , who has been assigned the writing duties. No artist has been credited as of yet with the website only mentioning 'various', which may hint that there will be multiple artists involved either in the series or this issue. Ray Fawkes is a Canadian comic writer and artist who has had done several critically acclaimed works both independently as well as for major companies like DC , Marvel and Dark Horse . He has also worked on the Mad Cave Studio series ' Sanction '. Have any of our readers read this or his other series? You can follow him on his website and or Instagram . Mad Cave Studio 's also provided a synopsis, hinting at what to expect from the FCBD issue and the series. " The Phantom, Lee Falk’s highly influential superhero, is back in an all-new adventure series! The first story in an exciting publishing plan that is sure to satisfy both new and returning “Phans” of comics’ beloved Ghost Who Walks. In true Phantom fashion, look forward to pulpy storytelling focused on justice, honor, mystery, and mythology—all told with heaps of action!" After their ongoing 'Defenders of the Earth' miniseries, this will be an interesting issue to look forward to. The comic is slated to come out on May 3rd, 2025. We will be providing further updates on the comic and the series as soon as we get more information. Keep an eye out on our website, social media and or monthly podcasts.

Details for the new Mad Cave Studios Phantom series are slowly being released. Early December 2024, Ray Fawkes was announced as the writer for the series . Up until now, the cover was not announced with a place holder being used. Now, the cover and cover artist for the cover has been released. The cover artist is award winner Greg Smallwood who has used a retro style that may be divisive to some phans. At this stage, there is no information if Greg Smallwood  is the ongoing cover artist for the series or just for issue #0. You can follow Greg on his website and or Instagram social media account. Are you looking forward to the series? Do you like the cover? Do you like the style? Do you think it will be successful? For Those Who Have Come In Late. This issue will be released on Saturday 3 May 2025 in comic book shops around the world. This of course is Free Comic Day which is an international day to celebrate and encourage people to attend and buy comics. It is a great way to get potential new readers picking up the Phantom. At this stage we cannot find any further details on the creative teams and if the new series will be following the current Defenders of the Earth  storyline or not. When we know more, we will update you on the website, our monthly podcasts and our social media platforms. If you find any Phantom related news and or want to help us keep up to date on everything Phantom, please contact us at ChronicleChamber@gmail.com .

On a Facebook post, Shakti Comics has announced that they are attending the Chennai Bapasi Book Fair 2025 which is held between the dates of 27 Dec 2024 to 12 Jan 2025. The book fair is located at YMCA College of Physical Education building in Chennai . Their stall number is F50. As you can see from the photo, they will have some Phantom comics available to purchase. If you know of any other comic related convention with Phantom comics being sold or Phantom related creators attending, please let us know. We would love to promote them on our website and platforms. If you would like to help write article or review comics, please email us - ChronicleChamber@gmail.com .

Christian Moller reviews the latest issue's from Zack 's Phantom issue #1 which features the following stories: " Die verschwundenen Base Jumper " (" Captured from Above ") by Bernd Frenz and Janusz Ordon " Gefährliche Wasser " (" Dangerous Waters ") by Bernd Frenz and Janusz Ordon You can order your copy of this comic at their website . The price is €16,00 ($20US, $30AU, 200sek/nok & 1,500INR) Bernd Frenz  is one of the recent new Fantomen  writers and since his first story being published in Fantomen 6-7/2022 , he currently has four stories published by Fantomen . Up until now none of these stories have been published outside Sweden including his native Germany and or Frew Australia. Along with the two stories, this book also includes a five page commentary on the creation of the comic by Bernd Frenz with illustrations of the story process by Janusz Ordon , along with a short biography on both creators Bernd Frenz and  Janusz Ordon . The paper quality is thick which you can hear as I turn the pages on the video. The colouring is bright and clear. All German comic reviews 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.

Indian publisher Shakti Comics have announced a limited print 2025 table calendar which is now available for pre order. This calendar is limited to 200 and features artwork from their Phantom comic covers and interior artwork. The price is ₹249.00 ($3US & Euro, $5AU and 35 sek/nok) The calendar can be purchased here Below is a video flip through of the calendar and some images from their website.

The Empty Throne saga is a futuristic look at what would happen if the 21st Phantoms world became worst case scenario. It was the brain child of past writer Claes Reimerthi which sees Diana and the 21st Phantom separate after Diana found out about the possible fathering of Sandal Singh's son. Kit and Heloise had a falling out after a spat at school. Their homeland, Bangalla experienced an earthquake and a tidal wave with a vacuum of leadership and is in a state of decay and to top it all off - the 21st Phantom has disappeared. The skull throne sits empty. We have received 11 stories in this setting and until this announcement in Fantomen 25-26/2024 and Fantomen 1/2025 , there was nothing concrete what was going to happen next in the series. David Bishop was my early call and tip to take over the reigns and that has been confirmed in Fantomen 1/2025 . In Fantomen 25-26/2024 , the editorial team published two sneak peaks of artwork by artist Janusz Ordon who is continuing on with the series.  At this stage there is no leaks on the storyline but we find the image of the the Phantom and some lady standing in front of the crypt interesting. The middle top crypt seems to have the dates 1930 to 2019 on it which we assume is the 21st. Could this be an attempt to retcon the messy timeline? Who is the lady? Is she the 22nd Phantom's new love interest? Are you looking forward to the return of the series? If you would like to catch up on the series we would recommend the following links. For Those Who Came In Late video for the first 7 stories. X-Band: The Phantom Podcast Episode #246, Episode #248 and Episode # 254 . Reviewing the last four stories. Our interview with artist Janusz Ordon . Our interview with Andreas Eriksson and Jacob Habinc , who hint at the series returning in 2025.

Who is Michael Thoor I hear some ask? Thanks to the editorial article in Fantomen 25-26/2024 , we learn that Michael Thoor is or was also Mikael Gustafsson who is a Swedish based illustrator, artist and graphic designer. The name Mikael Gustafsson  may be more familiar to some as during the 1990s he created three short stories for the Swedish comics magazine Svenska serier , and in 1991 he created the Fantomen 's publishing schedule poster which you can see to the right. Eagle eyed phans will notice that this publishing poster was re-used for the cover for Fantomen 20/2023 and won the best 2023 cover as voted by the phans . You can follow his work and connect with him at his Linkedin profile . What is special about Fantomen 25-26/2024 , is that it also includes a Svenska serier story created by Michael Thoor  with a heavy Phantom influence. The short story Skatten is set in the future when a treasure seeker comes to a post-apocalyptic Earth. It's a story all Phantom fans should enjoy, as Michael Thoor 's Phantom influences are clear. You can watch our review of Fantomen 25-26/2024 here . The story works well as a 'what if' even for readers who have no reading history with Svenska serier  stories. Attached below is one section from the short story. To read the full story, you will have to buy the issue or wait for Frew or another publisher to print it. Also thanks to the editors at Fantomen , they have also sent us the title page illustration from the Fantomen Christmas Album 1994 which you can see below. The style like the cover art is rather unique compared to his interior sequential art.

Mythos Editorial has announced details of their new collection omnibus book, this time all six Phantom stories published by Charlton by legendary artist Don Newton . You can pre order the book via their website. The book has a retail price of 139,90 ($25USD & Eu, $40AU, 260 sek/nok and 2,000INR). At the time of writing, they have a special retail price of 90 - that is 35% off. Don Newton is one of the more popular Phantom artists and his Phantom stories have been published in various countries including USA, Australia, India, Mexico, Germany, Colombia, Sweden, Norway, Finland and now Brazil. This will be the first time his stories have been published in Brazil. Mythos Editorial  have found success publishing collection books which include hardbound Omnibus series publishing stories by Ray Moore , Wilson McCoy , Sy Barry , Jim Aparo and stories created and published by Fratelli Spada . Be interesting to see if there was demand for other stories to be collected and published in omnibus' like those from Team Fantomen or even Frew ?

Fantomen 25&26/2024 was originally published 27 November 2024, this is the last issue for 2024. This issue features three Phantom stories in this comic plus a story loosely based on the Phantom. The stories are: " Resan hem " (" The Journey Home ") by Tony DePaul , Mike Manley , Bret Blevins , and Jeff Weigel " Tågligan " (" The Train Gang ") by Donne Avenell and César Spadari " Mörkrets väktare " (" Guardian of the Eastern Dark ") by Lee Falk and Sy Barry " Skatten " (" The Treasure ") by Michael Thoor The cover is by Henry Johannes Matilainen with his third cover. I like the cover with the classic strong pose of the Phantom. " Resan hem " (" The Journey Home ") by Tony DePaul , Mike Manley , Bret Blevins , and Jeff Weigel is the last part of the Himalaya storyline. It also features multiple artists who filled in for Mike Manley 's sickness. " Tågligan " (" The Train Gang ") by Donne Avenell and César Spadari is printed in black and white and is a classic story from 1987. This is the first time it has been reprinted by Sweden. It was also published in a Frew comic in issue #1536 (2009). " Mörkrets väktare " (" Guardian of the Eastern Dark ") by Lee Falk and Sy Barry features a re coloured story. I notice that the colour of the Phantom's costume is a bit dark. " Skatten " (" The Treasure ") by Michael Thoor is a futuristic story with the Phantom in mind but there is no Phantom in the story. Chronicle Chamber will touch upon this story and the creator in a future article to be released. All Fantomen comics and other comic reviews 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 and reviews. If you would like to review comics from your area, please contact us at ChronicleChamber@gmail.com .

Fantomen 24/2024 was originally published 13 November 2024. This issue features two Phantom stories in this comic. The stories are: " Demonen " (" The Demon ") by Norman Worker and Jaime Vallvé " Slavskeppets hämnare " (" Breaking the Circle ") by Özcan Eralp The cover is by Luca Erbetta who beautifully captures the battle between the Demon and the Phantom. This story has been published a few times by other Scandinavian countries and Australia, this is however the first time it has been printed in colour. In this reviewers opinion, it reads better. Do you think the story is better in colour or in the original black and white? The second story was first published in 1981 in a Turkish comic Kızılmaske Albüm 17 . It was first published by Frew in 2016 and this is the first time it has been published by Egmont . What do you think of the story? Would you like to see more of these lost never before published stories? All Fantomen comics and other comic reviews 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 and reviews. If you would like to review comics from your area, please contact us at ChronicleChamber@gmail.com .

During COVID-19 , some collector pop culture hobbies sky rocketed in value and popularity as people had spare cash from being isolated staying at home. Original comic art was one area and another was high end collector sport cards. The kids that grew up in the 1980's and 1990's have disposable money and are wanting to re-live their childhood memories which included reading comics and collecting trading cards. Instead of having low value filler cards that are not collectable, companies now just release a whole set of rare and collectable cards. Through browsing the Internet we were made aware of one company Saturday Morning Cards who has just recently released a Popeye limited high end collector card set. For the lay person, this specific Popeye set consists of 1,000x cards that will be released. In these 1,000 cards there are 199x Matrix, 150x Silver Cards, 100x Stars, 50x Ice, 25x Gold Ice, 10x Gold, 5x Black Ice and 1x Black card and the rest will be one of one original art sketch cards by artists and other non numbered cards. The cost for these Popeye sets are $30US and comes in an exclusive display box. It is worth mentioning that generally the matrix, silver, gold, ice cards are of the same design of the card. While we do not have confirmation yet on a future release, we wonder what other King Feature  licenses they have and will the Phantom be next? We are keeping an eye out on Saturday Morning Cards Instagram profile hopefully for an announcement soon - we recommend you do as well. For some phans, their mindset will need to be changed as there are no guarantees on which card they get, as it is a luck of the draw blind bag style purchase. Would you be interested in some high end Phantom collector cards for your collection?

The Australian Stanley Awards were held on the 30th November for the Australian Cartoonists Association and every year they have a bunch of awards for different artists including illustrators, cartoonists, comic book artists, editorial cartoonists and more. For 2024 in the comic book artist field, Paul Mason , Dean Rankine and Rob Feldman were teh finalists out of everyone nominated. Both Paul Mason and Dean Rankine are known to Frew readers with several of their stories published in the Frew comics and having their stories voting well in the Chronicle Chamber best of Frew survey. Both Paul Mason  and Dean Rankine shared the award for 2024. Dean also won the book illustrator award and this is the second time Paul has won the comic artist award, the first being in 2022. Paul Mason won it for his Phantom in Vietnam storyline. A huge congratulations from the team at Chronicle Chamber and all the phans. The Australian Cartoonists Association according to their website is the oldest cartooning organisation in the world being founded in 1924. The full list of winners will be on their website and or Facebook page . If you would like to join the team and review new comics being released around the world or help report on Phantom news please contact or email us.

Fantomen 22 & 23/2024 was originally published 16 October 2024. This issue features two Phantom stories in this comic which doubled as a tribute for the passing of Dai Darell . The stories are: " Heros dom " (" Hero's Death Sentence ") by Dai Darell and Kari Leppänen " Ormringen " (" The Snake Ring ") by Dai Darell and Kari Leppänen This is a double issue with four stories inside including two Phantom stories and a Mandrake story by Fred Fredericks . The fourth story is " La Jeunesse de Thorgal " by Yann and Roman Surzhenko . The cover is by Luca Erbetta who beautifully captures the relationship between Hero and the Phantom which is highlighted by one of the stories included in this issue about a possible death of Hero. This story is written by Dai Darell and a beautiful memorial article is written by Andreas Eriksson . The two Phantom stories were originally published in black and white and I think the added colours make the art pop out. All Fantomen comics and other comic reviews 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 and reviews. If you would like to review comics from your area, please contact us at ChronicleChamber@gmail.com .

We recently reviewed the digital comics being released by Lightning Strike in their Tasq Force series . Along with their digital comics, they print an annual which is due out in December 2024. Interestingly, this annual will include an original Phantom strip by creators Timmy Heague and Ryan S Carr . we assume this will be a For Those Who Came In Late introduction strip. The cover art is by Ryan S Carr . Other contents of the 36 page annual will be An abbreviated representation of The Phantom newspaper story ' The Chain ' by Tony DePaul and Brett Blevins . A modern Flash Gordon Sunday arc strip by Dan Schkade , translated by Gary Moloney with Lettering by Robin Jones and Prince Valiant by Mark Schultz and Thomas Yeates . As well as Christmas themed stories from Popeye , Slylock Fox , Dennis the Menace and Hagar the Horrible . If this interests you and you would like to buy your digital comics, subscriptions and the annual, you can click on the following links: Tasq Force annual bundle subscription (€80) Tasq Force printed annual (€5 +postage) Tasq Force digital subscription (€30) If you are considering ordering for Christmas please note the following shipping deadlines which have been given to us by Lightning Strike . For Ireland. They must ship by Dec. 21st For the UK. They must ship by Dec. 19th For the rest of EU 9e.g. Sweden and Norway). They must ship by Dec. 12th For the USA. They must ship by Dec. 5th For the rest of the World (e.g. Australia and India). They must ship by Dec. 5th. If you missed the video review of the digital comics, we have included it below. If you would like to join the team and review new comics being released around the world or help report on Phantom news please contact us.

28 November is Thanksgiving, a holiday that our American phriends celebrate. Today the reason to celebrate is lost to many, with it instead being a time to overeat and get some awesome shopping bargains. Back in 1985, cartoonists Milton Caniff ( Steve Canyon ), Charles Schulz ( Peanuts ), and Garry Trudeau ( Doonesbury ) got together with other artists like The Phantom artist of the time Sy Barry , his brother Dan Barry on the Flash Gordon strip, Fred Fredericks on the Mandrake the Magician strip and 170+ other cartoonists to highlight a worthy cause of world hunger ironically on a day of overeating. Some of the strips created by these artists who pooled together a common cause were dedicated to the plight with powerful messages, while others like The Phantom just added a small caption box to the ongoing at that time current newspaper story. It would have been nice to see more from the people of the strip at that time. Afterwards, the drawings of the 175 cartoonists was collected into a book with an introduction by Garry Trudeau and a foreword by Kenny Rogers . That is a mammoth effort to collaborate between all those personalities and people, especially when you think it happened pre Internet and email. If you would like to see more of the different cartoons, we recommend this awesome URL which collects many of them . This is not the first or even last time, the Phantom in a comic book or newspaper adventure story has stood for something. We have seen adverts to buy war bonds in the same panels as the Phantom killing invading Japanese solders and do not to forget that comic cover of the Phantom beating up a racist Nazi with a rainbow flag that saw several online attacks on Fantomen 's Facebook page. The Phantom's oath is that "I swear to devote my life to the destruction of all forms of piracy, greed, cruelty and injustice. My sons, and my sons' sons, shall follow me." Surely, world hunger is a form of injustice, however is killing a Japanese solder even in the middle of a horrible world war a form of justice? Do we like our hero being a spokesperson for a cause or culture change or even promoting a brand? Or does it all depend on what the promotion is? Can our culture today handle anything slightly off center? Does the Phantom have to remain strictly center-aligned so it can not offend and alienate the phans with more left and or right leanings? Would love to hear your thoughts.