Lee Falk, born Leon Harrison Gross (April 28, 1911 - March 13, 1999), was an American writer, theater director and producer, best known as the creator of the popular comic strips The Phantom and Mandrake the Magician. At the height of their popularity, these strips attracted over 100 million readers every day. Falk also wrote short stories, and he contributed to a series of pulp novels about The Phantom
I have read Phantom's comic during my school years and even though, today's comics are high and detailed in graphics, I somehow love these old ones.
Phantom's Belt is the first comic in the phantom series, that narrates a tale of revenge by Phantom, to avenge the murder of his father-The previous Phantom.
The books that 5 year old me used to “read” and love. I know all these stories by heart and the drawings are etched in my mind forever. Love Phantom and his wild, wild world. “He who lives by the sword shall die by the sword” - Old Jungle Saying
Includes The Phantom’s Belt, Prince Orq, The Challenge of Cannibals, The Phantom and the Imposter, The Phantom’s Isle of Eden, The Lunar Cult, The Man-Eating Plant, The Playmate, Thugs in Denkali, The Phantom’s Ring, The Phantom’s Treasure, The Phantom is Chained, The Phantom and Samaris, The Mystery of the Rattle and The Unknown Commander.
These stories are timeless ! My father read these in his boyhood & passed it to me. I had the comics hardbound but lost them when we moved houses. I'm so glad I found the electronic version. Certainly brought back fond memories of my childhood !!
This comic is a collection of Phantom comics, the stories themselves or good, but some of the pages are faded and about halfway through some of the words are cut off and the pages appear to be doubled up. This is why it's three stars.
The Phantom laments the loss of his Dad, on his Remembrance Day, how he was killed while destroying the Singa pirate ship. Phantom's father had destroyed the dreaded Singa Pirate ship with the help of an informant. However the informant was a double crosser who ends up stabbing Phantom in the back.
The myth amongst people is that Phantom is the Ghost who walks. However, the pygmies know the secret. That it is a family where the responsibility is passed on from generation to generation. The present phantom is haunted by the mysterious killer of his father and the subsequent theft of his father's skull belt.
Meanwhile, a club gossip reaches the phantom, from a person named Calder, that he had once harboured on the infamous Gullique island, where pirates rule the roost. The leader of the Pirates there claimed to have killed the phantom and had his skull belt on display. The phantom decides to explore the myth and sets out for Gullique island. There he must face both his father's killer and also the Pirates, who were originally betrayed by Rama. Rama, now torn between the devil and the sea, sets off mines, thereby destroying both Gullique island and himself. Phantom returns home with his father's belt.
Devil (Phantom's Dog) also makes an appearance in this comic. There is nothing much of interest in the story. But then, every comic has to go through that phase where the character and its backstory needs to be established. I can only assume it is the same about Phantom too.
Being the first comic that I had ever laid my hands on, I have a particular interest in reading all the phantom stories. The illustration is nothing very charming. It is mediocre. I am not sure if it was different for the foreign editions.
The story of saviours who walk the jungle are very interesting to say the least. I have always loved Tarzan, and I am sure I will love Phantom also. At least that is the vibe that I am getting from this comic.
A must read to know phantom's backstory.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.