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THE PHANTOM FAQ
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Todd Goldberg
Sep 11, 2016, 11:26:32 AM9/11/16
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I am the author of THE PHANTOM FAQ which used to be posted on this forum and was hosted on several web sites which no longer exist. I haven't updated it in a long time and just noticed a few old queries and corrections that were mentioned on this forum so took this opportunity to post this new udpdate! Enjoy./Todd Goldberg, Charleston WV
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THE PHANTOM FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Rev. SEPT. 2016
(c) 1996-2016, Todd H. Goldberg, M.D., Charleston, WV, USA
Welcome to The Phantom FAQ, dedicated to the work of the late, great, Lee Falk, and his
greatest creation, The Phantom!
Also dedicated to the late Friend of the Phantom, Ed Rhoades (1946-2012)
(http://theghostwhodraws.blogspot.com/2012/07/rip-ed-rhoades.html)
The information in this document was obtained mostly from my own collection of Phantom strips and books.
Further info and support from numerous additional Phantom and comics fans/experts around the world has been
received and greatly appreciated.
1) WHO IS THE PHANTOM?
The Phantom, one of the first and still one of the most popular costumed heroes of the comics,
is the descendent of an English seafarer who, over 463 years ago, washed ashore in Bangalla
after a pirate raid and swore an oath over the skull of his father's murderer that he and his
descendents would devote their lives to "...the destruction of piracy, greed, cruelty and
injustice..." (The Oath of the Skull). The hero of the present daily and Sunday newspaper strip,
as well as comic book, film and book adaptations, is the 21st of this unbroken line of Phantoms,
each of whom was brought up to take over the role upon his father's death.
The daily Phantom strip started 2/17/36, the Sunday 5/28/39, and both continue to this day,
read by millions of readers in many countries.
2) WHO CREATED AND DREW THE PHANTOM?
Leon (Lee) Falk (4/28/11-3/13/99) was the creator of
The Phantom and wrote the strip daily and Sunday from
the beginning until his death in 1999 in New York City.
Falk was born in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, his original/real
name recently revealed as being Leon Harrison Gross! Also a
playwright and artist, it was previously reported that Falk
drew the strip himself the first few weeks, with Ray Moore soon
taking over the art chores. However recent publications suggest
that Moore designed and drew the character from the beginning.
Falk previously (1934) also created Mandrake the Magician,
another long-running King Features strip drawn initially by
Phil Davis (again, Falk claimed to have drawn the
initial strips). The Mandrake strip ended on July 6, 2013, but
reprints are still being syndicated.
Raymond S. Moore (1905-1984), earlier an assistant to Davis
on Mandrake, was recruited by Falk to be the artist
on The Phantom daily strip in 1936 and the Sunday
pages which started in 1939. Moore continued as
credited artist of the Phantom strips until after
WWII and according to Falk was the best Phantom artist
(although some work credited to Moore was actually
by Wilson McCoy, who assisted/ghosted for Moore while he
was in the army 1942-1945 and continued to assist at times
until finally taking over as credited artist in 1949).
Wilson McCoy (1902-1961) was credited with the Phantom dailies
and Sundays from 1949 until his death in 1961. His wife
Dorothy reportedly assisted with ruling and lettering.
A recent reprinting of the transitional story "The Limper"
in Frew Phantom #1297 (2001) clarifies the artistic
transition after McCoy's final Sunday strip of 9/17/61. DC
artist Carmine Infantino, best known for The Flash,
drew one unsigned Sunday strip dated 9/24/61. Bill Lignante
took over 10/1/61, completing the story of "The Limper" and
then the story of "Queen Samaris" (11/5/61-5/13/62). A
prominent courtroom artist, Lignante's name never appeared
in the newspaper strip's credits. He then went on to do
an excellent series of Phantom comic books for Gold Key/King,
where his signature revealed his identity. Lignante did
his own pencilling, inking, and lettering and it is a shame
he didn't get to do more Phantom art, as his work was quite
good during his brief tenure on the Phantom.
Sy Barry, younger brother and former assistant to
Flash Gordon artist Dan Barry, took over the daily
strip from McCoy 8/21/61 and the Sunday from Lignante
on 5/20/62. Barry retired in 1994 and turned over
the art chores to his longtime assistant George Olesen.
Over the years Barry had numerous other ghosts and
assistants including Don Heck, Bob Forgione, Andre
Leblanc, Frank Springer, and Joe Giella. Ben Oda
and Milt Snappin assisted Barry with lettering.
From Sept. 1994 until March 1995, no artist signed
the strips and a stylistic change (not for the better)
was quite evident. George Olesen continued to do the
pencil art as he had for years under Barry, with the
inkers remaining anonymous. In March 1995 the new inker
on the dailies, Keith Williams, was finally given byline
credit, with Olesen and longtime Mandrake artist Fred
Fredericks being given byline credit for the Sundays.
Another uncredited inker, reportedly by the name of
Eric Doescher, had done the Sundays from 9/94-12/94.
After Falk's death in 1999, his wife Elizabeth Falk completed
the writing of the 195th daily story and 150th Sunday story
(mid-1999) from Lee's plots; subsequent stories have been
written by Egmont/Swedish comic book writers Tony De Paul
and Claes Reimerthi, with some stories adapted from previously
published Swedish comic books. Olesen and Williams continued
as daily artists until 2005. Fred Fredericks continued
as Sunday Phantom artist until August 2000, when Graham
Nolan took over the art chores on the Sunday Phantom
strips and (in my opinion) did a great job. Nolan's Sundays
were reprinted in 2 softcover volumes by Moonstone Books in 2005.
(http://www.goodreads.com/series/78857-the-phantom-the-graham-nolan-sundays)
On 1/31/2005, veteran comic book artist Paul Ryan
took over the daily art chores on the Phantom daily comic strip,
with scripts still being done (and finally signed) by Tony
De Paul. Ryan also drew the Sunday Phantom strip from 4/1/2007 thru
7/24/11. Ryan continued to due the Phantom dailies until his death
in March 2016. The daily strip art was taken over in May 2016 by Mike Manley,
who also draws the current Judge Parker comic strip.
On 7/31/11 started a new Sunday Phantom artist, Eduardo Barreto
of Uruguay (Marvel/DC/Judge Parker). Barreto did some very nice
work (http://content.comicskingdom.net/Phantom/Phantom.20110731.gif)
but unfortunately died in Dec. 2011 at the young age of 57, his last
published strip being 1/8/12. After two interim pages by Paul Ryan,
veteran comic book artist Terry Beatty took over the Phantom Sunday
page beginning 1/29/12 and continues doing a great job as of 2016.
The Scandinavian source for the current Phantom stories highlights
the importance of comic books in the history and story of The
Phantom. Phantom comic books have been published in the U.S.,
(King, Gold Key, Charlton, DC, Marvel), Australia (Frew) and Europe
(Wolf (England), Semic/Egmont (Norway/Sweden).
The various Phantom comic books at first mostly
reprinted the U.S. strips but have also presented
original stories by a variety of excellent artists,
notably including Bill Lignante, Jim Aparo and Don
Newton, who did some good work for the Gold Key King and
Charlton issues. Artists Lindahls (Sweden), Vallve
(Denmark) and particularly Felmang (Italy) have done
some beautiful work for the Scandinavian Phantoms, which
have been republished in other countries including Australia (Frew).
Moonstone Comics (www.moonstonebooks.com) has published
a new American Phantom comic book series since 2002. As of
2012 it doesn't appear that any new issues are being published
but many are still available online on the publisher's web site
at http://moonstonebooks.com/shop/category.aspx?catid=24.
Dynamite Entertainment published a 12-issue series "The Last
Phantom" with covers by Alex Ross in 2011-12. In 2014 Hermes Press
published another new Phantom comic book mini-series by Peter David.
As of 2016, many of the Phantom comic book series as well as the Avon
novels are being reprinted in and are available on Amazon.com as well
as from the publisher Hermes Press.
(https://hermes-press.myshopify.com/collections/the-phantom).
3) What is the Phantom's real name?
The Phantom's name is generally given as Kit Walker.
But the name of the 1st Phantom, according to the
1936 first origin story, was said to be "Sir Christopher
Standish." By 1943, Falk started giving the Phantom
the alias of "Walker," always with "quotes" and
asterisk/footnote "*For Ghost Who Walks". So
accordingly, "Walker" would seem to be an assumed
name after the nickname "Ghost Who Walks." Supporting
this explanation, in the 1977 daily story of the
Phantom's marriage, when asked by Mrs. Palmer (Diana's
mother) if he has a family name, The Phantom says
"not exactly... we use the name Walker...for the Ghost
Who Walks." However, contradicting this theory and
apparently his own earlier idea, Falk in several
stories, e.g. 1969 Sunday and 1989 daily stories,
refers to the father of the 1st Phantom as _Kit
Walker_ and it is recounted how "Walker's Table"
was discovered and named for him back in the 15th
Century before there ever was a Ghost Who Walks!
Yet another explanation is given in a 1944 Sunday
in which the young Phantom-to-be was named "Kip"
Walker by his Aunt & Uncle Lucy & Jasper Walker,
on his _mother's_ side of the family, when he came
to America for his education. It is now usually
said that the first name of all males in the Phantom
line is "Kit" (probably short for Christopher), despite
"Kip" being used in some earlier stories.
Falk later told me personally, at a memorable "Friends of
The Phantom" dinner in New York in the 1990's
that The Phantom's real/family name was definitely
Kit Walker, disregarding any previous inconsistencies.
In an interview in Comics Revue #27, 1988, Falk
said that originally The Phantom was to be the
alter ego of a Batman/Bruce Wayne-like playboy
adventurer named Jimmy Wells! Then in the midst of
the 1st story Falk got the idea of moving the Phantom
into the Jungle, and gradually came up with the
striking legend of the Phantom which is perhaps
the most fascinating and appealing aspect of the
character. This history is further discussed in
Frew's Phantom 70th Anniversary issue.
4) What other names is the Phantom known by, and what do they mean?
The Phantom is known as "The Ghost Who Walks"
and "Man Who Cannot Die" because of his secretive
and amazing accomplishments and the fact that every
time a Phantom dies, his son immediately takes over
the role, thus to the natives and superstitious
criminals, The Phantom seems supernatural and
immortal. Only the Bandar Pygmies and a few friends
and family (including Diana and her family, Dr.
Axel, and President Luaga) know the true identity
and secret of the Phantom line. Another title,
"Guardian of the Eastern Dark," has been used in
recent years, referring to The Phantom's role in
crushing the evil rulers of that mysterious kingdom.
5) Who are the Phantom's friends and family?
Diana Palmer was The Phantom's girlfriend from the
first story; they married in 1977 and now have
two small children, Kit and Heloise. Rex King,
another young boy who is part of the Phantom
family, was a foundling whom the Phantom adopted and
who calls him "Uncle Walker." Other recurring
characters include Phantom's pets (including his
wolf Devil, present from the beginning in 1936,
the horse Hero, introduced in 1945, the falcon
Fraka, elephant Joomba, animals of Eden, etc.),
the Pygmy Bandar, Old Man Mozz the storyteller,
Dr. Axel, President Luaga of Bangalla, Diana's
Mama and Uncle Dave, and the officers of the
Jungle Patrol (first appearing 1952). Mandrake the
Magician, also created and written by Lee Falk,
is also a friend of The Phantom, having attended
his wedding in 1977. In 1998 the Phantom in
return attended Mandrake's wedding in the latter's
strip. The Phantom again appeared in the final 2002
Mandrake Sunday story, "Devil Road."
6) Where do The Phantom's adventures take place?
His base and family home is in the Skull Cave in
the "Deep Woods" in the country of Bangalla, an
ill-defined mythical locale apparently in Africa
judging by the stories depicting black natives
and cities. The country was called Bengali and
indicated to be in India/Asia in earlier stories
(in fact an island in the vicinity of Java/Sumatra
was specified to be the place of the Phantom's
adventures in the earliest stories). The name changed
without explanation in the middle of the 1972 story
"The Witchmen." Falk later stated categorically that
the Phantom's country was named "Bangalla", located
in Central Africa. Some European/Australian Phantom
stories published still use the older name of Bengali.
The Phantom also has other homes and properties
including the island Eden, the Golden Beach of
Keela-Wee, an American mountaintop aerie (Walker's
Table), a ruined European castle, and most recently
a tree house built by the Rope People. Phantom's
Head peak and Phantom Whispering Grove are nearby.
Also as the legends tell, "...there are times when the
Phantom leaves his jungle home and travels as an
ordinary man...." Thus while most of the Phantom's
adventures take place in jungle settings in the
vicinity of the Deep Woods, others involve the
Phantom's other homes and territories mentioned
above or take place "on location" around the
world and at sea.
Maps of "Phantom country" have appeared several
times, including daily strips of 1973 and 1980.
7) What are the Phantom's "Good Mark" and "Bad Mark"?
The Phantom wears two rings which leave indelible
marks on whoever/whatever is touched or punched.
The "Good Mark" (worn on the left hand, "closer
to the heart") consists of 4 overlapping P-shapes
(or swords?) forming a cross in a circle, and
designates the bearer as being a friend under the
protection of The Phantom. Conversely, the Mark
of the Skull, a death's head, is usually left by
a blow from the Phantom's strong right arm and
indicates a warning or a sign that the victim has
battled The Phantom, unsuccessfully of course.
8) How has Lee Falk used his family members' names in the Phantom stories?
Falk's daughter Valerie was the model for the
early "Princess Valerie" story illustrated by Moore.
Falk also used the name of his son Conley
for many little boy characters in various
Phantom stories. Conley Falk did a voice cameo as
a Mandrake-like magician character in the Phantom
2040 series! Falk's daughter Diane was named after
Diana in the strips. The 1993 daily story "Moxley
Awards" (AKA Invasion of Eden) was named after
the maiden name of Falk's wife, Elizabeth Moxley.
Falk apparently also has a special fondness for the
name "Kit" which he also used for a character in
his theatrical comedy "Home at 6:00."
9) Where have Phantom adventures been reprinted/retold?
-Novels by Lee Falk, Avon 1970's (hard to find
paperbacks, the first is a particularly valuable
origin/history, my favorite Phantom story and Falk's
as well! A similar story was published in hardback
about 1944, "Son of the Phantom" by Dale Robertson).
List of Avon paperbacks supplied by Bill Slankard:
#1, Story of the Phantom, Lee Falk 9/72
#2, Slave Market of Mucar, Basil Copper 11/72
#3, The Scorpia Menace, Basil Copper 12/72
#4, The Veiled Lady, Frank Shawn 3/73
(pseudonym for Ron Goulart).
#5, The Golden Circle, Frank Shawn 5/73
#6, The Mysterious Ambassador, Falk 7/73
#7, Mystery of the Sea Horse, Shawn 8/73
#8, The Hydra Monster, Frank Shawn 10/73
#9, Killer's Town, Lee Falk 12/73
#10, The Goggle-Eyed Pirates, Shawn 2/74
#11, The Swamp Rats, Frank S. Shawn 4/74
#12, The Vampires & The Witch, Falk 6/74
#13, The Island of Dogs, Warren Shanahan 2/75
#14, The Assassins, Carson Bingham 4/75
#15, Curse of the 2 Headed Bull, Falk 7/75
(originally mislabeled as being by Bingham).
"The Phantom" movie adaptation, 6/96.
-Pioneer books strip reprints (17 volumes reprinting
Sundays from 1946-62 and 1980-86, published ~1989).
-Ken Pierce, kenpierecebooks.com, published several
Phantom and other comic strip reprint books in the
1980's which are no longer in print but many are
available used on Ebay.
-The Menomonee Falls Gazette, a weekly comic strip
newspaper, printed Phantom dailies from its first
issue in Dec. 1971 through its final issue #232 in 1976.
Some scans/downloads of these issues are available online.
-Golden/Vintage Funnies, comic strip reprint books
from publishers of the early Comics Buyers Guide,
reprinted some early 1940 Phantom Sundays in B&W.
-Pacific Comics Club (Tony Raiola, P.O. Box 14361,
Long Beach CA 90803; http://www.pacificcomics.com) has
published several daily Phantom reprint books, some
of which are still available on the web site.
-Comics Revue Magazine (P.O. Box 336, Mountain Home
TN 37684) printed the current Phantom dailies from 1987
to 2002, as well as a few classic stories. As of 2009 CR
is printing classic Phantom Sundays in full color.
-Several BLB's (About 6 Big/Better Little Books)
featured Phantom adventures. All now rare & pricey.
-Numerous comic books of the Phantom were published
in USA by Dell, King, Ace, Harvey, Gold Key, Charlton,
DC, Marvel, Moonstone, Hermes, etc.
-Many foreign comic books/strip reprints, most
notably Australia (FREW) for English language
collectors.
-Film/TV: A movie serial starring Tom Tyler was made
by Columbia Pictures in 1943. As of 2000-2001 it
is finally widely available on VHS & DVD through video
stores and on the Internet at Amazon or Barnes&Noble.com,
MoviesUnlimited.com, and other shopping sites. The
film is only of fair quality and makes many unfortunate changes
to the story of the Phantom, but is interesting to see.
-A (lousy) 1961 TV pilot was also made but never aired;
videos have circulated among Phantom fans and are now available on
You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tN48X0iY4Os), but in my
opinion the show and video are so bad in both content and
film quality as to be a waste of time and money.
-The "Defenders of the Earth" cartoon series (1980's) featured
an unusual future Phantom (with "the power of ten tigers") as
well other King Features characters including Mandrake
and Flash Gordon.
-The "Phantom 2040" animated TV show was syndicated in
the USA from 1994-96; videos are available and the show
was actually quite good, as was the Marvel comic book adaptation.
-A major Phantom motion picture from Paramount was
released in June 1996, starring Billy Zane as The
Ghost Who Walks. See Starlog Magazine #227, June 1996
issue for info and pictures. Simultaneously A&E Network
did a "Biography" show on The Phantom. DVD's, Blu-Rays,
and online Videos are available of the Phantom movie and
A&E Biography through the usual video outlets.
-In June 2010 a new "Phantom" TV movie was premiered on
SyFy Network featuring a futuristic 22nd Phantom.
- A new sequel/reboot movie called "THE PHANTOM LEGACY"
was announced in 2008 as possibly coming soon in the future.
(http://www.comingsoon.net/movie/the-phantom-legacy). Not
much news available about this since 2009 so who knows.
- A COLLECTOR'S DREAM COME TRUE! -- HERMES PRESS AS OF 2010
IS ISSUING COMPLETE HARDCOVER REPRINTS OF ALL THE PHANTOM
DAILIES AND SUNDAYS, FROM THE BEGINNING AND UP TO 1949
AS OF THIS WRITING (MID 2016). All are available on Amazon,
other online booksellers, and the publisher's own web site:
https://hermes-press.myshopify.com/collections/the-phantom.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Finally, The Phantom has also made cameo appearances
appearances in several other animated TV shows and
films including "Popeye Meets the Man Who Hated
Laughter" (1973) and The Beatles' "Yellow Submarine."
9) Memorable quotes, oaths, old jungle sayings and
other assorted catch phrases:
The oath of the skull (see Section #1).
"Thru the centuries...the nemesis of evildoers
everywhere...he works alone...The Phantom!"
"I am known by many names...."
"The Ghost Who Walks will never die...."
"Phantom rough with roughnecks..." (old jungle saying).
"Phantom has eyes and ears everywhere..." (old j.s.).
"Phantom quick like lightning..." (old jungle saying).
"He who looks upon the Phantom's face unmasked will die
horribly...." (old jungle saying)
"To look upon the Phantom's face means death." (o.j.s.)
The Phantom only warns once..." (this was probably the
first old j.s., used in the first Phantom daily story)
[With the Phantom's protection, a...] "...beautiful woman
clad in the finest jewels may walk in the jungle
safely at midnight..." (old jungle saying)
"The Phantom has the strength of ten tigers" (o.j.s.)
"Call the Phantom anywhere and he will hear." (o.j.s.)
"The cold voice of the angry Phantom can freeze blood."
"The Phantom's cold fury chills even tigers blood."
"Angry Phantom is fearful to behold" (old j.s.)
"Phantom moves faster than eyes can see." (old j.s.)
"Phantom's hands [or guns] quicker than eyes can see."
"When Phantom moves, time stands still..." (old j.s.)
"Phantom moves silently as fog" [or cat, or wind...]
"Never point a gun at the Phantom."
Etc. (Barry Stubbersfield has compiled a list of
at least 188 Old Jungle Sayings dating back to 1946,
though some of these are variants of the same thing.)
10) What is known about the history of the Phantom line?
Numerous stories have referred to or recounted the
adventures of the 20 Phantoms who preceded our current
hero. The information listed below is gleaned from my
own collection and from several other contributors and
sources, including similar efforts published in
Australia by researchers Peter Steven and Barry
Stubbersfield. The stories/sources in which the
information was found are listed when possible. It
must be stressed that Falk often repeated key legends
of the Phantom and his ancestors with varying details
over the years, thus no chronology can be 100%
consistent with every story. I have attempted to come
up with a "consensus" chronology which not all
will completely agree with, while acknowledging some
of the inconsistencies. Further, only "authentic"
Falk Phantom history is included, except as noted,
e.g. recent speculations about future Phantoms from
Marvel comics and the Phantom/2040 TV shows, which
otherwise should not be considered "canonical." Post-Falk
Phantom comics, Frews and Egmonts are generally not included.
THE PHANTOM CHRONOLOGY
----------------------
Father of 1st Phantom (ca. 1477-1535): Unnamed in
1936 daily origin story, but later (e.g. 1969 Sundays,
1989 dailies) called Kit Walker. In youth served as cabin
boy to Christopher Columbus, then explored New World
and discovered desert mesa which became known as
"Walker's Table," around 1499. Later became sea
Captain and was killed in the fateful pirate raid which
led to his son becoming the first Phantom.
1st Phantom (1516-1566): Sir Christopher Standish/
Walker. "Over four hundred years ago" (dates
variously specified as 1525, 1535-6 or 1550), sole
survivor of a pirate raid, washed up on a remote
Bangalla beach, saved by pygmies, Upon finding
body of pirate who killed his father, swore oath of
the skull that he and his descendents would fight
pirates and evildoers. (1936 daily origin, retold
many times with slight variations). 1975 Sunday
story depicts him meeting the Bandar in 1550 and
fulfilling their prophecy of a man from the sea
saving them from slavery. He also gave them the
secret of their poison arrows, further explaining
their eternal friendship. He is also depicted
getting the idea for his identity and costume from
a native idol, and with Bandar finding Skull Cave.
Destroyed Scorpia pirate band? (1958 dailies).
1979 Sundays say he married Christina, daughter
of Eric the Rover. Other stories say he married
a Spanish princess (7/30/89) or unnamed granddaughter
of Columbus (The Heirs, 1978).
2nd Phantom (1555-1609): Son of first Phantom, father
of boy who played Juliet, for whom he traveled to
London in 1602. Married Christopher Columbus' grand-
daughter Marabella (1979 Sundays; other stories indi-
cate this was 1st). During visit to pre-colonial America
reclaimed Walker's Table (Novel, 1984 Sundays,
1989 dailies). Killed by Barbary Pirates.
3rd Phantom (ca. 1600): As a boy educated in
England and played Juliet in original Shakespeare
production at Globe Theater, ca. 1604, and married
Shakespeare's niece Rosamunda (1971,1978/9 Sundays).
According to 1984 Sundays, received diamond cup
of Alexander from Sultan Mamoud Ben Al'lina, and in
1616 married Princess Pura (daughter of an Indian
Maharajah, who was originally intended to Sultan).
(According to 1989 Sundays this was actually the 4th,
with the 3rd Phantom marrying an actress).
4th Phantom: Born around turn of 17th Cent., educated
in England. 1989 story of "Capt. Amazon Pirate Queen"
states he eloped with a Maharaja's daughter.
5th Phantom (Early-mid 1600's): Fought Pirate Captains
Saba, Blood and Blackbeard around 1635 and became
"King Saba, King of Pirates"; Married Juliet Adams,
"Captain Amazon the Pirate Queen," daughter of American
clipper Captain Adams (1989 story). First Phantom
to fight the Thuggees in 1650 (1990 story).
6th Phantom (ca. 1660's): Rescued Queen Natala of
Navarre from Pirate Redbeard and later married her,
turned pirate band into the Jungle Patrol (said to
be founded 1664) (1st Novel, 1973 & 1991 dailies,
1979 Sundays). (Other stories say this was 7th,
with the 6th marrying a Sultan's daughter (8/13/89).
7th Phantom (mid-late 1600's): Saved emperor Joonkar
(AKA "Joomkar" or "Joonkoor" according to some stories),
who bequeathed the Golden Beach of Keela-Wee and
commissioned Michelangelo to carve Phantom Head Peak
(Novel, 1966 & 1986 Sundays; other stories indicate a
somewhat later Phantom). 7th may have been also been
the Phantom who first met the Little People and
established the Treaty of the Rattle (1956 Sundays
stated to be 300 years previously, present Phantom's
Grandfather "12x removed"). As noted some stories
(e.g. 8/13/89 Sunday story of "Capt Amazon Pirate Queen")
attribute founding of Jungle Patrol to 7th Phantom
(Some commentators suggest the 7th Phantom continued
the founding of the Jungle Patrol after the 6th died.)
8th Phantom (died ca. 1726): Said to be tallest Phantom.
Fought demons of Kognia and destroyed witches' castle.
Built secret path through Great Swamp and died of
snakebite (Frew#899A). Another story says he was mortally
wounded by an arrow in the back by the Mongols.
Married Heloise, the Hanta Witch, 1675 or 1685
(1979 dailies/Sundays). 1991-2 Sunday story "The
4th Son" shows the 8th Phantom married to an English-
woman who gave him 4 sons, all named Kit!
9th Phantom (Born ca. 1700): AKA "The Runt", described
by Old Man Mozz as the strongest and shortest Phantom.
As noted above, one of 4 sons all named Kit; became
Phantom and married Mongol Princess Vhatta ca. 1726.
Also destroyed Zaal, idol of human sacrifice, in
Eastern Dark (Sundays 1983,1990, Dailies 1977,Sundays
1983,1990).
10th Phantom (1700's): All that is known is that
he rescued a Scandinavian ship captain's daughter
from sinking and married her (Sundays 11/26/78 and
8/6/89). Died ~ after 1740?
11th Phantom (1700's): Little known; according to
11/26/78 Sunday married a Majaraja's daughter. 8/13/89
Sunday indicates he ran off with an Indian Maiden.
12th Phantom (died 1812): Seen in 1980 Sunday story of
13th Phantom and 1987 story of Irrondi & Great Ones.
13th Phantom (succeeded ca. 1812): Finest swordsman
of his age, educated in America, fought in war of 1812,
Married Jeanette, sister of famous pirate Jean Lafitte
ca. 1812-8 (1979-1980 Sundays). (1994 dailies
say he married Indian Chief's daughter and searched
for buried pirate treasure in 1795, and that it was
the 14th who married Jeanette. 1994 dailies also
indicate that the 13th Phantom knew his own
grandfather the 11th, perhaps unique in the Phantom
line).
14th Phantom (d. ca. 1831): Ended slave trade
of the Eastern Dark (1977 d, 1984 & 1990 Sundays).
15th Phantom (succeeded ca. 1831): Said to have
married an Italian opera singer (11/26/78 Sunday,
8/13/89 Sunday, 12/23/94 daily).
16th Phantom (Active ~1840's-1860's): Father of
twins Kip and Julie (the "female Phantom"). In
1994 dailies, called "the masked cowboy"
and shown to marry Annie Morgan in Texas in the
1840's-1850's. Died after 1867.
17th Phantom (b. 1852): "Kip", educated in Rome, had
twin sister Julie who temporarily served as the female
Phantom while he was injured (Novel, 1952 Sundays).
Also referred to in the story of the "Snake Goddess"
(Frew #899A).
18th Phantom (late 1800's?): Little information.
Apparently came very close to dying without an heir,
but finally married Janie Cary who bore him a son,
according to Barry Stubbersfield. Other sources
consider Julie, sister of 17th, to be the 18th
Phantom, with 19th marrying Jane.
19th Phantom: (1870-~1915 or 1924): Said to have been
strongest of Phantom line. 1951 Sunday story and
Novel indicate he was the first Phantom to meet the
Rope People, for whom he performed a series of great
feats similar to the Labors of Hercules (1980 daily
story indicates this was great grandfather of 20th
Phantom, i.e. 17th, while 20th had to repeat feats
to rescue Dr. Thorne & daughter who he was to marry.)
Destroyed Singh Pirate ship in Bengali Bay and placed
good mark on Dr. Worth & descendents (1959 Sundays).
According to 1964 & 1971 stories of the Cary family,
this Phantom (current Phantom's grandfather) married
Jane Carey around 1910 and placed Good Mark on Dr. Cary
protecting his hospital and descendants. However
Stubbersfield (supported by 1978 Sundays) says 19th
married June Archer or June Thorne, daughter of Dr.
Archer of Rope People story. The 19th Phantom
also banned guns from jungle (9/95 daily story).
20th Phantom: (Early-Mid 1900's): Father of our 21st
Phantom, stabbed/killed in battle with Singh river
pirates (1954 Sundays). Usually said to have married
Lady Maude (mother of our 21 Phantom); both kidnapped and
imprisoned months by Highland/Mountain Prince (1953 & 1989
Sundays). (However 1980 daily story of The Tree House refers
to current Phantom's father rescuing his fiance and her
father Dr. Thorne from Rope People. Other stories
attribute this to 19th as noted above). Endowed Dr.
Axel's Jungle Hospital, which is protected by the Good
Mark in gratitude for Dr. Axel's delivery of the baby
21st (cited in many stories incl. 1990 dailies).
21st Phantom (mid-late 1900's): Kit Walker, "our"
Phantom, hero of comic strip since 1936, still active.
Educated in USA, college sports hero (Novel, 1944 &
1959 Sundays). Married Diana Palmer 1977, children
Kit, Heloise. Repeated grandfather's feats for
Rope People, resumed ancient friendship of Phantom and
Little People (1950's Sundays). Reestablished role as
Guardian of the Eastern Dark (1977 dailies). Note:
Earlier stories indicated our Phantom 16th or 20th
of the line, not until 1960's was our Phantom
definitively settled to be 21st! Also note that
obviously the 21st Phantom's career is inordinately
long, having started in 1936 and still going strong as
of 2011, so these time spans are not realistic!
22nd Phantom: Expected to be Kit, son of our current
hero, still a child as of 1980's-90's newspaper strips.
Star of Marvel Comics Phantom mini-series published
Winter 1994-1995 (not explicitly identified, but
stories depict Phantom who looks like the current
one being killed by Bababu and son taking over with
futuristic costume). Another version of a futuristic
22nd Phantom appeared in the 2010 SyFy TV miniseries.
In the daily story "Farewell to the Deep Woods" beginning
6/6/16, young Kit is going away to school in the Himalayas
for his education, while his twin Heloise goes off to school
in New York.
24th Phantom: High-tech futuristic hero of the
1994 animated TV series "Phantom 2040" and Marvel
comic book based on same series. Son of a 23rd
Phantom who left Africa after completing work
there and was then disappeared in a toxic train
wreck in 2024 Metropia (New York), leaving a
baby son, who was later found and trained by
(future) Guran. Aunt Heloise (sister of 22nd) was
also a character in the series.
10) What are some additional information sources?
(Only English language resources listed)
-Comics Revue Magazine (Manuscript Press, POB 336,
Mountain Home TN 37684) published the current daily Phantom
since issue 27 (1987) and contained a complete checklist of
The Phantom's daily and Sunday adventures in its 100 and
166th issues. (http://www.comicsrevue.com/). Since 2009, CR is
reprinting classic Phantom (and Mandrake) dailies, and Sundays in color.
-Australian "FREW" Phantom comic book series publishes
Phantom stories and information. Info: Frew Pubs, Suite 401
160 Castlereagh St., Sydney NSW 2000 Australia. 2/17/2006
Frew published a special Lee Falk tribute issue in conjunction
with the 70th Anniversary of The Phantom (which again debuted
2/17/1936 in US newspapers). In March 2007 Frew published
a "Phantom Encyclopedia" in conjunction with its 1500th issue.
As of 2016, with new owners, Frew finally now has its own web site
selling current and back issues at http://www.phantomcomic.com.au.
-DC Phantom mini-series #2 (1988) contained article on
"The Secrets of the Phantom" by Anthony Tollin.
-Wikipedia has a good article on The Phantom, as it does
on just about everything! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Phantom.
This FAQ is referenced at a dead web link.
-There are also several sites dedicated to The Phantom pages
on the Internet, many referring to this FAQ and listed in Bryan Shedden's
authoritative Phantom supersite, www.deepwoods.org (no longer active).
*New: Current Phantom strips are now available online on the
WWW at the King Features official web site (www.kingfeatures.com/
www.dailyink.com) as well as several other online newspaper web sites.
Note: This document was formerly posted officially only on my personal web
sites on AOL and Geocities which have since been terminated as of 2009, and various earlier
versions may still be online and/or linked to various web sites. A recent version
is hosted at www.deepwoods.org; my guaranteed most recent official version is available
ONLY at https://www.sugarsync.com/pf/D6508838_7648884_68660.
This information is offered "free" as a labor of love and service
to the Internet and Comics Fandom, but notification and appropriate
attribution if this information is linked, used, or referred to, is
requested.
Any questions/comments/info, please email TGol...@aol.com.
THANKS!
===========================================================================
THE PHANTOM FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Rev. SEPT. 2016
(c) 1996-2016, Todd H. Goldberg, M.D., Charleston, WV, USA
Welcome to The Phantom FAQ, dedicated to the work of the late, great, Lee Falk, and his
greatest creation, The Phantom!
Also dedicated to the late Friend of the Phantom, Ed Rhoades (1946-2012)
(http://theghostwhodraws.blogspot.com/2012/07/rip-ed-rhoades.html)
The information in this document was obtained mostly from my own collection of Phantom strips and books.
Further info and support from numerous additional Phantom and comics fans/experts around the world has been
received and greatly appreciated.
1) WHO IS THE PHANTOM?
The Phantom, one of the first and still one of the most popular costumed heroes of the comics,
is the descendent of an English seafarer who, over 463 years ago, washed ashore in Bangalla
after a pirate raid and swore an oath over the skull of his father's murderer that he and his
descendents would devote their lives to "...the destruction of piracy, greed, cruelty and
injustice..." (The Oath of the Skull). The hero of the present daily and Sunday newspaper strip,
as well as comic book, film and book adaptations, is the 21st of this unbroken line of Phantoms,
each of whom was brought up to take over the role upon his father's death.
The daily Phantom strip started 2/17/36, the Sunday 5/28/39, and both continue to this day,
read by millions of readers in many countries.
2) WHO CREATED AND DREW THE PHANTOM?
Leon (Lee) Falk (4/28/11-3/13/99) was the creator of
The Phantom and wrote the strip daily and Sunday from
the beginning until his death in 1999 in New York City.
Falk was born in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, his original/real
name recently revealed as being Leon Harrison Gross! Also a
playwright and artist, it was previously reported that Falk
drew the strip himself the first few weeks, with Ray Moore soon
taking over the art chores. However recent publications suggest
that Moore designed and drew the character from the beginning.
Falk previously (1934) also created Mandrake the Magician,
another long-running King Features strip drawn initially by
Phil Davis (again, Falk claimed to have drawn the
initial strips). The Mandrake strip ended on July 6, 2013, but
reprints are still being syndicated.
Raymond S. Moore (1905-1984), earlier an assistant to Davis
on Mandrake, was recruited by Falk to be the artist
on The Phantom daily strip in 1936 and the Sunday
pages which started in 1939. Moore continued as
credited artist of the Phantom strips until after
WWII and according to Falk was the best Phantom artist
(although some work credited to Moore was actually
by Wilson McCoy, who assisted/ghosted for Moore while he
was in the army 1942-1945 and continued to assist at times
until finally taking over as credited artist in 1949).
Wilson McCoy (1902-1961) was credited with the Phantom dailies
and Sundays from 1949 until his death in 1961. His wife
Dorothy reportedly assisted with ruling and lettering.
A recent reprinting of the transitional story "The Limper"
in Frew Phantom #1297 (2001) clarifies the artistic
transition after McCoy's final Sunday strip of 9/17/61. DC
artist Carmine Infantino, best known for The Flash,
drew one unsigned Sunday strip dated 9/24/61. Bill Lignante
took over 10/1/61, completing the story of "The Limper" and
then the story of "Queen Samaris" (11/5/61-5/13/62). A
prominent courtroom artist, Lignante's name never appeared
in the newspaper strip's credits. He then went on to do
an excellent series of Phantom comic books for Gold Key/King,
where his signature revealed his identity. Lignante did
his own pencilling, inking, and lettering and it is a shame
he didn't get to do more Phantom art, as his work was quite
good during his brief tenure on the Phantom.
Sy Barry, younger brother and former assistant to
Flash Gordon artist Dan Barry, took over the daily
strip from McCoy 8/21/61 and the Sunday from Lignante
on 5/20/62. Barry retired in 1994 and turned over
the art chores to his longtime assistant George Olesen.
Over the years Barry had numerous other ghosts and
assistants including Don Heck, Bob Forgione, Andre
Leblanc, Frank Springer, and Joe Giella. Ben Oda
and Milt Snappin assisted Barry with lettering.
From Sept. 1994 until March 1995, no artist signed
the strips and a stylistic change (not for the better)
was quite evident. George Olesen continued to do the
pencil art as he had for years under Barry, with the
inkers remaining anonymous. In March 1995 the new inker
on the dailies, Keith Williams, was finally given byline
credit, with Olesen and longtime Mandrake artist Fred
Fredericks being given byline credit for the Sundays.
Another uncredited inker, reportedly by the name of
Eric Doescher, had done the Sundays from 9/94-12/94.
After Falk's death in 1999, his wife Elizabeth Falk completed
the writing of the 195th daily story and 150th Sunday story
(mid-1999) from Lee's plots; subsequent stories have been
written by Egmont/Swedish comic book writers Tony De Paul
and Claes Reimerthi, with some stories adapted from previously
published Swedish comic books. Olesen and Williams continued
as daily artists until 2005. Fred Fredericks continued
as Sunday Phantom artist until August 2000, when Graham
Nolan took over the art chores on the Sunday Phantom
strips and (in my opinion) did a great job. Nolan's Sundays
were reprinted in 2 softcover volumes by Moonstone Books in 2005.
(http://www.goodreads.com/series/78857-the-phantom-the-graham-nolan-sundays)
On 1/31/2005, veteran comic book artist Paul Ryan
took over the daily art chores on the Phantom daily comic strip,
with scripts still being done (and finally signed) by Tony
De Paul. Ryan also drew the Sunday Phantom strip from 4/1/2007 thru
7/24/11. Ryan continued to due the Phantom dailies until his death
in March 2016. The daily strip art was taken over in May 2016 by Mike Manley,
who also draws the current Judge Parker comic strip.
On 7/31/11 started a new Sunday Phantom artist, Eduardo Barreto
of Uruguay (Marvel/DC/Judge Parker). Barreto did some very nice
work (http://content.comicskingdom.net/Phantom/Phantom.20110731.gif)
but unfortunately died in Dec. 2011 at the young age of 57, his last
published strip being 1/8/12. After two interim pages by Paul Ryan,
veteran comic book artist Terry Beatty took over the Phantom Sunday
page beginning 1/29/12 and continues doing a great job as of 2016.
The Scandinavian source for the current Phantom stories highlights
the importance of comic books in the history and story of The
Phantom. Phantom comic books have been published in the U.S.,
(King, Gold Key, Charlton, DC, Marvel), Australia (Frew) and Europe
(Wolf (England), Semic/Egmont (Norway/Sweden).
The various Phantom comic books at first mostly
reprinted the U.S. strips but have also presented
original stories by a variety of excellent artists,
notably including Bill Lignante, Jim Aparo and Don
Newton, who did some good work for the Gold Key King and
Charlton issues. Artists Lindahls (Sweden), Vallve
(Denmark) and particularly Felmang (Italy) have done
some beautiful work for the Scandinavian Phantoms, which
have been republished in other countries including Australia (Frew).
Moonstone Comics (www.moonstonebooks.com) has published
a new American Phantom comic book series since 2002. As of
2012 it doesn't appear that any new issues are being published
but many are still available online on the publisher's web site
at http://moonstonebooks.com/shop/category.aspx?catid=24.
Dynamite Entertainment published a 12-issue series "The Last
Phantom" with covers by Alex Ross in 2011-12. In 2014 Hermes Press
published another new Phantom comic book mini-series by Peter David.
As of 2016, many of the Phantom comic book series as well as the Avon
novels are being reprinted in and are available on Amazon.com as well
as from the publisher Hermes Press.
(https://hermes-press.myshopify.com/collections/the-phantom).
3) What is the Phantom's real name?
The Phantom's name is generally given as Kit Walker.
But the name of the 1st Phantom, according to the
1936 first origin story, was said to be "Sir Christopher
Standish." By 1943, Falk started giving the Phantom
the alias of "Walker," always with "quotes" and
asterisk/footnote "*For Ghost Who Walks". So
accordingly, "Walker" would seem to be an assumed
name after the nickname "Ghost Who Walks." Supporting
this explanation, in the 1977 daily story of the
Phantom's marriage, when asked by Mrs. Palmer (Diana's
mother) if he has a family name, The Phantom says
"not exactly... we use the name Walker...for the Ghost
Who Walks." However, contradicting this theory and
apparently his own earlier idea, Falk in several
stories, e.g. 1969 Sunday and 1989 daily stories,
refers to the father of the 1st Phantom as _Kit
Walker_ and it is recounted how "Walker's Table"
was discovered and named for him back in the 15th
Century before there ever was a Ghost Who Walks!
Yet another explanation is given in a 1944 Sunday
in which the young Phantom-to-be was named "Kip"
Walker by his Aunt & Uncle Lucy & Jasper Walker,
on his _mother's_ side of the family, when he came
to America for his education. It is now usually
said that the first name of all males in the Phantom
line is "Kit" (probably short for Christopher), despite
"Kip" being used in some earlier stories.
Falk later told me personally, at a memorable "Friends of
The Phantom" dinner in New York in the 1990's
that The Phantom's real/family name was definitely
Kit Walker, disregarding any previous inconsistencies.
In an interview in Comics Revue #27, 1988, Falk
said that originally The Phantom was to be the
alter ego of a Batman/Bruce Wayne-like playboy
adventurer named Jimmy Wells! Then in the midst of
the 1st story Falk got the idea of moving the Phantom
into the Jungle, and gradually came up with the
striking legend of the Phantom which is perhaps
the most fascinating and appealing aspect of the
character. This history is further discussed in
Frew's Phantom 70th Anniversary issue.
4) What other names is the Phantom known by, and what do they mean?
The Phantom is known as "The Ghost Who Walks"
and "Man Who Cannot Die" because of his secretive
and amazing accomplishments and the fact that every
time a Phantom dies, his son immediately takes over
the role, thus to the natives and superstitious
criminals, The Phantom seems supernatural and
immortal. Only the Bandar Pygmies and a few friends
and family (including Diana and her family, Dr.
Axel, and President Luaga) know the true identity
and secret of the Phantom line. Another title,
"Guardian of the Eastern Dark," has been used in
recent years, referring to The Phantom's role in
crushing the evil rulers of that mysterious kingdom.
5) Who are the Phantom's friends and family?
Diana Palmer was The Phantom's girlfriend from the
first story; they married in 1977 and now have
two small children, Kit and Heloise. Rex King,
another young boy who is part of the Phantom
family, was a foundling whom the Phantom adopted and
who calls him "Uncle Walker." Other recurring
characters include Phantom's pets (including his
wolf Devil, present from the beginning in 1936,
the horse Hero, introduced in 1945, the falcon
Fraka, elephant Joomba, animals of Eden, etc.),
the Pygmy Bandar, Old Man Mozz the storyteller,
Dr. Axel, President Luaga of Bangalla, Diana's
Mama and Uncle Dave, and the officers of the
Jungle Patrol (first appearing 1952). Mandrake the
Magician, also created and written by Lee Falk,
is also a friend of The Phantom, having attended
his wedding in 1977. In 1998 the Phantom in
return attended Mandrake's wedding in the latter's
strip. The Phantom again appeared in the final 2002
Mandrake Sunday story, "Devil Road."
6) Where do The Phantom's adventures take place?
His base and family home is in the Skull Cave in
the "Deep Woods" in the country of Bangalla, an
ill-defined mythical locale apparently in Africa
judging by the stories depicting black natives
and cities. The country was called Bengali and
indicated to be in India/Asia in earlier stories
(in fact an island in the vicinity of Java/Sumatra
was specified to be the place of the Phantom's
adventures in the earliest stories). The name changed
without explanation in the middle of the 1972 story
"The Witchmen." Falk later stated categorically that
the Phantom's country was named "Bangalla", located
in Central Africa. Some European/Australian Phantom
stories published still use the older name of Bengali.
The Phantom also has other homes and properties
including the island Eden, the Golden Beach of
Keela-Wee, an American mountaintop aerie (Walker's
Table), a ruined European castle, and most recently
a tree house built by the Rope People. Phantom's
Head peak and Phantom Whispering Grove are nearby.
Also as the legends tell, "...there are times when the
Phantom leaves his jungle home and travels as an
ordinary man...." Thus while most of the Phantom's
adventures take place in jungle settings in the
vicinity of the Deep Woods, others involve the
Phantom's other homes and territories mentioned
above or take place "on location" around the
world and at sea.
Maps of "Phantom country" have appeared several
times, including daily strips of 1973 and 1980.
7) What are the Phantom's "Good Mark" and "Bad Mark"?
The Phantom wears two rings which leave indelible
marks on whoever/whatever is touched or punched.
The "Good Mark" (worn on the left hand, "closer
to the heart") consists of 4 overlapping P-shapes
(or swords?) forming a cross in a circle, and
designates the bearer as being a friend under the
protection of The Phantom. Conversely, the Mark
of the Skull, a death's head, is usually left by
a blow from the Phantom's strong right arm and
indicates a warning or a sign that the victim has
battled The Phantom, unsuccessfully of course.
8) How has Lee Falk used his family members' names in the Phantom stories?
Falk's daughter Valerie was the model for the
early "Princess Valerie" story illustrated by Moore.
Falk also used the name of his son Conley
for many little boy characters in various
Phantom stories. Conley Falk did a voice cameo as
a Mandrake-like magician character in the Phantom
2040 series! Falk's daughter Diane was named after
Diana in the strips. The 1993 daily story "Moxley
Awards" (AKA Invasion of Eden) was named after
the maiden name of Falk's wife, Elizabeth Moxley.
Falk apparently also has a special fondness for the
name "Kit" which he also used for a character in
his theatrical comedy "Home at 6:00."
9) Where have Phantom adventures been reprinted/retold?
-Novels by Lee Falk, Avon 1970's (hard to find
paperbacks, the first is a particularly valuable
origin/history, my favorite Phantom story and Falk's
as well! A similar story was published in hardback
about 1944, "Son of the Phantom" by Dale Robertson).
List of Avon paperbacks supplied by Bill Slankard:
#1, Story of the Phantom, Lee Falk 9/72
#2, Slave Market of Mucar, Basil Copper 11/72
#3, The Scorpia Menace, Basil Copper 12/72
#4, The Veiled Lady, Frank Shawn 3/73
(pseudonym for Ron Goulart).
#5, The Golden Circle, Frank Shawn 5/73
#6, The Mysterious Ambassador, Falk 7/73
#7, Mystery of the Sea Horse, Shawn 8/73
#8, The Hydra Monster, Frank Shawn 10/73
#9, Killer's Town, Lee Falk 12/73
#10, The Goggle-Eyed Pirates, Shawn 2/74
#11, The Swamp Rats, Frank S. Shawn 4/74
#12, The Vampires & The Witch, Falk 6/74
#13, The Island of Dogs, Warren Shanahan 2/75
#14, The Assassins, Carson Bingham 4/75
#15, Curse of the 2 Headed Bull, Falk 7/75
(originally mislabeled as being by Bingham).
"The Phantom" movie adaptation, 6/96.
-Pioneer books strip reprints (17 volumes reprinting
Sundays from 1946-62 and 1980-86, published ~1989).
-Ken Pierce, kenpierecebooks.com, published several
Phantom and other comic strip reprint books in the
1980's which are no longer in print but many are
available used on Ebay.
-The Menomonee Falls Gazette, a weekly comic strip
newspaper, printed Phantom dailies from its first
issue in Dec. 1971 through its final issue #232 in 1976.
Some scans/downloads of these issues are available online.
-Golden/Vintage Funnies, comic strip reprint books
from publishers of the early Comics Buyers Guide,
reprinted some early 1940 Phantom Sundays in B&W.
-Pacific Comics Club (Tony Raiola, P.O. Box 14361,
Long Beach CA 90803; http://www.pacificcomics.com) has
published several daily Phantom reprint books, some
of which are still available on the web site.
-Comics Revue Magazine (P.O. Box 336, Mountain Home
TN 37684) printed the current Phantom dailies from 1987
to 2002, as well as a few classic stories. As of 2009 CR
is printing classic Phantom Sundays in full color.
-Several BLB's (About 6 Big/Better Little Books)
featured Phantom adventures. All now rare & pricey.
-Numerous comic books of the Phantom were published
in USA by Dell, King, Ace, Harvey, Gold Key, Charlton,
DC, Marvel, Moonstone, Hermes, etc.
-Many foreign comic books/strip reprints, most
notably Australia (FREW) for English language
collectors.
-Film/TV: A movie serial starring Tom Tyler was made
by Columbia Pictures in 1943. As of 2000-2001 it
is finally widely available on VHS & DVD through video
stores and on the Internet at Amazon or Barnes&Noble.com,
MoviesUnlimited.com, and other shopping sites. The
film is only of fair quality and makes many unfortunate changes
to the story of the Phantom, but is interesting to see.
-A (lousy) 1961 TV pilot was also made but never aired;
videos have circulated among Phantom fans and are now available on
You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tN48X0iY4Os), but in my
opinion the show and video are so bad in both content and
film quality as to be a waste of time and money.
-The "Defenders of the Earth" cartoon series (1980's) featured
an unusual future Phantom (with "the power of ten tigers") as
well other King Features characters including Mandrake
and Flash Gordon.
-The "Phantom 2040" animated TV show was syndicated in
the USA from 1994-96; videos are available and the show
was actually quite good, as was the Marvel comic book adaptation.
-A major Phantom motion picture from Paramount was
released in June 1996, starring Billy Zane as The
Ghost Who Walks. See Starlog Magazine #227, June 1996
issue for info and pictures. Simultaneously A&E Network
did a "Biography" show on The Phantom. DVD's, Blu-Rays,
and online Videos are available of the Phantom movie and
A&E Biography through the usual video outlets.
-In June 2010 a new "Phantom" TV movie was premiered on
SyFy Network featuring a futuristic 22nd Phantom.
- A new sequel/reboot movie called "THE PHANTOM LEGACY"
was announced in 2008 as possibly coming soon in the future.
(http://www.comingsoon.net/movie/the-phantom-legacy). Not
much news available about this since 2009 so who knows.
- A COLLECTOR'S DREAM COME TRUE! -- HERMES PRESS AS OF 2010
IS ISSUING COMPLETE HARDCOVER REPRINTS OF ALL THE PHANTOM
DAILIES AND SUNDAYS, FROM THE BEGINNING AND UP TO 1949
AS OF THIS WRITING (MID 2016). All are available on Amazon,
other online booksellers, and the publisher's own web site:
https://hermes-press.myshopify.com/collections/the-phantom.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Finally, The Phantom has also made cameo appearances
appearances in several other animated TV shows and
films including "Popeye Meets the Man Who Hated
Laughter" (1973) and The Beatles' "Yellow Submarine."
9) Memorable quotes, oaths, old jungle sayings and
other assorted catch phrases:
The oath of the skull (see Section #1).
"Thru the centuries...the nemesis of evildoers
everywhere...he works alone...The Phantom!"
"I am known by many names...."
"The Ghost Who Walks will never die...."
"Phantom rough with roughnecks..." (old jungle saying).
"Phantom has eyes and ears everywhere..." (old j.s.).
"Phantom quick like lightning..." (old jungle saying).
"He who looks upon the Phantom's face unmasked will die
horribly...." (old jungle saying)
"To look upon the Phantom's face means death." (o.j.s.)
The Phantom only warns once..." (this was probably the
first old j.s., used in the first Phantom daily story)
[With the Phantom's protection, a...] "...beautiful woman
clad in the finest jewels may walk in the jungle
safely at midnight..." (old jungle saying)
"The Phantom has the strength of ten tigers" (o.j.s.)
"Call the Phantom anywhere and he will hear." (o.j.s.)
"The cold voice of the angry Phantom can freeze blood."
"The Phantom's cold fury chills even tigers blood."
"Angry Phantom is fearful to behold" (old j.s.)
"Phantom moves faster than eyes can see." (old j.s.)
"Phantom's hands [or guns] quicker than eyes can see."
"When Phantom moves, time stands still..." (old j.s.)
"Phantom moves silently as fog" [or cat, or wind...]
"Never point a gun at the Phantom."
Etc. (Barry Stubbersfield has compiled a list of
at least 188 Old Jungle Sayings dating back to 1946,
though some of these are variants of the same thing.)
10) What is known about the history of the Phantom line?
Numerous stories have referred to or recounted the
adventures of the 20 Phantoms who preceded our current
hero. The information listed below is gleaned from my
own collection and from several other contributors and
sources, including similar efforts published in
Australia by researchers Peter Steven and Barry
Stubbersfield. The stories/sources in which the
information was found are listed when possible. It
must be stressed that Falk often repeated key legends
of the Phantom and his ancestors with varying details
over the years, thus no chronology can be 100%
consistent with every story. I have attempted to come
up with a "consensus" chronology which not all
will completely agree with, while acknowledging some
of the inconsistencies. Further, only "authentic"
Falk Phantom history is included, except as noted,
e.g. recent speculations about future Phantoms from
Marvel comics and the Phantom/2040 TV shows, which
otherwise should not be considered "canonical." Post-Falk
Phantom comics, Frews and Egmonts are generally not included.
THE PHANTOM CHRONOLOGY
----------------------
Father of 1st Phantom (ca. 1477-1535): Unnamed in
1936 daily origin story, but later (e.g. 1969 Sundays,
1989 dailies) called Kit Walker. In youth served as cabin
boy to Christopher Columbus, then explored New World
and discovered desert mesa which became known as
"Walker's Table," around 1499. Later became sea
Captain and was killed in the fateful pirate raid which
led to his son becoming the first Phantom.
1st Phantom (1516-1566): Sir Christopher Standish/
Walker. "Over four hundred years ago" (dates
variously specified as 1525, 1535-6 or 1550), sole
survivor of a pirate raid, washed up on a remote
Bangalla beach, saved by pygmies, Upon finding
body of pirate who killed his father, swore oath of
the skull that he and his descendents would fight
pirates and evildoers. (1936 daily origin, retold
many times with slight variations). 1975 Sunday
story depicts him meeting the Bandar in 1550 and
fulfilling their prophecy of a man from the sea
saving them from slavery. He also gave them the
secret of their poison arrows, further explaining
their eternal friendship. He is also depicted
getting the idea for his identity and costume from
a native idol, and with Bandar finding Skull Cave.
Destroyed Scorpia pirate band? (1958 dailies).
1979 Sundays say he married Christina, daughter
of Eric the Rover. Other stories say he married
a Spanish princess (7/30/89) or unnamed granddaughter
of Columbus (The Heirs, 1978).
2nd Phantom (1555-1609): Son of first Phantom, father
of boy who played Juliet, for whom he traveled to
London in 1602. Married Christopher Columbus' grand-
daughter Marabella (1979 Sundays; other stories indi-
cate this was 1st). During visit to pre-colonial America
reclaimed Walker's Table (Novel, 1984 Sundays,
1989 dailies). Killed by Barbary Pirates.
3rd Phantom (ca. 1600): As a boy educated in
England and played Juliet in original Shakespeare
production at Globe Theater, ca. 1604, and married
Shakespeare's niece Rosamunda (1971,1978/9 Sundays).
According to 1984 Sundays, received diamond cup
of Alexander from Sultan Mamoud Ben Al'lina, and in
1616 married Princess Pura (daughter of an Indian
Maharajah, who was originally intended to Sultan).
(According to 1989 Sundays this was actually the 4th,
with the 3rd Phantom marrying an actress).
4th Phantom: Born around turn of 17th Cent., educated
in England. 1989 story of "Capt. Amazon Pirate Queen"
states he eloped with a Maharaja's daughter.
5th Phantom (Early-mid 1600's): Fought Pirate Captains
Saba, Blood and Blackbeard around 1635 and became
"King Saba, King of Pirates"; Married Juliet Adams,
"Captain Amazon the Pirate Queen," daughter of American
clipper Captain Adams (1989 story). First Phantom
to fight the Thuggees in 1650 (1990 story).
6th Phantom (ca. 1660's): Rescued Queen Natala of
Navarre from Pirate Redbeard and later married her,
turned pirate band into the Jungle Patrol (said to
be founded 1664) (1st Novel, 1973 & 1991 dailies,
1979 Sundays). (Other stories say this was 7th,
with the 6th marrying a Sultan's daughter (8/13/89).
7th Phantom (mid-late 1600's): Saved emperor Joonkar
(AKA "Joomkar" or "Joonkoor" according to some stories),
who bequeathed the Golden Beach of Keela-Wee and
commissioned Michelangelo to carve Phantom Head Peak
(Novel, 1966 & 1986 Sundays; other stories indicate a
somewhat later Phantom). 7th may have been also been
the Phantom who first met the Little People and
established the Treaty of the Rattle (1956 Sundays
stated to be 300 years previously, present Phantom's
Grandfather "12x removed"). As noted some stories
(e.g. 8/13/89 Sunday story of "Capt Amazon Pirate Queen")
attribute founding of Jungle Patrol to 7th Phantom
(Some commentators suggest the 7th Phantom continued
the founding of the Jungle Patrol after the 6th died.)
8th Phantom (died ca. 1726): Said to be tallest Phantom.
Fought demons of Kognia and destroyed witches' castle.
Built secret path through Great Swamp and died of
snakebite (Frew#899A). Another story says he was mortally
wounded by an arrow in the back by the Mongols.
Married Heloise, the Hanta Witch, 1675 or 1685
(1979 dailies/Sundays). 1991-2 Sunday story "The
4th Son" shows the 8th Phantom married to an English-
woman who gave him 4 sons, all named Kit!
9th Phantom (Born ca. 1700): AKA "The Runt", described
by Old Man Mozz as the strongest and shortest Phantom.
As noted above, one of 4 sons all named Kit; became
Phantom and married Mongol Princess Vhatta ca. 1726.
Also destroyed Zaal, idol of human sacrifice, in
Eastern Dark (Sundays 1983,1990, Dailies 1977,Sundays
1983,1990).
10th Phantom (1700's): All that is known is that
he rescued a Scandinavian ship captain's daughter
from sinking and married her (Sundays 11/26/78 and
8/6/89). Died ~ after 1740?
11th Phantom (1700's): Little known; according to
11/26/78 Sunday married a Majaraja's daughter. 8/13/89
Sunday indicates he ran off with an Indian Maiden.
12th Phantom (died 1812): Seen in 1980 Sunday story of
13th Phantom and 1987 story of Irrondi & Great Ones.
13th Phantom (succeeded ca. 1812): Finest swordsman
of his age, educated in America, fought in war of 1812,
Married Jeanette, sister of famous pirate Jean Lafitte
ca. 1812-8 (1979-1980 Sundays). (1994 dailies
say he married Indian Chief's daughter and searched
for buried pirate treasure in 1795, and that it was
the 14th who married Jeanette. 1994 dailies also
indicate that the 13th Phantom knew his own
grandfather the 11th, perhaps unique in the Phantom
line).
14th Phantom (d. ca. 1831): Ended slave trade
of the Eastern Dark (1977 d, 1984 & 1990 Sundays).
15th Phantom (succeeded ca. 1831): Said to have
married an Italian opera singer (11/26/78 Sunday,
8/13/89 Sunday, 12/23/94 daily).
16th Phantom (Active ~1840's-1860's): Father of
twins Kip and Julie (the "female Phantom"). In
1994 dailies, called "the masked cowboy"
and shown to marry Annie Morgan in Texas in the
1840's-1850's. Died after 1867.
17th Phantom (b. 1852): "Kip", educated in Rome, had
twin sister Julie who temporarily served as the female
Phantom while he was injured (Novel, 1952 Sundays).
Also referred to in the story of the "Snake Goddess"
(Frew #899A).
18th Phantom (late 1800's?): Little information.
Apparently came very close to dying without an heir,
but finally married Janie Cary who bore him a son,
according to Barry Stubbersfield. Other sources
consider Julie, sister of 17th, to be the 18th
Phantom, with 19th marrying Jane.
19th Phantom: (1870-~1915 or 1924): Said to have been
strongest of Phantom line. 1951 Sunday story and
Novel indicate he was the first Phantom to meet the
Rope People, for whom he performed a series of great
feats similar to the Labors of Hercules (1980 daily
story indicates this was great grandfather of 20th
Phantom, i.e. 17th, while 20th had to repeat feats
to rescue Dr. Thorne & daughter who he was to marry.)
Destroyed Singh Pirate ship in Bengali Bay and placed
good mark on Dr. Worth & descendents (1959 Sundays).
According to 1964 & 1971 stories of the Cary family,
this Phantom (current Phantom's grandfather) married
Jane Carey around 1910 and placed Good Mark on Dr. Cary
protecting his hospital and descendants. However
Stubbersfield (supported by 1978 Sundays) says 19th
married June Archer or June Thorne, daughter of Dr.
Archer of Rope People story. The 19th Phantom
also banned guns from jungle (9/95 daily story).
20th Phantom: (Early-Mid 1900's): Father of our 21st
Phantom, stabbed/killed in battle with Singh river
pirates (1954 Sundays). Usually said to have married
Lady Maude (mother of our 21 Phantom); both kidnapped and
imprisoned months by Highland/Mountain Prince (1953 & 1989
Sundays). (However 1980 daily story of The Tree House refers
to current Phantom's father rescuing his fiance and her
father Dr. Thorne from Rope People. Other stories
attribute this to 19th as noted above). Endowed Dr.
Axel's Jungle Hospital, which is protected by the Good
Mark in gratitude for Dr. Axel's delivery of the baby
21st (cited in many stories incl. 1990 dailies).
21st Phantom (mid-late 1900's): Kit Walker, "our"
Phantom, hero of comic strip since 1936, still active.
Educated in USA, college sports hero (Novel, 1944 &
1959 Sundays). Married Diana Palmer 1977, children
Kit, Heloise. Repeated grandfather's feats for
Rope People, resumed ancient friendship of Phantom and
Little People (1950's Sundays). Reestablished role as
Guardian of the Eastern Dark (1977 dailies). Note:
Earlier stories indicated our Phantom 16th or 20th
of the line, not until 1960's was our Phantom
definitively settled to be 21st! Also note that
obviously the 21st Phantom's career is inordinately
long, having started in 1936 and still going strong as
of 2011, so these time spans are not realistic!
22nd Phantom: Expected to be Kit, son of our current
hero, still a child as of 1980's-90's newspaper strips.
Star of Marvel Comics Phantom mini-series published
Winter 1994-1995 (not explicitly identified, but
stories depict Phantom who looks like the current
one being killed by Bababu and son taking over with
futuristic costume). Another version of a futuristic
22nd Phantom appeared in the 2010 SyFy TV miniseries.
In the daily story "Farewell to the Deep Woods" beginning
6/6/16, young Kit is going away to school in the Himalayas
for his education, while his twin Heloise goes off to school
in New York.
24th Phantom: High-tech futuristic hero of the
1994 animated TV series "Phantom 2040" and Marvel
comic book based on same series. Son of a 23rd
Phantom who left Africa after completing work
there and was then disappeared in a toxic train
wreck in 2024 Metropia (New York), leaving a
baby son, who was later found and trained by
(future) Guran. Aunt Heloise (sister of 22nd) was
also a character in the series.
10) What are some additional information sources?
(Only English language resources listed)
-Comics Revue Magazine (Manuscript Press, POB 336,
Mountain Home TN 37684) published the current daily Phantom
since issue 27 (1987) and contained a complete checklist of
The Phantom's daily and Sunday adventures in its 100 and
166th issues. (http://www.comicsrevue.com/). Since 2009, CR is
reprinting classic Phantom (and Mandrake) dailies, and Sundays in color.
-Australian "FREW" Phantom comic book series publishes
Phantom stories and information. Info: Frew Pubs, Suite 401
160 Castlereagh St., Sydney NSW 2000 Australia. 2/17/2006
Frew published a special Lee Falk tribute issue in conjunction
with the 70th Anniversary of The Phantom (which again debuted
2/17/1936 in US newspapers). In March 2007 Frew published
a "Phantom Encyclopedia" in conjunction with its 1500th issue.
As of 2016, with new owners, Frew finally now has its own web site
selling current and back issues at http://www.phantomcomic.com.au.
-DC Phantom mini-series #2 (1988) contained article on
"The Secrets of the Phantom" by Anthony Tollin.
-Wikipedia has a good article on The Phantom, as it does
on just about everything! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Phantom.
This FAQ is referenced at a dead web link.
-There are also several sites dedicated to The Phantom pages
on the Internet, many referring to this FAQ and listed in Bryan Shedden's
authoritative Phantom supersite, www.deepwoods.org (no longer active).
*New: Current Phantom strips are now available online on the
WWW at the King Features official web site (www.kingfeatures.com/
www.dailyink.com) as well as several other online newspaper web sites.
Note: This document was formerly posted officially only on my personal web
sites on AOL and Geocities which have since been terminated as of 2009, and various earlier
versions may still be online and/or linked to various web sites. A recent version
is hosted at www.deepwoods.org; my guaranteed most recent official version is available
ONLY at https://www.sugarsync.com/pf/D6508838_7648884_68660.
This information is offered "free" as a labor of love and service
to the Internet and Comics Fandom, but notification and appropriate
attribution if this information is linked, used, or referred to, is
requested.
Any questions/comments/info, please email TGol...@aol.com.
THANKS!
Todd Goldberg
Aug 26, 2018, 11:47:27 AM8/26/18
to
>
> This information is offered "free" as a labor of love and service
> to the Internet and Comics Fandom, but notification and appropriate
> attribution if this information is linked, used, or referred to, is
> requested.
>
> Any questions/comments/info, please email TGol...@aol.com.
>
> THANKS!
AN UPDATED VERSION OF THE FAQ IS NOW AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING LINK
> This information is offered "free" as a labor of love and service
> to the Internet and Comics Fandom, but notification and appropriate
> attribution if this information is linked, used, or referred to, is
> requested.
>
> Any questions/comments/info, please email TGol...@aol.com.
>
> THANKS!
https://www.sugarsync.com/pf/D6508838_07936471_437562
Thanks, Todd Goldberg, Aug. 26, 2018
D Heine
Aug 26, 2018, 1:35:37 PM8/26/18
to
> > THANKS!
>
> AN UPDATED VERSION OF THE FAQ IS NOW AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING LINK
> https://www.sugarsync.com/pf/D6508838_07936471_437562
> Thanks, Todd Goldberg, Aug. 26, 2018
I also know The Phantom attended in 2005 Blondie and Dagwood's 75th. anniversary.
>
> AN UPDATED VERSION OF THE FAQ IS NOW AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING LINK
> https://www.sugarsync.com/pf/D6508838_07936471_437562
> Thanks, Todd Goldberg, Aug. 26, 2018
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