The Phantom: The Treasures of Bangalla

(Moonstone, 2003)
™ and ©2003

The Phantom has protected the jungles of Bangalla since February 17, 1936. Creator Lee Falk’s “Ghost Who Walks” has spent more than 60 years fighting smugglers, pirates, cut-throats, and dictators in comic strips, several short-lived comic books, and now in a series of 48-page tales from Moonstone Books.

Writer Ron Goulart’s “The Treasures of Bangalla” holds nicely to traditional Phantom story characteristics like stolen treasure, damsels in distress, and extremely wealthy bad guys. It also adds dimensions to The Phantom that move beyond the comic strips, including his marriage to Diana and their two children. His rescue by reporter Jennie Barr forms an interesting, though unwanted, partnership that could be expanded in future editions.

Also worthy of expansion are two qualities The Phantom shares with Batman — striking fear into the hearts of criminals and detective skills. The Phantom’s reputation should have bad guys more frightened and his skill in research and detective work should be challenged more. Although this story doesn’t refer to The Phantom’s 400-year history and the exploits of any of his 20 predecessors, readers have that to look forward to, as well.

Mike Collins’ pencils, Art Nichols’ inks, and Ken Wolak and Dawn Groszewski’s colors bring the purple-clad Phantom convincingly to life. The art team also holds to tradition, as The Phantom’s skull ring leaves imprints on the faces of those he punches. Nice touch.

The Phantom is suitable for all audiences and will please long-time fans of the comic strip: The good guys win, no one dies, and it’s an entertaining adventure.

— Karen O’Brien

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Notes

Writer

Artist

#1

Cover Price: $6.95
1 copy available for $7.00

Ron Goulart

Mike Collins