Defenders of the Earth Defenders of the Earth is an American animated television series produced in 1986, featuring characters from three comic strips distributed by King Features Syndicate—Flash Gordon, The Phantom, Mandrake the Magician, and Mandrake's assistant Lothar—opposing Ming the Merciless in the year 2015. Supporting characters include their children Rick Gordon (son of Flash), L.J. (son of Lothar), Kshin (adopted son of Mandrake), and Jedda Walker (daughter of the Phantom). Which Phantom: Kit Walker is the 27th Phantom & Jedda Walker is the 28th Phantom Episodes : 65 TV show years released : 1986 Written by: Bryce Malek and Dick Robbins Directed by: Will Meugniot, John Gibbs, & Ray Lee Composer: Robert J. Walsh Executive producers: Lee Gunther, Margaret Loesch, & Bruce L. Paisner Producers: John Ahern, Rick Hoberg, Bill Hutten, Glenn Johnson, Tony Love, Don Sheppard, Lee Orgel, George Singer, Bill Hutton, & Tony Love Episode running time : 30 minutes Spin-off products: There was also a short-lived comic book series published by Star Comics (an imprint of Marvel Comics), other comic series by Dynamite Entertainment & Mad Cave Studios. Other spin-off products include toys, card games, a board game, a video game, read-along tapes, and more. What is the story of Defenders of the Earth? Flash Gordon and his son Rick escape from Ming the Merciless, who has exhausted the natural resources of his home planet Mongo and desires to exploit Earth. Ming tries to brainwash Flash's wife Dale Arden, but she resists until death, whereafter her psyche is later included in the Defenders' supercomputer Dynac X. To protect Earth from Ming's invasion, among other threats, Flash joins forces with Mandrake, his assistant Lothar and The Phantom, alongside their children, to form the Defenders of the Earth. Latest Defenders of the Earth news, articles & podcasts 'Defenders of the Earth' Complete Omnibus Available for Preorder Jul 16 X-Band: Phantom Podcast #336 - Juancho Vélez, Colourist Extraordinaire May 18 X-Band: Phantom Podcast #335 - April 2026 newspaper stories, comics & news review May 6 Review: 'Defenders of the Earth: Dark Destiny #4' from Mad Cave Studios Apr 18 X-Band: Phantom Podcast #333 - March 2026 newspaper stories, comics & news review Apr 9 Original art by Alex Sanchez for sale from the Mad Cave Studios 'Defenders of the Earth: Dark Destiny' series Apr 1 Original Phantom art by Mad Cave Studios artist Jim Calafiore for sale Mar 27 Review: 'Defenders of the Earth: Dark Destiny #3' from Mad Cave Studios Mar 6 Review of 'Defenders of the Earth: Dark Destiny #2' from Mad Cave Studios Jan 31 X-Band: Phantom Podcast #324: The Phantom's film & TV rumours, hits & near misses Dec 23, 2025 1/7 Who are the voice actors & characters from the Defenders of the Earth? Flash Gordon (voiced by Lou Richards)—Leader of the Defenders of the Earth: a space pilot and the father of Rick Gordon. In the Audiobooks he is voiced by Pat Fraley. The Phantom (voiced by Peter Mark Richman)—Essentially identical to Lee Falk's character, but differing from the original in that by chanting "By jungle law, the Ghost Who Walks calls forth the power of ten tigers", he momentarily receives superhuman strength. His real name is Kit Walker. His horse Hero and wolf Devil make brief appearances. The end credits describe this Phantom by saying, "This is the 27th Phantom". Mandrake the Magician (voiced by Peter Renaday)—A hypnotist and mystic capable of manipulating others' perceptions almost at will. He is often portrayed as a secondary leader of the Defenders and sometimes the narrator of their decisions. Lothar (voiced by Buster Jones) — Mandrake's assistant and bodyguard, depicted as a powerful fighter, an able mechanic, and a master tactician. The action figure's packaging describes Lothar as a "Caribbean ninja". In the audiobook, he is voiced by Pat Fraley Richard "Rick" Gordon (voiced by Loren Lester) — Richard is an impulsive computer genius and the son of Flash Gordon. Rick, along with many of the other teenagers of the show, attended Central High, located in Central City. Rick Gordon was initially intended to be Kit Walker, the son of the Phantom. In the audiobooks, he is voiced by Cam Clarke. L.J. (voiced by Dion Williams) — Short for 'Lothar Jr.', L.J. is the street-wise martial arts expert son of Lothar and Rick's best friend. When in one episode, the Defenders locate a crystal that shows them their greatest desires; L.J.'s is to defeat the antagonist Octon. Jedda Walker (voiced by Sarah Partridge)—Jedda is the daughter of the Phantom and displays telepathy and limited extrasensory powers, usually expressed by communication with her black panther, Kisa. There is little-or-no mention of her mother, though in one episode she is the reluctant stepdaughter of Queen Hadea. Some installments imply a relationship with Rick Gordon. Jedda Walker was initially intended to be Jedda Gordon, daughter of Flash Gordon. In one episode, Jedda briefly takes on her father's mantle when he's believed to have been killed, becoming the first and, to date, only known woman to become the Phantom. In most iterations of the Phantom's story, the mantle is passed strictly from father to son, making her unique in the character's lineage. Kshin (voiced by Adam Carl) — Kshin is an orphaned boy adopted by Mandrake and trained as his apprentice. His origins are revealed in the late-season episode "The Adoption of Kshin," where it is shown he was a young street orphan found by Mandrake after a gang of boys tried using him as a distraction in a failed pickpocketing attempt. He is usually accompanied by the extraterrestrial "Zuffy", initially found by Rick Gordon on the planet Mongo. Dynac X (voiced by Diane Pershing)—Dynac X is the central computer of the Defenders' Headquarters, whose operating system is stated to contain the psyche of Flash Gordon's wife. Though she is never addressed by name in the series, the comic book adaptation of the first two episodes identifies the slain "Mrs. Gordon" as Dale Arden. Diane Pershing is the only performer from the Filmation cartoon who reprised her role. Ming the Merciless (voiced by Ron Feinberg)—A warlord or supervillain bent on exploiting Earth's natural resources, based on 'Ice Station Earth.' This version is made more grotesque than his traditional appearance to avoid racial stereotyping; a similar treatment would be used on the Mandarin in the Iron Man animated series and on Dr. No in James Bond Jr. in that all three characters received green skin and pointed ears; this would also be done to Ming and his daughter Aura as shown on the 1996-1997 Flash Gordon TV series. All latest Phantom news, articles, reviews & podcasts from around the world Reviews of the Mad Cave Studios Defenders of the Earth comic series Defenders of the Earth is an American comic book series based on the TV series with the same name and being published from 2024 onwards by Mad Cave Studios. Dan DiDio is the writer, and he has written two series. The first series had 8 comics and was illustrated by Jim Calafiore and the second was titled "Dark Destiny", featured 4 comics, and was illustrated by Alex Sanchez. Review: 'Defenders of the Earth: Dark Destiny #4' from Mad Cave Studios Review: 'Defenders of the Earth: Dark Destiny #3' from Mad Cave Studios Review of 'Defenders of the Earth: Dark Destiny #2' from Mad Cave Studios 1 2 3 4 5 Trivia of Defenders of the Earth Rick Gordon was initially intended to be Kit Walker, the son of the Phantom. Jedda Walker was initially intended to be Jedda Gordon, daughter of Flash Gordon. A parody, having the same name, is made up of comic strip characters Rex Morgan, Mary Worth, Garfield, and Mark Trail. Robot Chicken parodied the series with Flash, Phantom and Mandrake posing as the neighborhood watch. Popular artists all worked on the TV show including Nestro Redondo, Rick Hoberg, Will Meugniot, Russ Heath and Nino. In our X-Band: The Phantom Podcast #154 - Rick Hoberg interview, who was the Defenders of the Earth TV Show Art Director, Hoberg talked about how Jedda Walker was originally supposed to be Jedda Gordon while Rick's character was going to be The Phantom's son. In one of the TV episodes and some of the pre-production artwork, the artwork features Jedda with blonde hair and Rick Gordon with black hair. This change happened because the media consultants thought that a female would be better to have telepathy and limited extrasensory powers than a male, ie: Rick. To the right is a copy of the pre-production character cell of Rick Walker before the switch. X-Band: Phantom Podcast #344 - Introducing the definitive Sy Barry book project 6 hours ago Original art from Chronicle Chambers Bushfire phundraiser book up for auction 16 hours ago Results for 2025 Best Fantomen cover announced - congratulations to Henrik Sahlström 4 days ago X-Band: Phantom Podcast #343 - John Amor, "Phantom 2040: A New Shadow" artist Aug 3 Recording of Sy Barry talking the Phantom & retirement when visiting Australia in September 1998 Jul 30 1/357 Defenders of the Earth featuring in Sunday strips of Flash Gordon, The Phantom & Mandrake the Magician As a marketing ploy, the Sunday strips of Flash Gordon, The Phantom and Mandrake the Magician all mentioned the Defenders of the Earth on the strip of September 28, 1986. This is the only appearance of the Phantom and Mandrake in the Flash Gordon newspaper strip, as well as the only appearance of Flash Gordon in the Phantom and Mandrake newspaper strips. Since the Defenders of the Earth storyline was out of continuity for all three newspaper strips, this sequence was shown as an alternate reality.

Starting in his third Sunday Phantom story, Jeff Weigel started something a new tradition with a different Sunday title panel for every story. The concept has since stuck and has fast become a tradition on its own. Jeff Weigel Sunday Title Panels Jeff Weigel took over the Phantom Sunday strip after Terry Beatty . His first Phantom Sunday page was published on May 14, 2017. Starting in his third Sunday Phantom story "The Little Detective Who Disappeared " in 2018, Jeff Weigel started something new, never before seen in the then 80 years of Phantom history with a different Sunday title panel for every story. The concept has since stuck and has fast become a tradition on its own. This page will collect all the different Sunday newspaper title panels by Jeff Weigel . Sunday #185: "The Phantom is Everywhere " Start: 9 Apr 2017. End: 1 Oct 2017 Sunday #186: "The Rat Must Die " Start: 8 Oct 2017. End: 11 Nov 2018 Sunday #187: "The Little Detective Who Disappeared" Start: 18 Nov 2018. End: 12 May 2019 Sunday #188: "The Free Avar Front " Start: 19 May 2019. End: 10 Nov 2019 Sunday #189:"The Spy Ship " Start: 17 Nov 2019. End: 12 Jul 2020 Sunday #190: "Vigil at Phantom Head " Start: 19 Jul 2020. End: 14 Mar 2021 Sunday #191: "The Visitor " Start: 21 Mar 2021. End: 10 Oct 2021 Sunday #192: "The Ingenues " Start: 17 Oct 2021. End: 8 May 2022 Sunday #: 193: "Return to the Temple of the Gods " Start: 15 May 2022. End: 16 Jul 2023 Sunday #: 194: "The Commander Will See You Now " Start: 23 Jul 2023. End: 22 Sep 2024 Sunday #: 195: "The Princess of the Songhai " Start: 29 Sep 2024. End: 30 Mar 2025 Sunday #: 196: "The Ungraved " Start: 6 Apr 2025. End: 25 Jan 2026 Sunday #: 197 "1536" Start: 1 Feb 2026. End: ?

Netflix live-action Phantom TV Show News is very sparse at the moment for this Netflix live-action Phantom TV Show. What do we know? Director: Reginald Hudlin Development Company: Universal Content Productions Streaming Company : Netflix Latest news, articles & podcasts on the Netflix live-action tv show X-Band: Phantom Podcast #335 - April 2026 newspaper stories, comics & news review We review & discuss Phantom comics, stories, and related news from around the world for April 2026 ChronicleChamber Team May 6 Director for a live action The Phantom TV Series announced King Features announces a director for the live action TV series adaptation of The Phantom. Stephen East Apr 18 X-Band: Phantom Podcast #324: The Phantom's film & TV rumours, hits & near misses We get nerdy talking about all the past rumours, hits & near misses over the last 70+years of the Phantom from USA, Sweden, India, Turkey & more ChronicleChamber Team Dec 23, 2025 X-Band: Phantom Podcast #320 - October 2025 Newspaper Stories, Comics & News Review We take an hour to discuss all things Phantom from around the world for October 2025 with the latest news, reviews of comics and stories to read. ChronicleChamber Team Oct 29, 2025 1 2 3

Phans Collectors Corner One of the things we love about collecting the Phantom is looking through other phans collections. It can be very dangerous as we find items we didn't know about which we then add to our 'Wants List'. Here is an opportunity to share and browse multiple collections at once. If you want to share your collection please send your photos and videos to us. It does not matter if its the biggest or smallest, we all love to look through each others collections. If you are a collector, we would also recommend you reading a detailed report on the best Australian Insurer broken down by each Australian state. This is compiled by phan Peter Steven. Please note, it is advice only. You can find the Collectors Insurance Report here . Recent Phantom Happenings X-Band: Phantom Podcast #344 - Introducing the definitive Sy Barry book project Original art from Chronicle Chambers Bushfire phundraiser book up for auction Results for 2025 Best Fantomen cover announced - congratulations to Henrik Sahlström X-Band: Phantom Podcast #343 - John Amor, "Phantom 2040: A New Shadow" artist Recording of Sy Barry talking the Phantom & retirement when visiting Australia in September 1998 Jermayn Parker, Australia Terry Krahe, Australia Terry Krahe's Collection Play Video All Videos Watch Now Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Share Channel Info Close Chris Smith, USA (Part 1) PRESERVATION PROJECT MUST STORIES FOR NEW PHANS TO READ Worldwide Phantom Phan Census Chris Smith, USA (Part 2) Simon Brown, Australia Mick Strachan, Australia

All Phantom News, Reviews, Articles & Podcasts All Posts Comics News Artists Authors Exclusives Collectibles Interviews Movies & TV Exhibitions Podcast Reviews Preservation Project Updates Competitions Site Updates Search Mikael Lyck 14 hours ago Review of Fantomen 4/2023 and 5/2023 Review of Fantomen issues 4/2023 & 5/2023 including two stories created by Philip Madden & Janusz Ordon and Pidde Andersson & Joan Boix Jermayn Parker 2 days ago Shatki Comics also Publishing Lee Falk & Sy Barry Stories from Issue #8 Shatki Comics have announced they will be printing reprint Sy Barry stories in their comics in a move that will excite many Indian phans ChronicleChamber Team 3 days ago X-Band: Phantom Podcast #244B - January & February 2023 Fantomen & Indian Comics & News Podcast #244 was so long we have split it into 2 episodes. Episode #244B is a review of comics from Sweden, India & news from Jan-Feb 2023. ChronicleChamber Team 6 days ago X-Band: Phantom Podcast #244A - January & February 2023 Frew Comics Podcast #244 was so long we have split it into 2 episodes. Episode #244A is a review of the Frew issues in #1935, #1936, #1937 & #1938 Ed Rhoades & Pete Klaus Feb 17 Conversations with Claire Moore (Ray Moore's Wife) A conversation with Claire Moore about her husband Ray Moore originally published in 2004. With permission we re publish for all to enjoy. ChronicleChamber Team Feb 13 X-Band: Phantom Podcast #243 - Previewing Fantomen 2023 Team Fantomen editors Andreas Eriksson & Jacob Habnic tell us what Fantomen readers will expect in 2023 & beyond in their magazines. Jermayn Parker Feb 13 Book Celebrating Norwegian Artist Håkon Aasnes 50+ Years Career To celebrate Håkon Aasnes 80th birthday & 50+ years in the industry drawing for Disney & Egmont, they release a book with some of his art. Christian Moeller Feb 12 Review of German Die Sprechblase Magazine #247 Review of the German Die Sprechblase Magazine #247 featuring several articles and 12+ pages on the Phantom and his influence in Germany Dan Fraser Feb 8 All You Need to Know About "The Phantom Game" Coming in 2024 A written summary of the key takeaways about the upcoming The Phantom Video Game, from our podcast chat with Ash Nicholls. Dan Fraser Feb 5 Review of Mallon 2023 Diary, Wall Calendar & Limited Edition Print Review of the 2023 Diary, Wall Calendar & the Limited Edition Print produced by Mallon featuring art by Australian artist Jeremy MacPherson 1 2 3 4 5 Recent Phantom Happenings Review of Fantomen 4/2023 and 5/2023 Shatki Comics also Publishing Lee Falk & Sy Barry Stories from Issue #8 X-Band: Phantom Podcast #244B - January & February 2023 Fantomen & Indian Comics & News X-Band: Phantom Podcast #244A - January & February 2023 Frew Comics Conversations with Claire Moore (Ray Moore's Wife) Enter your email address to be notified of all our news, reviews and more Subscribe Thanks for subscribing! The Phantom Bible Preservation Project MUST STORIES FOR NEW PHANS TO READ