Referred to by comic strip historian Maurice Hornas the "granddaddy of all costumed superheroes," The Phantomwas created in 1936 by Lee Falk with artwork by Wilson McCoy. The strip hit thefunny pages of newspapers well before the Dark Knight or Superman made theirfirst appearances and has been acknowledged as an influence on every"masked man of mystery" since. The Phantom set the standardfor action, adventure, intrigue, and romance in adventure comic strips and comicbooks - it has frequently been copied but neverequaled.
Included inthis volume are six complete continuities, reprinted for the first time in theirentirety, "TheReporter,""The Monkey Tail (TheDiamondHijackers""TheGurk Twins,""The 50thWife,""The IronDragon," and"TheWerewolf." Stripsfrom this issue are taken directly from King Feature's proofs. Included in thevolume is a comprehensive essay and documentary materials.