THE PHANTOM FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) Version 3.7, Updated 2007, the 71st Anniversary of The Phantom! URL: http://members.aol.com/TGoldberg/phantom.txt (c) 1996-2007, Todd H. Goldberg, M.D., Philadelphia PA USA Welcome to The Phantom FAQ, dedicated to the work of the late, great, Lee Falk, and his greatest creation, The Phantom. 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 is appreciated, including: Rick Norwood (http://www.io.com/~norwoodr) Bob Griffin (griffinr@wmich.edu) Bryan Shedden (http://www.deepwoods.org) Ed Rhoades (http://home.ptd.net/~rhoades) Kjell Steen (kjesteen@online.no) Barry Stubbersfield (Queensland, Australia) 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 an 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). 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. 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. Check out Ryan's web site, secondstargraphics.com. Ryan has done artwork for DC and Marvel comics as well as several Scandinavian Phantom comic book stories. Ryan also took over the Sunday Phantom strip on 4/1/2007. 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. 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, 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 recent 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, P.O. Box 332,Park Forest IL 60466, http:// www.kenpierecebooks.com. Pierce has an extensive catalog of comic strip reprint books and also published one Phantom volume himself, reprinting the early daily "Sky Band" story). -The Menomonee Falls Gazette, a weekly comic strip newspaper, printed Phantom dailies from its first issue in 1971 through its final issue #223 in 1976. -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) sells and publishes numerous comic strip reprints and has published several Phantom books including reproductions of Large Feature Books reprinting early dailies ('30's/40's). -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. -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, etc. For details see Overstreet Guide and Bryan Shedden's web site. -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 changes to the story of the Phantom, but is interesting to see. -A (lousy) 1960's TV pilot was also made but never aired; videos have circulated among Phantom fans, 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. -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. Videos are available of the Phantom movie and A&E Biography through the usual video outlets listed above. -Several DVD's of the above mentioned Phantom movies and TV shows as well as comic strips are available from Chris Smith, interested parties should contact him via his e-mail address, csw@nothingbutnet.net 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..." (old j.s.) [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 show, which otherwise should not be considered "canonical." 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 (Sjefen of Norway suggests 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): Considered 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 in 2006, 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). 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) -"Friends of the Phantom" organization and newsletter run by C. Edward Rhoades, 465 E. Main St., Catawissa PA 17820 (http://home.ptd.net/~rhoades). Recent issues have included histories of Phantom artists and Phantom publications in the USA and exclusive details on current Phantom comic book, movie and TV projects. -Comics Revue Magazine (Manuscript Press, POB 336, Mountain Home TN 37684) has published the current daily Phantom since issue 27 (1987) and contained a complete checklist of The Phantom's daily and Sunday adventures in its 100th and 166th issues. (http://www.io.com/~norwoodr). -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). March 2007 Frew published a "Phantom Encyclopedia" in conjunction with its 1500th issue. Frew thus far does not have its own web site, but historical and subscription info is available at http://www.deepwoods.org/frew.html -DC Phantom mini-series #2 (1988) contained article on "The Secrets of the Phantom" by Anthony Tollin. -There are now several Phantom pages on the WWW, most are linked to this FAQ and listed in Bryan Shedden's authoritative Phantom supersite, www.deepwoods.org. *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, all listed on http://www.deepwoods.org/newspapers.html. Note: This document is periodically updated and posted officially only on my personal web page, http:/members.aol.com/TGoldberg. 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 TGoldberg@aol.com. Thanks.