The Phantom, Daniel Herman, and Hermes Press on the BBC

As anyone has followed my offbeat blog knows, I am a certified Phantom phreak. Daniel Herman of Hermes Press asked me to write forwards for the two volumes collecting my friend, the late Pat Boyette's, Charlton Comics issues.

In the meantime, here's a link Troy Musguire, Production Manager of Hermes Press, sent me featuring this Daniel Herman interview about the Ghost Who Walks on the BBC.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-21266631

Phantom comics reissue keeps early masked hero alive
When Lee Falk created the The Phantom in 1936 its hero was a comic strip trailblazer.

The protagonist was among the first masked characters fighting bad guys with powers of only a mere mortal.

Among the Phantom's early victories were battles with Japanese forces, mirroring the global tumult of the time.

The BBC spoke with Daniel Herman, publisher of Hermes Press which has published its fifth instalment of Phantom reissues.

Mr Herman says that what keeps The Phantom appealing is the comic strip's strong character development.

Produced by Marc Georges and the BBC's David Botti.

The Return of Kizilmaske

Merry Kizilmaske! That's "Red Mask," in Turkish, for those Phantom fans who came in late. Art by Aslan Sukor.

Big Little Phantom

Terry Beatty Phantom Sunday #2

I can now share the printed image of the second Phantom episode I bought from artist Terry Beatty at Oafcon, now that it's been published. "The Ghost Who Scuba Dives."

The Phantom Oath

"I swear to devote my life to the destruction of piracy, greed, cruelty, and injustice, in all their forms. My sons and their sons shall follow me."

Phantom Fashions

The Evil Mark ring

The Good Mark ring.

The Phantom belt buckle.

The Phantom's Rings

A signature of the Ghost Who Walks is his two rings. "The Evil Mark" or "Skull Mark" has a skull shape, which leaves a scar of the corresponding shape on the enemies he punches with it.
The Skull Mark ring was given to the first Phantom by Paracelsus. The original owner of the Skull ring was Emperor Nero of the Roman empire and it would later be revealed that the ring had been made from the nails that hung Jesus to the cross.

The Good Mark ring has a pattern formed like four crossing sabres, that the Phantom leaves on visitors whom he befriends, placing the person under his protection. The Good Mark ring was made after the sixth Phantom founded the Jungle Patrol.

The Phantom wears the Evil Mark on his right hand, and the Good Mark on his left, because it is closer to the heart.

Nick Derington: The Phantom and Mandrake

Paul Ryan Fantomen (The Phantom) Cover

Here's my latest comic art purchase, a Swedish Phantom cover from Paul Ryan.