The Phantom Stranger

Happy Halloween from The Phantom Stranger!

2010-10-31T00:03:00.002-04:00

This awesome Phantom Stranger Halloween costume was made and is worn by Fantom Stranger Kevin, who says, "I've gotta say it plays well with the ladies...even if they don't know the character. They seem to have a problem with eye contact though. :)"

Here's another pic of Kevin in costume, along with his wife dressed as Catwoman:

...the Phantom Stranger always did do pretty well with the ladies. Has to the whole "mysteriously silent" thing he has going.

Awesome costume, Kevin, and great pics! Thanks for sending it along!

The Phantom Stranger at the 2010 DragonCon

2010-09-25T16:52:00.004-04:00

As the date on the last post will attest, I haven't really been updating I Am The Phantom Stranger very much. But when my pal Shag Matthews sent me this photo--taken at the 2010 DragonCon--I couldn't just let it pass.

Among the hundreds (thousands?) of cosplayers you see at cons, the Phantom Stranger is not a character you see represented much, so this fan deserves an extra bit of praise for the effort! I wonder if he tried to walk away from various dealers tables when their backs were turned, in true PS style?

Crisis on Earth Blog: The DC Challenge!

2010-02-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

Courtesy blogger Frank Lee Delano comes a comic book blog crossover event so huge that Zack Snyder is currently developing a movie version--The DC Challenge!

Follow the story below, and choose your answer. You will either get one step closer to the ultimate answer or end up further away.

Frank has lined up an astonishing list of collaborators, which you can see below. Are you up to the challenge?

1982

Zatanna was on her way up to serve a shift aboard the Justice League of America Satellite with Elongated Man, but instead of a high tech headquarters in orbit 22,300 miles about the Earth, she found herself in a dark, dank castle. A grim figure in black approached her from the shadows, and where some might see a Phantom Stranger, the sorceress was relieved to see a somewhat friendly face.

Wordlessly, the Stranger gestured for Zatanna to follow him, as they entered an antechamber populated by some of the most powerful mystical forces in all of creation.

To the left was Doctor Fate, who was the first to speak. He warned of figures from a possible future come to plague modern heroes, such as Firestorm, and Supergirl. He believed these beings must be removed from our time without delicacy or delay.

Dr. Mist, the ancient mage we leads the Global Guardians, warned of a massive surge in organized super-villain activity. Captain Comet, The Metal Men, and others had faced this terrible threat.

Grimmest of all was the Spectre, the embodiment of the Judeo-Christian God's own wrath. He warned of beings from other dimension raining down on creation like a plague, currently afflicting soldiers from throughout time and space, including The Atom, Sgt. Rock, and the Unknown Soldier. Worse, what evil now rose up in the hearts of the fallen mighty, like the Manhunter from Mars?

All of the magic wielders agreed that something had to be done, but by whom? When? The Phantom Stranger turned to Zatanna. "Me?" she asked.

The Phantom Stranger replied, "If not you, then who? If not now, then when?"

Perhaps these others have their own answers to such a question?

The Aquaman Shrine
The Atom: Tiny Titan
Being Carter Hall
Comics Make Me Happy
Crimson Lightning
Dispatches from the Arrow Cave
El Jacone's Comic Book Bunker
Firestorm Fan
Girls Gone Geek
I Am The Phantom Stranger
The Idol-Head of Diabolu
Justice League Detroit
...nurgh...
Once Upon a Geek
Pretty, Fizzy Paradise
random picture day
Reilly2040's Blog
Supergirl Comic Box Commentary
Toyriffic
when is evil cool?

Phantom Stranger (Vol.2) #42 - March 2010

2010-01-21T00:03:00.000-05:00

"Deadman Walking" by Peter J. Tomasi, Ardian Syaf, and Vicenete Cifuentes.

As promised, I Am The Phantom Stranger rises from the grave (good one, eh?) for this special one-off post, talking about a book I never thought I'd see: Phantom Stranger #42!

Spinning off from the events in Blackest Night, The Phantom Stranger and Blue Devil find themselves trying to stop one intimidating opponent--am ersatz Zombie Spectre!:

During the fight, the "good" Spectre actually pops out of his own zombie-fied body, which the evil version tries to smash back inside, using the Stranger and Blue Devil as cudgels.

Eventually Zombie Spectre departs, and we learn the Stranger's true mission (always mysterious, that guy): Deadman, who is busy fighting a Zombie version of his own dead body outside the gates of the holy city, Nanda Parbat.

The Stranger gets close, and he and Zombie Deadman (possessed by the "real" Deadman) tussle:

...I like the nod to the various Phantom Stranger origins, as told in Secret Origins #10.

Eventually, due to their combined efforts, Zombie Deadman is rendered inert, and his body--a sacred item to the citizens of Nanda Parbat--is laid out, and guarded "for as long as it is required."

This part of their mission accomplished, Deadman and The Phantom Stranger depart:

...this clearly isn't the end of The Phantom Stranger's involvement in Blackest Night.

Although he's only played a minor role so far, it was nice seeing him take center stage, and in his own book again! Who knows, maybe haven't seen the last of this--maybe there'll be a Phantom Stranger #43?

PS P.S.: Skybox Trading Card - 1993

2009-11-01T00:03:00.000-04:00

This card--from the same set as the Tim Hunter subset from earlier in the week--is a real beauty, and I'm glad a couple of you pointed out its existence to me.

Regular IATPS commenter (and now Fantom Stranger) MW Gallaher first told me about the card (and pointed me to his neat Jim Aparo blog to see it), and then uber-helpful Fantom Stranger Richard Duncan sent it to me. Thanks fellas!

Even though this card came out sixteen years ago, I had never seen it before, so it was an especially nice treat to see the late, great Jim Aparo drawing the Phantom Stranger one more time. So when I decided to wrap up the blog with the items I missed, this seemed like the perfect item to go out on.

...and that's about it. Many of you commented that you hoped the blog would go out on October 31st, because, being Halloween, that would've been the perfect moment to wrap it all up. Initially I didn't think we'd make it, but thanks to you committed PS fans, here we are-ending it all with an exact year of posts (okay, a year and a day), a really nice way to go out.

Of course, The Phantom Stranger as a character isn't gone--if anything, the Stranger has made more appearances in the last few years than he did in almost all of the 90s, and he'll continue to be an ongoing concern in the DCU.

He's also scheduled to make his first animated appearance in an upcoming episode of Brave and the Bold--I can't wait to see the show's take on him!

And, like all of my blogs, IATPS isn't really gone forever (one of the things I love most about the blogs, they are as final as you want them to be)--I plan to do occasional updates as the Strange racks up more appearances. Like the character itself, this blog would pop up when you least expect it!

My thanks to everyone who came by and checked out what I was doing here, left a comment, or sent something in. I Am The Phantom Stranger never had the audience of some of my other blogs, but it was a remarkably consistent one--meaning the people who liked what I was doing stayed with me through this whole journey, which was great.

I also have to thank Mike W. Barr, Alan Brennert, Gerry Conway, Nick Cuti, Dan Mishkin, and my pal Paul Kupperberg for taking time out to talk to me for the blog. Getting to talk to the people whose work I've loved so much is one of the best things about doing these blogs, and each one of them was great fun to talk Phantom Stranger with.

Some of you wrote in to ask if I ever tried to interview Len Wein, who wrote arguably the best run of Phantom Stranger stories with Jim Aparo. The answer to that is I tried--I contacted Len about an interview, and he agreed. I sent him the questions, but not too long after that he had that terrible fire that destroyed his home, so obviously after that he had a lot more to worry about than doing our interview.

I felt so bad over the news that Len and his family lost almost everything in the fire that when Mark Evanier spearheaded the "Let's Rebuild Len Wein's Comic Book Collection" effort, I promptly sent Len my copies of all the Phantom Strangers he did with Jim Aparo--as much as I enjoyed having those great books in my collection, I decided I'd enjoy the idea of them residing with the author even more.

So that's it! Thanks to everyone for coming, and I hope you all enjoyed our time following The Phantom Stranger!

PS P.S.: Who's Who #12 - Feb. 1986

2009-10-31T00:03:00.000-04:00

Another appearance I can't believe I missed was the first Who's Who entry for the Justice League, which featured the entire team...which of course includes The Phantom Stranger!

This oversight was corrected by Fantom Stranger Russell Burbage--thanks to his last minute efforts, IATPS made it to today, October 31st! Thanks Russell!

But we still have one more item to get to, so be here when we wrap it all up tomorrow, November 1st!

PS P.S.: Alex Ross Poster - 2004

2009-10-30T00:03:00.000-04:00

Yet another item I missed was this 2004 gatefold poster by Alex Ross featuring all the members of the classic Justice League of America, plus some of their friends, honorary members, and assorted hangers-on:

This was sent to me by Fantom Stranger Russell "Eagle Eyes" Burbage. Thanks Russell!

PS P.S.: Vertigo Tarot Deck - 2008

2009-10-29T00:03:00.000-04:00

Another item I missed was The Vertigo Tarot Deck, which featured various Vertigoians(?) as Tarot characters, featuring art by Dave McKean.

In this case, The Phantom Stranger is The Hermit:

This set was pointed out to me by Fantom Stranger Jacob Levy. Thanks Jacob!

PS P.S.: The Vertigo Encyclopedia - 2008

2009-10-28T00:03:00.004-04:00

This updated, expanded version of The Vertigo Encyclopedia was published by DK in 2008, and featured Who's Who-ish listings for various characters from the Vertigo universe.

I've never actually seen the book, so I can't say what kind of listing The Phantom Stranger got. Apparently there were two types of listings--a full one, with pictures, and a second one that was smaller and featured mostly (if not nothing but) text. I don't know which kind of listing the Stranger got, but he's in there somewhere!

Thanks to your efforts, it turns out IATPS will make it all the way to not only October 31st, but November 1st! We have a couple more pieces of merch, and one weird little thing, all coming to you in the next couple of days!

Update! Courtesy Fantom Stranger MW Gallaher comes the above image from inside this book, which is the listing the Stranger received. MW says he's mentioned on a few other pages, but this is his official entry. Thanks MW!

PS P.S.: DC Universe: Trail of Time - 2007

2009-10-27T00:03:00.002-04:00

Fantom Stranger MW Gallaher, like a Governor from some 1940s crime movie, granted IATPS a stay of execution for 24 hours, since he pointed an item out that should--nay, needed--to be included on the blog before it signed off. Thanks MW!

This was one of the half-dozen or so of "DC Universe" prose novels that hit bookstore shelves in the middle part of the decade. And, even though he isn't on the cover (drat!), this story features a major appearance by The Phantom Stranger!

It involves a nefarious (aren't they all?) plot by Felix Faust, Mordru, and Vandal Savage which gets the attention of the Stranger and Etrigan the Demon. They in turn get Superman in on it, and even some of DC's western heroes make an appearance. Sounds like a fun book!

PS P.S.: Skybox Trading Card - 1993

2009-10-26T00:03:00.001-04:00

This tryptych is actually three cards from Skybox's 1993 DC Comics series of trading cards, featuring a neat little visual history of Tim Hunter and the Books of Magic!

I had never even seen this before, until Fantom Stranger Richard Duncan (him again!) generously sent me all three cards for the blog.

Tomorrow: One last item, and some final comments!

PS P.S.: DC Heroes RPG: Magic Sourcebook - 1992

2009-10-25T00:03:00.001-04:00

Here's the cover to the other RPG book, sent to me by Fantom Stranger Jacob T. Levy.

Unfortunately, the Stranger doesn't appear on the (nifty!) cover, but he's obviously a proper subject for the book, focusing as it does on DC's magic characters.

Thanks Jacob!

PS P.S.: DC Heroes RPG: When A Stranger Calls - 1987

2009-10-24T00:03:00.001-04:00

Not being a gamer at all, I have very little knowledge of any of the DC-related RPG games/modules that came out over the last couple of decades.

Luckily Fantom Stranger Jacob T. Levy clued me in two Phantom Stranger appearances in in RPG modules--the first is this appropriately-titled one.

Sadly, I don't have any inside images available, but here's the description: "From the depths of a mystical dimension arises an ageless force of evil bent on earthly domination.

Under the guidance of the Phantom Stranger, the Justice League International must learn the secrets of an ancient tome in order to forever seal the Vengeance Gate, a dimensional portal separating the realms of chaos and order.

The race against deadly, arcane opponents is on--a journey to the corners of the globe--a harrowing adventure for the mightiest of heroes which begins when a stranger calls."

Thanks Jacob!

PS P.S.: Back Issue! #15 - April 2006

2009-10-23T00:03:00.005-04:00

I can't believe I forgot this one!

This issue of TwoMorrows' fine publication Back Issue! focused on "Weird Heroes", and included an article on The Phantom Stranger by Tom "The Comics Savant" Stewart. Here are two pages from it:

Stewart talked to Len Wein and Paul Levitz for the piece, adding their valuable insights. A fine article, well worth hunting down--you can buy it from TwoMorrows here!

PS P.S.: Justice League of America #103: Autographed Edition

2009-10-22T00:03:00.003-04:00

Yes, that is the Len Wein's signature on the cover to Justice League of America #103, The Phantom Stranger's first guest appearance in the book!

This was obtained for me by Fantom Stranger Russell Burbage, who spends almost as much time finding cool stuff for my blogs as I do. He met the estimable Mr. Wein at the recent Mid-Ohio Comic Con, and got him to autograph this very appropriate book. Thanks Russell!

PS P.S.: Amazing World of DC Comics #16 - Dec. 1977

2009-10-21T00:03:00.003-04:00

While this selection is stretching it a bit in terms of our theme (The Phantom Stranger doesn't actually appear anywhere in this issue), when I saw this letter inside I just couldn't pass it up:

Wow, I didn't know that the whole "multiple origin story" idea had gone back as far as this!

PS fan Stephen Doris only had to wait another nine years before DC actually got around to it...I wonder if he was still reading comics by then?

PS P.S.: The DC Comics Encyclopedia - 2004

2009-10-20T00:03:00.002-04:00

This was an appearance by the Stranger that I completely forgot about, thankfully Fantom Stranger Richard Duncan thought to send it to me--the 2004 DC Comics Encyclopedia, published by DK.

All of DC's main characters are covered, including the Stranger:

...thanks Richard! I wonder how anyone determined how much the Phantom Stranger actually weighs?

Richard is also a member of The Aquaman Shrine's F.O.A.M. group, making him a "club member" of two of my blogs! Let your freak flag fly, Richard!

PS P.S: Lobo #50 - April 1998

2009-10-19T00:03:00.005-04:00

While I didn't miss chronicling the Stranger's appearance in Lobo #50, at the time of the post I hadn't managed to get a hold of a copy of the book itself, so all I could do was post the cover.

But Fantom Stranger Chris Roach helpfully provided me with a scan of the page in question from Lobo #50:

...thanks Chris! I wonder what the Stranger is drinking?

Okay, that seems to be it on the comic front, in terms of missing PS appearances. But there are a couple more items I need to get to, so be here tomorrow!

PS P.S.: Swamp Thing #46 - March 1986

2009-10-18T00:03:00.001-04:00

"Revelations" by Alan Moore, Steve Bissette, and John Totleben.

...man, this was embarrassing.

A few weeks after the appropriate timeline on the blog, I got an email from Amy Kerns, who was a faithful follower of IATPS, pointing out I missed this issue of Swamp Thing--not only does the Stranger appear inside, he's right there on the cover! Ouch!

This issue took place right in the middle of the Crisis, and when Swamp Thing finds himself suddenly aboard the Monitor's satellite, he searches out some people he knows, like The Phantom Stranger:

Good catch, thanks Amy!

This makes Amy our first Fantom Stranger--a term I award to anyone who sent some PS-related item in that I missed. I really can't believe I missed this one.

Tomorrow we induct another Fantom Stranger!

Back Issue! #36 - Oct. 2009

2009-10-17T00:03:00.003-04:00

This issue of TwoMorrows' Back Issue! is, as the cover suggests, all about monsters.

But the magazine also found room for a whole article about everyone's favorite killjoy, Dr. Terrance Thirteen!

The Phantom Stranger is, naturally, mentioned all over the place in this piece, and it features interviews with PS scribes Mike Friedrich, Len Wein, and others. An interesting look back at an unusual character!

...and with that, I Am The Phantom Stranger is finally caught up with all the appearances DC's ultimate man of mystery has made, both in and out of DC's books. It's been a long trip--over a year, chronicling every single appearance of the Stranger!

But, try as I did not to, I did manage to miss a couple things during my attempt at an air-tight chronology, so we'll be spending the last few days of IATPS on those items I missed! Be here!

Blackest Night #3 - Nov. 2009

2009-10-16T00:03:00.004-04:00

"Blackest Night" by Geoff Johns, Ivan Reis, and Oclair Albert.

The Phantom Stranger is both mentioned and appears in the pseudo-text page feature running in the back of each issue of Blackest Night:

I like how whoever put this page together (presumably Designer Steve Wands) used a shot of the Stranger from an old Phantom Stranger cover, by Jim Aparo. Nice touch!

Blackest Night #2 - Oct. 2009

2009-10-15T00:03:00.002-04:00

"Blackest Night" by Geoff Johns, Ivan Reis, and Oclair Albert.

With all the various dead people arising, of course The Phantom Stranger is involved. Here, he and his magi friends look into the disturbed grave of Boston Brand:

...ick!

Madame Xanadu #10 - June 2009

2009-10-14T00:03:00.001-04:00

Untitled by Matt Wagner, Amy Reeder Hadley, and Richard Friend.

All the versions of the Stranger Madame Xanadu has encountered are on display:

Zatara is angry at Madame Xanadu for doing this, but she says it doesn't concern him.

The Stranger "escorts" MX into another dimension, another reality, where he attempts to explain their mystical connection and why he has had to do the things he has done.

Madame Xanadu is skeptical, and the Stranger, free of her mystical bonds, departs, wishing her peace of mind. And with the tip of his fedora, he is gone.

This issue ends with Madame Xanadu as we first came to know her, operating her small tarot card-reading shop in New York.

The Phantom Stranger Returns...For One Month

2009-10-13T08:43:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, DC revealed that in January, eight long-cancelled DC series will be returning to DC's schedule for one month only--January 2010--to take the place of Blackest Night, which is skipping that month to prepare for the double-sized conclusion.

One of the titles being...er, brought back from the dead is the original Phantom Stranger series, picking up the numbering where it left off back in 1976! Yes, there will be a Phantom Stranger #42, hitting the stands in January! Wa-hoo!

Of course, IATPS will be over by then, and while I still haven't decided how I'm going to be keeping up with all the Stranger's future appearances, I can definitively say that this blog will come back for one special post to commemorate Phantom Stranger #42, the day after it is released.

See? You can never quite keep The Phantom Stranger down...

Solomon Grundy #1 - May 2009

2009-10-13T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Born on a Monday" by Scott Kolins.

The Phantom Stranger does a classic, old-school bit of introducing the story this time around:

He instructs Grundy's alter-ego, Cyrus, that he has seven days to find his murderer, and forgive him--"That way leads the path to your salvation!"

But of course, its never that easy. And of course, the Stranger doesn't hang around...

Madame Xanadu #9 - May 2009

2009-10-12T00:03:00.000-04:00

"The Last of the Future" by Matt Wagner, Amy Reeder Hadley, and Richard Friend.

After spending some time romancing Zatara, Madame Xanadu's Stranger totem begins to move on its own accord, eventually leading to something unbelievable:

To be continued!

Brave and The Bold #22 - April 2009

2009-10-11T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Without Sin Part Four" by David Hine, Doug Braithwaite, and Bill Reinhold.

Even though the Phantom Stranger got bumped from the cover for this, the fourth and final chapter of this story, he still plays a huge role.

After fighting and defeating the malevolent alien force that was using Cora as conduit, the heroes discover that Cora, while not completely healed, has come out of this better than before.

The Phantom Stranger even gets the last word:

Madame Xanadu #8 - April 2009

2009-10-10T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Through the Crystal" by Matt Wagner, Amy Reeder Hadley, and Richard Friend.

The Phantom Stranger continues his cryptic comments about the vicious murders taking place, but when he states that it not yet time for the horror to end, Madame Xanadu is aghast:

He reappears later on, and MX gets so mad she slaps the Stranger across the face. She ends up getting so mad she uses a piece of his cloak (ripped off during their last encounter) as part of a sort-of voodoo doll of him, promising to herself that the next time they meet, she "will be ready."

To be continued!

Justice League of America (Vol.2) #29 - March 2009

2009-10-09T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Star Struck!" by Len Wein, Chris Cross, and Rob Stull.

What a treat, having Len Wein writing the JLA again!

In a "twice-told tale from the JLA Casebook", we see the JLA square off against the cosmic vampire known as Starbreaker.

Starbreaker's lurch towards Earth was noticed by a select few, including a certain Stranger writer Wein has a lot of familiarity with:

Unfortunately, that's it for the Stranger in this issue, but nice to have him even for a cameo in this old-school JLA adventure!

Brave and The Bold #21 - March 2009

2009-10-08T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Without Sin Part Three" by David Hine, Doug Braithwaite, and Bill Reinhold.

Inside his dreams, the Phantom Stranger encounters the young girl, Cora, who seems to be the focal point for all the mystical energy winding its way through the galaxy.

After waking up from his enforced sleep, he joins back up with Green Lantern:

...while they are on the other side of the galaxy, the Stranger arranges for Cora to be rescued from the institution she's stuck in...by Green Arrow!

To be concluded!

Faces of Evil: Solomon Grundy #1 - March 2009

2009-10-07T00:03:00.000-04:00

"The Curse!" by Geoff Johns and Scott Kolins.

In a book devoted entirely to Solomon Grundy(!), we find the undead muck monster turned back into a regular person named Cyrus.

Cyrus has been given "an opportunity", explained to him by Green Lantern and...The Phantom Stranger!:

To be continued!

Brave and The Bold #20 - Feb. 2009

2009-10-06T00:03:00.001-04:00

"Without Sin Part Two" by David Hine, Doug Braithwaite, and Bill Reinhold.

The mysterious, malevolent forces at work extend far past Earth, out into distant galaxies and involve other Green Lanterns and even the Guardians.

Of course, distance doesn't mean much to the Phantom Stranger, but he runs into trouble when he encounters the Belamort, a creature that works as a sort of pleasure-inducer:

...although that doesn't look too pleasure-giving, does it?

To be continued!

Madame Xanadu #7 - Feb. 2009

2009-10-05T00:03:00.001-04:00

"Through the Crystal" by Matt Wagner, Amy Reeder Hadley, and Richard Friend.

While The Phantom Stranger is teaming-up with Green Lantern over in Brave and the Bold, he also kept appearing here in Madame Xanadu, this time running into MX into Victorian England:

Once again, Madame Xanadu reads the Stranger the riot act for being seemingly indifferent to the suffering that is happening, in this case a series of what-will-be very famous murders.

She doesn't know the half of it--in this issue we see the Stranger literally standing by as another murder takes place. Yikes!

The Brave and The Bold (Vol.2) #19 - Jan. 2009

2009-10-04T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Without Sin Part One" by David Hine, Doug Braithwaite, and Bill Reinhold.

After appearing a number of times as Batman's team-up partner in the original Brave and the Bold, The Phantom Stranger makes his debut in the new version, this time teaming up with former Spectre Hal Jordan, once again Green Lantern:

The Stranger and Green Lantern are called to visit a young girl who was the result of some improper genetic testing on humans.

The Stranger says a "form of magick never seen before" is emanating from the hospital this young girl (and others like her) are forced to live in, but of course that's just the tip of the magical iceberg:

To be continued!

Madame Xanadu #6 - Jan. 2009

2009-10-03T00:03:00.001-04:00

Untitled by Matt Wagner, Amy Reeder Hadley, and Richard Friend.

After long encounter with Death, Madame Xanadu convinces Death that her time is not yet at hand, and finds herself in the time of the French Revolution.

Of course, yet another incarnation of The Phantom Stranger is there, ever watching:

The Stranger literally disappears here, and the issue ends with Xanadu cursing his name, and swearing that the next time they cross paths, she will do all she can "to disrupt your questionable cause and your crass manipulations!"

To be continued!

Madame Xanadu #5 - Dec. 2008

2009-10-02T00:03:00.000-04:00

"In the Cards" by Matt Wagner, Amy Reeder Hadley, and Richard Friend.

On the streets of France, Madame Xanadu once again encounters the mysterious stranger from her past:

The Stranger seems indifferent to the suffering Madame Xanadu endured after his abrupt departure, but she hasn't forgotten...

Phantom Stranger Poll

2009-10-01T11:16:00.003-04:00

With I Am The Phantom Stranger now into its final month (*sniff*), I thought I'd take the opportunity to do a couple of polls, and see where you Phantom Stranger fans stand.

First up is, where would you like to see The Phantom Stranger appear? As the star of his own title again, as the star of one of DC's new back-up features, or should he remain a guest-star, popping up in the far corners of the DCU?

Vote early, vote often!

Madame Xanadu #4 - Nov. 2008

2009-10-01T00:03:00.000-04:00

Untitled by Matt Wagner, Amy Reeder Hadley, and Richard Friend.

After sharing a brief kiss inside the palace of Kublai Khan, members of the Khan's Royal Guard barge in, planning to arrest both of them.

The Stranger advises them that not is a good idea, and in a nice change, we get a glimpse of some of the sheer power the Stranger possesses:

He then escorts Xanadu with him into the desert. She asks to come along with him, but he refuses to condemn her to "such a lonely life", leaving her to cry for him as he disappears into thin air.

But of course, this isn't the last time they'll ever see each other...

Madame Xanadu #3 - Oct. 2008

2009-09-30T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Among The Stars" by Matt Wagner and Amy Reeder Hadley.

Riding on a camel into land controlled by none other than Kublai Khan is...The Phantom Stranger!:

The Stranger continues to bedevil Madame Xanadu, claiming not to know her, even though they have met before, as we saw in previous issues of the series.

The Phantom Stranger, inscrutable in any time period!

Madame Xanadu #2 - Sept. 2008

2009-09-29T00:03:00.000-04:00

Untitled by Matt Wagner and Amy Reeder Hadley.

Madame Xanadu, wandering the forest, runs back into The Phantom Stranger, and it becomes a moment of tenderness:

...in this issue, MX even encountered Etrigan, so it was really old home week!

Madame Xanadu #1 - Aug. 2008

2009-09-28T00:03:00.000-04:00

"By The Runes" by Matt Wagner and Amy Reeder Hadley.

After decades as a supporting player, Madame Xanadu finally gets her own title!

But this isn't the same Madame Xanadu we're all familiar with--no, this series is set in an undetermined time and place. But of course, what's time and space to a guy like The Phantom Stranger?

Early on in the issue, a slightly altered version of the Stranger reveals his presence to Madame Xanadu, although here she goes by the name Nimue Inwudu:

...even in this alternate world, the Stranger performs the same tasks he always does: guiding someone else, warning them, and watching events unfold.

Shadowpact #25 - July 2008

2009-09-27T00:03:00.000-04:00

"The Burning Age, Part Three" by Matthew Sturges and Phil Winslade.

This final issue of Shadowpact book has the Phantom Stranger doing one last intro:

...at the end of the tale, Shadowpact is dissolved, and they invite the Stranger to have one last drink with them.

He initially refuses, but then lightens up and raises a glass:

Not to be continued!

Shadowpact #24 - June 2008

2009-09-26T00:03:00.000-04:00

"The Burning Age, Part Two" by Matthew Sturges and Phil Winslade.

The Phantom Stranger pulls double-duty here, intro-ing the story and also being a part of it:

To be continued!

Shadowpact #23 - May 2008

2009-09-25T00:03:00.000-04:00

"The Burning Age, Part One" by Matthew Sturges and Phil Winslade.

For this, the final story arc for the Shadowpact book, the Phantom Stranger steps out of his normal narrating duties and actually shows up to help out:

He introduces our heroes to two other "Shadowpacts"--one from the past, one from the future.

To be continued!

Shadowpact #18 - Dec. 2007

2009-09-24T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Protoges" by Matthew Sturges, Tom Derenick, and Wayne Faucher.

The Phantom Stranger, still talking to us and setting up the issue's story:

Shadowpact #17 - Nov. 2007

2009-09-23T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Protoges" by Matthew Sturges and Doug Braithwaite.

The Phantom Stranger, this time rendered (nicely!) by Doug Braithwaite:

Shadowpact #16 - Oct. 2007

2009-09-22T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Down in the Zero" by Bill Willingham, Tom Derenick, and Wayne Faucher.

The Phantom Stranger doing his intro:

Shadowpact #15 - Sept. 2007

2009-09-21T00:03:00.001-04:00

"The Night Chicago Died" by Bill Willingham, Tom Derenick, and Wayne Faucher.

After taking another issue off, The Phantom Stranger returns:

Shadowpact #13 - July 2007

2009-09-20T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Bad Tidings and Evil Deeds" by Bill Willingham, Tom Derenick, and Wayne Faucher.

After taking an issue of, The Phantom Stranger returns to his narrating duties:

The art in this issue is by Scott Hampton, who draws one hell of a Phantom Stranger, even though (or maybe because) you can barely see him!

Shadowpact #11 - May 2007

2009-09-19T00:03:00.000-04:00

"The Lucifer Trident" by Bill Willingham, Tom Derenick, and Wayne Faucher.

The Phantom Stranger, still talking:

Shadowpact #10 - April 2007

2009-09-18T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Cursed" by Bill Willingham, Tom Derenick, and Wayne Faucher.

The Phantom Stranger doing his intro-ing bit:

Shadowpact #9 - March 2007

2009-09-17T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Three Laws Safe" by Bill Willingham. Tom Derenick, and Wayne Faucher.

With this issue, The Phantom Stranger appears nowhere else in the DCU for over the next year, except for introducing these Shadowpact stories:

...I'm quickly going to run out of ways to describe what the Stranger does each issue here!

Justice League Unlimited #28 - Feb. 2007

2009-09-16T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Season's Beatings, Justice League!" by Mike McAvennie, Sanford Greene, and Nathan Massengill.

The Phantom Stranger makes another appearance in the JLU-verse, this time taking The Flash around and giving him some insights as to what makes the Batman tick:

...this seems to be the Phantom Stranger's role in the JLU-verse, since he basically performed this same service in his previous appearances in Batman: Gotham Adventures, and Justice League Unlimited.

Shadowpact #8 - Feb. 2007

2009-09-15T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Ragtime" by Bill Willingham and Shawn McManus.

The Phantom Stranger gets just one panel this issue to do his intro:

...too bad, since this issue features a guest art-job by Shawn McManus, one of my favorites, and did a nice job on the Stranger when he guest-starred in Dr.Fate.

Shadowpact #7 - Jan. 2007

2009-09-14T00:03:00.000-04:00

"The Laws of the Battle" by Bill Willingham, Tom Derenick, and Wayne Faucher.

The Phantom Stranger in a classic, old-school intro page, introducing all of us to the characters who make up Shadowpact:

Heroclix Figure - 2007

2009-09-13T00:03:00.000-04:00

The Phantom Stranger got his own Heroclix figure in 2007, and let's see what he can do:

...I definitely agree, the Stranger has the power of being "inscrutable"!

Shadowpact #6 - Dec. 2006

2009-09-12T00:03:00.001-04:00

"The Wild Hunt" by Bill Willingham and Cory Walker.

The Phantom Stranger, once again:

Tomorrow: something different!

Shadowpact #5 - Nov. 2006

2009-09-11T00:03:00.000-04:00

"One Year Later" by Bill Willingham, Steve Scott, and Wayne Faucher.

The Phantom Stranger tells us what happened Shadowpact, now that its one year later in all the DC books:

Shadowpact #4 - Oct. 2006

2009-09-10T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Blue Devil: A Night in the Life" by Bill Willingham, Steve Scott, and Wayne Faucher.

The Phantom Stranger introduces to a tale centering around Blue Devil:

Shadowpact #3 - Sept. 2006

2009-09-09T00:03:00.000-04:00

"The (Short) Year of Living Dangerously" by Bill Willingham and Cory Walker.

The Phantom Stranger clues us in to what's going on with Shadowpact:

Blue Beetle (Vol.2) #5 - Sept. 2006

2009-09-08T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Secrets" by Keith Giffen, John Rogers, and Duncan Rouleau.

The Phantom Stranger comes to visit the new Blue Beetle, first in more anonymous gear, dressed in shades, jeans, and a shirt. But after he's done talking to the young man, he resumes his more formal look:

Shadowpact #2 - Aug. 2006

2009-09-07T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Pentacle" by Bill Willingham and Wayne Faucher.

The Phantom Stranger keeps up his Rod Serling act:

Shadowpact #1 - July 2006

2009-09-06T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Death in a Small Town" by Bill Willingham.

The Phantom Stranger comes the closest he ever has to officially joining a team with his appearances with Shadowpact, and with the team getting its own title he began appearing more regularly than he had in years.

Each issue of Shadowpact would open with the Stranger narrating the story we're about to read:

The Stranger ends up corralling all the various members of the team when there's trouble...and of course there always is!

Day of Vengeance Special #1 -March 2006

2009-09-05T00:03:00.000-04:00

"The Ninth Age of Magic" by Bill Willingham, Justiniano, and Walden Wong.

The Phantom Stranger, having recovered from the battle against the Spectre (and being turned into a mouse!)--or so it seems--in Day of Vengeance, comes to visit his old squeeze Madame Xanadu:

...later, he and the newly-formed Shadowpact get drawn back into a battle with the Spectre, and they end up at the Rock of Eternity:

The issue ends with Dr. Fate seemingly disappearing into nothingness, leaving the Stranger, for once, looking surprised. Thus kicks off the "Tenth Age of Magic."

Vs. Cards - 2006

2009-09-04T00:03:00.000-04:00

The Phantom Stranger got two Vs. cards, one drawn by Jon Meyers, the other by Tomm Coker, both of them superb illustrations.

I've never played Vs. (not being much of a gamer), but if I did, I think I'd want to be the Phantom Stranger, since he can do virtually anything required of him!

Justice League Unlimited #14 - Dec. 2005

2009-09-03T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Everybody Limbo!" by Adam Beechen, Carlo Barberi, and Walden Wong.

The Phantom Stranger makes his third appearance in the JLU-verse, along with his pals Etrigan, Zauriel, Dr. Fate, and Deadman, who is, at the time, inhabiting the body of Wonder Woman:

They end up fighting their old foes Abnegazar, Rath, and Ghast, who seem not to be suffering from the immolation Fate handed them in Alan Moore's Swamp Thing.

Zatanna #4 - Dec. 2005

2009-09-02T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Zor!" by Grant Morrison, Ryan Sook, an Mick Gray.

Zatanna fights the evil wizard Zor (who is a sort of reincarnation of her father Zatara), and we see part of a seance featuring a sort of alternate Phantom Stranger, and some other characters:

It's a Grant Morrison story, so there were times when I had absolutely no idea what was going on. But its fun reading, nonetheless...

Day of Vengeance #4 -Sept. 2005

2009-09-01T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Monkey Business" by Bill Willingham, Justiniano, and Walden Wong.

The Phantom Stranger is among the throng of DC magi whose power is used to help fuel Captain Marvel as he lays a beat-down on the Spectre:

...it ends with the Spectre being defeated, and the creation of a new team the Phantom Stranger will spend a lot of time with...Shadowpact!

To be continued!

Zatanna #2 - Aug. 2005

2009-08-31T00:03:00.000-04:00

"A Book in the Beginning" by Grant Morrison, Ryan Sook, an Mick Gray.

The Phantom Stranger pulled double-duty, crossover event-wise, appearing simultaneously in "Day of Vengeance" as well as Grant Morrison's "Seven Soldiers of Victory" multi-book storyline.

At the end of the issue, the Phantom Stranger makes an unusually friendly appearance:

Also to be continued!

Day of Vengeance #2 - July 2005

2009-08-30T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Some Enchantress Evening" by Bill Willingham, Justiniano, and Walden Wong.

In a flashback, we see the Spectre in battle with the Phantom Stranger:

...this battle leaves the Stranger as nothing more than a melted husk (or so it seems), and the Spectre makes his way around, attacking other magi like Dr. Fate and Madame Xanadu.

To be continued!

Day of Vengeance #1 - June 2005

2009-08-29T00:03:00.000-04:00

"One Last Drink At The End of Time" by Bill Willingham, Justiniano, and Walden Wong.

It what has to count as the...er, strangest appearance the Phantom Stranger has ever made, check out the final panel on this page:

...of course, none of the other heroes believe the drunk, talking chimp, but he's insistent that this little mouse is, in fact, the Phantom Stranger.

To be continued!

DC: The New Frontier #6 - Nov. 2004

2009-08-28T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Book Six" by Darwyn Cooke and Dave Stewart.

This final issue of Darwyn Cooke's genius New Frontier series opens with one of the strangest dinner parties you ever saw:

...surprisingly, that's Zatanna on the Stranger's arm, not Madame Xanadu.

In whatever Elseworlds story you want to concoct, the Stranger always has good taste in women.

Justice League Adventures #31 - July 2004

2009-08-27T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Tomorrow" by Josh Siegal, Chris Jones, and Dan Davis.

The Phantom Stranger, having guest-appeared in Batman: Gotham Adventures, was officially part of the "Timmverse", so it was only a matter of time before he guest-starred with the entire JLA.

He makes a heck of a dramatic entrance:

...Batman ends up vouching for him (thanks Bats!), and the Stranger plays the whole "mystical guide" bit, showing the JLA some possible alternate futures of a small boy.

He even does his patented disappearing bit, which Batman quietly appreciates via a small smile as The Flash sees he's gone.

Justice League: Another Nail #3 - 2004

2009-08-26T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Book Three" by Alan Davis and Mark Farmer.

This final issue of the series is where all hell breaks loose (as the cover indicates), and you know its bad when The Phantom Stranger actually steps in:

...in the end, one hero (I won't say who) sacrifices their lives to save the Universe.

When the Stranger says something to the effect that saving the Universe was not his goal--rather, it was to end the suffering of one person's soul--Wonder Woman gets mad and demands more answers, but the Stranger ignores her and takes a powder.

He probably went back to Madame Xanadu's place. I know I would.

Justice League: Another Nail #2 - 2004

2009-08-25T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Book Two" by Alan Davis and Mark Farmer.

The Phantom Stranger does his usual shtick: showing up and issuing dire warnings:

...first, Madame Xanadu, now Wonder Woman. The Stranger certainly keeps good company.

To be continued!

Justice League: Another Nail #1 - 2004

2009-08-24T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Book One" by Alan Davis and Mark Farmer.

The sequel to Alan Davis' well-done Elseworlds story The Nail, The Phantom Stranger shows up in what is probably his favorite place: the home of Madame Xanadu:

...wow, does Davis draw beautiful women.

To be continued!

Hellblazer #195 - June 2004

2009-08-23T00:03:00.001-04:00

"Out of Season" by Mike Carey and Leonardo Manco.

There's some nasty stuff going on in this issue--stabbings, electrocutions, a demon dripping blood out of his mouth--but amid all that, the Phantom Stranger calmly walks into the proverbial lion's den and demands an audience with a comely demon:

...the Stranger actually warns this chick that he is watching, and that she should know that. Then he dissolves into thin air.

Our hero's got guts!

Hellblazer #191 - Feb. 2004

2009-08-22T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Staring At The Wall" by Mike Carey and Marcelo Frusin.

I think we can tell by the cover that the Phantom Stranger will be guest-starring here, and he does, looking more nasty and dark than ever before:

...the Stranger is mighty pissed at John Constantine!

Not having read this series, I don't really know what's going on, but man is it well drawn by Frusin!

JLA-Z #3 - Jan. 2004

2009-08-21T00:03:00.000-04:00

I somehow missed this series when it came out in late 2003, and I was pleasantly surprised.

Sure, its just a collection of pin-ups (maybe it was the then-high $2.50 price tag that kept me away), but there are some really nice pieces in here, like this of the Phantom Stranger by Chris Jones and Mick Gray:

...in addition, there's a Martian Manhunter pin-up by Paul Rivoche, Metron by Eric Wight, Plastic Man by Scott Morse, The Weaponers of Qward by Jerry Ordway, and more!

JLA/Avengers #3 - Dec. 2003

2009-08-20T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Strange Adventures" by Kurt Busiek and George Perez.

After a whole bunch of magical hugger-mugger courtesy the Marvel villain The Grandmaster, The Phantom Stranger finally steps in:

...the Stranger escorts all the heroes (and that's a lot of people!) to another dimension, where he leads them to a nearly-dead Grandmaster.

Turns out this the work of the even more evil bad guy Krona, and the collective teams vow to take him on.

Sadly, the Stranger disappears from the story at this point, but points to Busiek and Perez for making sure he was included, in some way (he's on the wraparound cover, too, along with what looks like every single DC and Marvel hero except for Pete Cannon: Thunderbolt!).

JLA/Avengers #2 - 2003

2009-08-19T00:03:00.000-04:00

"A Contest of Champions" by Kurt Busiek and George Perez.

The oft-delayed, long-time-in-the making team-up between the JLA and the Avengers finally took place in 2003, in a four-part extravaganza.

By the second issue, more of each company's heroes were being worked into the story, and its here we get our first glimpse of The Phantom Stranger:

...hard to see him, but he's there, standing on a white platform with his back to the reader.

But fear not--the Stranger plays a much bigger part in the next issue. To be continued!

Dr. Fate (Vol.3) #1 - Oct. 2003

2009-08-18T00:03:00.000-04:00

"The Curse" by Christopher Golden, Don Kramer, and Prentis Rollins.

All of DC's magi were getting their own books again, except for the Stranger! Luckily for us, he could pop up in any and all of them simultaneously.

Dr. Fate takes a "look" into the lives of DC's other magical characters:

...the Stranger, for his part, warns Dr. Fate to back off!

By the way: this issue's superb cover is by artist Paul Rivoche. Too bad he doesn't do more comic work, I love his stuff.

Impulse #87 - Aug. 2002

2009-08-17T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Crisis on Impulse's Earth, Part 2" by Todd Dezago, Carlo Barberi, and Greg Adams.

The Phantom Stranger makes a classic, very Phantom Stranger-ish guest appearance in Impulse, an unlikely book for him to appear in:

...he mostly just stands back and narrates the story (see? classic!), but at the mid-way point he does step in:

He ends up battling the evil magic version of Impulse that resides inside the real Impulse's body. At the end, Impulse thanks him, and speeds off before the Stranger is done talking.

The kid shows no respect for the Phantom Stranger!

The Spectre (Vol.4) #12 -Feb. 2002

2009-08-16T00:03:00.000-04:00

"The Spectre of Christmas!" by J.M. DeMatteis and Ryan Sook.

While the Spectre engages Santa Claus(!), The Phantom Stranger is spending time with his niece, Helen:

...they end up floating in the sky, watching the stars. A wonderfully sweet image, created by J.M. DeMatteis and superbly executed by artist Ryan Sook.

The Spectre (Vol.4) #11 - Jan. 2002

2009-08-15T00:03:00.000-04:00

"The Mission" by J.M. DeMatteis, Ryan Sook, and Jim Royal.

The Spectre got another new series, so of course that meant The Phantom Stranger had another place to guest-star:

...the Stranger spends most of this issue with Hal Jordan's niece Helen, and, under the direction of writer J.M. DeMatteis, this is a much more gentle Phantom Stranger. Why, he even engages Helen in a game of Candyland!:

This issue ends with The Spectre running into Santa Claus, no less! To be continued!

DC Direct Action Figure - 2002

2009-08-14T00:03:00.001-04:00

In 2002, The Phantom Stranger got his own--and to this point, still the only--"action figure."

Well sculpted by the fine folks at DC Direct, it's a nice representation of the character. I think my only complaint is the lack of the omnipresent shadow over the Stranger's eyes that was such an iconic part of the character's look--he looks just sort of...weird without it!

Superman: Man of Steel #118 - Nov. 2001

2009-08-13T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Time and Punishment" by Mark Schultz, Doug Mahnke, and Walden Wong.

Superman gets transported to another dimension, and there waiting for him is the new Spectre, Hal Jordan. And within a few moments, some others:

...Ganthet's looking pretty tall, there!

Green Arrow (Vol.3) #7 - Oct. 2001

2009-08-12T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Hard Traveling Heroes" by Kevin Smith, Phil Hester, and Ande Parks.

Hal Jordan--now The Spectre--takes his old pal Oliver Queen to the proverbial Pearly Gates, and there The Phantom Stranger awaits:

After threatening the Stranger with his newfound powers as The Spectre, the Stranger lets them pass. Smart guy, that Phantom Stranger.

Dead Again #1 - Oct. 2001

2009-08-11T00:03:00.000-04:00

"The Quick and the Dead" by Steve Vance, Leonard Kirk, and Rick Burchett.

In a series focusing half on Deadman, you have to figure The Phantom Stranger and The Spectre are around somewhere:

...surprisingly, no appearance by Etrigan!

Mystic #15 - Sept. 2001

2009-08-10T00:03:00.000-04:00

Untitled by Ron Marz, Brandon Peterson, John Dell, Rob Stull, and Mark Farmer.

The Phantom Stranger makes another appearance in a non-DC comic, this time hanging out in a bar that resides in the CrossGen universe, along with other characters violating all kinds of copyrights:

...I guess they could've titled this story "Class Action."

Supergirl: Wings - 2001

2009-08-09T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Wings" by J.M. DeMatteis and Jamie Tolagson.

In this Elseworlds tale, Kara (aka Matrix, aka Supergirl) is not a Kryptonian cousin to Kal-El; rather, she's an angel who "falls" to Earth, and is met by...a stranger:

I had never read this book before, so seeing it for the first time was a real treat--it's a wonderful story, beautifully told and well drawn.

It also features J.M. DeMatteis' slightly more lighthearted take on the Stranger (which he started back when he had the Stranger guest-starring in the Dr. Fate solo book)--at one point, he shows Supergirl how she can possess the bodies of various people, as that is something he can do, as well.

He says it helps him understand mortals better--plus, "it's fun, too."

The Names of Magic #5 - June 2001

2009-08-08T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Truth" by Dylan Horrocks and Richard Case.

The Phantom Stranger doesn't really appear in this, the final issue of the mini-series; rather, he's just there during a flashback to major events in Tim Hunter's life:

(Nice photo cover, in any case!)

Justice League of Atlantis #1 - March 2001

2009-08-07T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Sea Change" by Len Kaminski, Javier Saltares, and Mark Propst.

This was one of the half-dozen alternative JLA one-shots released at the time, featuring Aquaman (yay!) leading his own version of the team, this time with Atlantis-based heroes.

In the battle versus a magical being known as Devilfish, this JLA meets another JLA--the Justice League of...Apostles?:

...I wonder if the Stranger was as dodgy about being a member of this JLA as he was the regular one!

Martian Manhunter #28 - March 2001

2009-08-06T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Torn Asunder" by John Ostrander and Tom Mandrake.

As you can see from the cover, the Martian Manhunter fights Etrigan, the Demon, which means there's a good chance The Phantom Stranger will be hanging around.

After The Sentinels of Magic (Sentinel, Ragman, Blue Devil, Zatanna, etc.) try and subdue him, The Phantom Stranger makes an appeal to J'Onn:

After this, though, the Stranger is nowhere to be seen. Surely he had "More pressing matters to attend to."

Batman: Gotham Adventures #33 - Feb. 2001

2009-08-05T00:03:00.000-04:00

"World Without Batman" by Ed Brubaker, Brad Rader, and John Lowe.

Batman goes to visit the grave of his parents, and, in a moment of doubt and vulnerability, questions wonder what could have happened if they hadn't been killed that night.

Fortunately(?), he gets to see the answer to that question, with the help of...The Phantom Stranger!

The Stranger does the whole "It's A Wonderful Life" bit, showing Batman what would have happened to all his friends if he had never been created that awful night.

Its not pretty--young Tim Drake is a henchman for the Joker, for instance--eventually leading Bruce to realize that the world is, in fact, better off for having a Batman.

Note: This is the Phantom Stranger's debut in the alternate "JLUverse" of the DC Universe.

The Names of Magic #1 - Feb. 2001

2009-08-04T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Invocation" by Dylan Horrocks and Richard Case.

Tim Hunter gets a second solo title, moving from Books of Magic to Names of Magic.

He gets involved in a fight with some warriors from another dimension, when all of a sudden one of the Trenchcoat Brigade, Dr. Occult, steps in to help him. Later, the other members also arrive:

The Stranger leads Tim and the rest to a possible future, where Tim gets to see an older version of himself. Of course, Tim wants to know more, but the Stranger is vague (also of course!).

Totems #1 - 2000

2009-08-03T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Totems" by Tom Peyer, Duncan Fegredo, Richard Case, and Dean Ormston.

Totems is a goofy one-shot featuring all the various Vertigo stars (the more DCU-oriented ones, at least) all getting together for a party.

The story focuses on a guy named Dave, who has all sorts of troubles and ends up working as a waiter at the party. At one point, he bumps into The Phantom Stranger, who has typically cryptic words for him:

Unfortunately, after this the story revolves around Swamp Thing, Zatanna, Animal Man, Cliff Steele, and Black Orchid, with the Stranger nowhere to be seen.

Oh well--he never was the social type.

The Legend of the Green Flame - 2000

2009-08-02T00:03:00.001-04:00

"The Legend of the Green Flame" by Neil Gaiman and Friends.

This one-shot was originally scheduled to be the "final" issue of Action Comics Weekly, featuring all that book's characters in one giant story, paving the way for the title to return to its classic, Superman-only format.

But for various reasons (which Gaiman gets into, in a refreshingly honest introduction), that idea was scrapped, so this story sat on the shelf for a long while.

Finally, someone realized at DC realized they had an unpublished Neil Gaiman story sitting around, so they put together a real all-star line-up of talent to bring the story to life.

The Phantom Stranger's main purpose in this story is to be "freed" from the apartment he'd been in during Paul Kupperberg's great run of stories. In the first chapter focusing on him, he's drawn by Matt Wagner:

After three pages, the story cuts back to Superman and Green Lantern, the main protagonists of the tale.

But the Stranger isn't gone from the book, as we can see from this single, wonderful page:

...the Phantom Stranger drawn by Jim Aparo!

The Stranger eventually meets up with Supes and GL (drawn by Kevin Nowlan, sweet!) and then departs.

All in all, a great little book, and definitely worthy of publication, continuity problems be damned.

And its wonderful to see The Phantom Stranger drawn by the great Jim Aparo, one last time.

Day of Judgment Secret Files #1 - Nov. 1999

2009-08-01T00:03:00.000-04:00

Following the Day of Judgment storyline, this anthology features solo stories of the various participating characters.

The Sentinels of Magic meet up with Sentinel, and while the Stranger doesn't seem to think of himself as an official member of the group (when has he ever?), he does help out by explaining some of the mystical goings-on to his fellow members:

In addition to some other, shorter stories, there are some "Who's Who" style info pages.

The Stranger gets one of them all to himself, nicely drawn by Cully Hamner:

Tomorrow: The Phantom Stranger and Jim Aparo, together again for the last time!

Day of Judgment #5 - Nov. 1999

2009-07-31T00:03:00.000-04:00

"Soul Search" by Geoff Johns, Matt Smith, Christopher Jones, and Steve Mitchell.

This is the issue where the evil Asmodel is defeated, and Jim Corrigan hands over the duties of the Spectre to Hal Jordan.

That means the spell the Spectre put on the Phantom Stranger is over, and he resumes his usual "watching from afar" perch:

...that wraps up the Day of Judgment storyline, but there would be more mystical battles to come.

Also: nice to see the Stranger back in his traditional suit!