The Phantom: Guardians of the Eastern Dark (GN)

Graphic novel title: The Phantom: Guardians of the Eastern Dark
Publisher: Moonstone
Published in 2010
King Features Syndicate, Inc.
Originally published in The Phantom: Ghost Who Walks issues 1-12
Author: Mike Bullock
Artist: Silvestre Szilagyi issues 1-3, 5 and 6, 8-12
Fernando Peniche issues 4 and 7
296 pages
Reviewed by Allen Klingelhoets

The Phantom was first a newspaper daily strip. I reviewed several of those compilation books several years ago at Jazma. The series of newspaper strips was first wrote by Lee Falk. The first appearance was in February 1936.He was also the creator of Mandrake the Magician. There was a weekly live action black and white serial in movie theaters during early days of series. There was even a movie in color in 1996 about The Phantom in 1996 starring Billy Zane. I also noticed several comic book versions for purple fictional garbed character. There were even novels about The Phantom as Avon Books. All fifteen books were republished in 2016 by Hermes Press. The stories tell of twenty first Phantom that had taken over being character. Father to son generation after generation making seem like ghost who never died.

Mike Bullock wrote about a very current Phantom in his compilation, The Phantom. “Guardians of the Eastern Dark.” Series.

Mike Bullock wrote very bold story. The main characters Kit Walker. His girlfriend is Diana Palmer. She does not seem to know The Phantom in Kit Walker. The Phantom has dog named Devil. He also has friend Guran that assists him on many adventures. Kit Walker has costume made out of bullet proof armor. He has amazing athletic ability. The phantom also has friend named Crane that helps with computer work.

I thought Mike Bullock and Silvestre Szilagyi did amazing job with twelve issue story. I think more though for more adult reading.

I would also suggest some of The Phantom complete daily's books. I got most of them through library as I did Mike Bullock newest 2010 version.


Allen Klingelhoets