Hermes Press 2015
Written by Peter David
Illustrated by Sal Velluto
Coloured by Eugenio Mattozzi
Revisiting this classic Phantom tale by Peter and Sal really not only brings back everything that the Phantom stands for but it’s so freakin incredible. I know this is ends with the next issue but I am hoping beyond hope that they have another one planned because this really is the best Phantom story to come along in I don’t know how long. This is one of those books that I get excited about when I see it on the weekly list. So while if there is another writer i’ll still give it a go but i’m praying it’s still Peter.
So last issue the Phantom was captured by the Queen, a very large Amazon like woman and this issue we pick up with him waking tied up in bed with her at his side. The world play in the dialogue is fantastic, full on kind of innuendo dirty no mistaking it. That she’s impressed with the fact he hasn’t broken like normal men and well she’s very intrigued by him. Her husband the King not so impressed and he’s ready to kill him. It’s the timely intervention of their son which spares his life at this point.
Okay Peter really is one of those writers who can use plot devices in ways that are familiar and yet fresh and kind of predictable but completely believable at the same time. It’s one of those great things, the introduction of her son, that immediately you go oh okay now it’s all coming together and why B’Wana who just happens to be friends with Diana who is married now to an old enemy and all of them are on this adventure together.
Speaking of I like that B’Wana thinks the golden city, plated not solid, may be a colony of the city of Atlantis. Which upon seeing by the way is just another shining example of the talent Sal and Eugenio have because holy smokes is this one of those stunningly breathtaking beautiful one page pin-up! So it’s there that Diana is done with them and using Devil to track Kit and go after him. Oh I love that the Baroness is along with them, as B’Wana’s current wife, and following Diana because she has some respect for her.
These characters are so fantastic and that they are the originals, in the original time frame they originally appeared well hell it proves you don’t need gimmicks, updates or any sleight of hand just solid storytelling and great interior artwork to keep a character relevant, fun and exciting. I mean heck the way the story progresses and how all the characters come together and meet up it flows so well making it fun to read. Everyone plays their part in this one and I like that it’s refreshing to see how it takes a village to make it all run smoothly.
I’m telling you the dialogue here cannot be beat, seriously i’m not sure if anyone can do it quite like this but there’s a levity and a seriousness to this that is refreshing. Also that Sal and Eugenio can make these characters looks so darn good, realistic and full of life, action and infuse it with a sense of Verve. There shouldn’t be any surprise why this is something I have raved about since day one.