For those of us who only knew The Phantom Stranger as a metaphysical, mumbo-jumbo-spouting cypher via cameos in Neil Gaiman comics, it’s downright refreshing to read his original adventures in SHOWCASE PRESENTS THE PHANTOM STRANGER: VOLUME 1. Reprinting his original 1969 appearance in DC’s SHOWCASE title and the first 21 issues of his own book that immediately followed, this collection introduces the Stranger as he was meant to be introduced. Hell, you even get to see his eyes!
Clad in cape, mask and fedora, The Phantom Stranger is a supernatural superhero who shows up out of nowhere (and disappears into the same) wherever and whenever evil is to be fought. Much of that comes in the form of ghosts and other otherworldly spirits. His friendly rival is the close-minded “ghost breaker” Dr. Terry Thirteen, who doesn’t believe in spooks and thinks our Stranger is a crook, despite the Stranger’s saving his butt from certain death every time they meet. From ice giants and voodoo priests to swamp monsters and Asians with Fu Manchu-like designs, the Stranger is ready, willing and able.
Surprisingly – remember, this was the very early ’70s – there’s even an issue dealing with Islamic terrorists who cry “Allah!” as they carry out their stupid little suicide missions. But it’s a rare political moment in a book that’s all about escapism; the Stranger is like Dr. Strange minus the pomposity and the vocabulary full of two-dollar words. Just as Dr. Thirteen’s constant “why, you!” attitude grows old, they break him off into little standalone mysteries that act as filler material, which not only gives the Stranger’s stories more room to breathe, but livens up the entire book.
The talent pool involved with this one includes Neal Adams, Gerry Conway, Dennis O’Neil, Len Wein and Jim Aparo – names which will warm the heart of any DC fan of that era. I don’t know where The Phantom Stranger comes from, either, but I’m glad he showed up. –Rod Lott
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OTHER BOOKGASM REVIEWS OF THIS SERIES:
• SHOWCASE PRESENTS BATMAN: VOLUME 1
• SHOWCASE PRESENTS THE ELONGATED MAN: VOLUME 1
• SHOWCASE PRESENTS THE HAUNTED TANK: VOLUME 1
• SHOWCASE PRESENTS THE HOUSE OF MYSTERY: VOLUME 1
• SHOWCASE PRESENTS JONAH HEX: VOLUME 1
• SHOWCASE PRESENTS METAMORPHO: VOLUME 1
• SHOWCASE PRESENTS SUPERMAN FAMILY: VOLUME 1
Related posts:
- Showcase Presents The Elongated Man: Volume 1
- Showcase Presents Batman: Volume 1
- Showcase Presents The Haunted Tank: Volume 1
- Showcase Presents The House of Mystery: Volume 1
- Showcase Presents Superman Family: Volume 1
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