The Phantom #1 (0f 4)

In his 79 year publication history, Lee Falk's The Phantom seems to fail to garner the respect he deserves. While it's true that the 'Ghost Who Walks' has had less than stellar adaptions-- see Billy Zane or the latest parkour TV event, it doesn't mean that the Phantom is a lame duck. The mythology Falk blessed the Phantom with is timeless. There is a reason he can't stay down and even after 79 years in the biz, writers are still finding fresh and exciting ways to dress men in purple tights. After the success of Dynamite's own King's Watch, which featured not only The Phantom, but Flash Gordon and Mandrake the Magician, Dynamite is hoping to cash in on that success by taking the Phantom solo in a brand new mini-series.

Lothar Kehwabe is not the Phantom. The last Phantom gave his life to save the planet and Kehwabe has taken it upon himself to find a replacement. But just because the Phantom is gone, doesn't mean the world is safe. Now it's up to Kehwabe to assume the mantle of the Phantom and keep the jungle safe all while denying what's clearly his destiny.

Writer Clevinger (Atomic Robo) is clearly having a good time telling his tale. In just the first issue we see the Phantom suit up, kick pirate butt and go undercover. Throw in some animal-men and a couple cheeky throwbacks to the source material, Clevinger truly makes the Phantom ride again. The tone is spot on with the adventure serials of 30's, the kind that Lucas and Speilberg grew up on, and the same amount of fun is infectious towards us readers.

Schoonover's (Hack/Slash) art is spot-on and in perfect step with the script. The jungles are lush and the obligatory “hero” shots add to the pulpy appeal of the book. One page sequential is so enjoyable this reviewer couldn't help but show anyone who would look. In just 6 panels Schoonover captures what makes the Phantom such a bad-ass. Colourist Snyder colours do a very nice job of complementing the package. The sunsets are gorgeous but the panel with the classic Phantom on the throne shot is the iceing on the cake. However his choice to mask the pages with a static overlay hinders his work more than helps. It detracts greatly from the 'pop' of his palette.

Because of it's brick pace and unabashed love for adventure, The Phantom #1 is the perfect book to read on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Dynamite hits another King character out of the park so I implore readers to please check this book out. 4 issues is not going to be enough.

The Phantom #1 (of 4)
Writer: Brian Clevinger
Illustrator: Brent Schoonover
Colours: Robt Snyder
Letters: Simon Bowland
Publisher: Dynamite Comics
Purchase: http://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/viewProduct.html?PRO=C72513022501601011