Number 2442: The Phantom and the Gray Gang

This 1950-51 story from the Phantom comic strip by Lee Falk and Wilson McCoy starts out funny. Diana, who is the Phantom’s girlfriend, lives with her mom, and Diana’s mom does not approve of the Phantom. The first three strips of the continuity have her making cutting remarks of the Phantom’s jungle lifestyle. As he tells his dog, “We're taking a beating here, Devil, but it’ll be worth it to see Diana again.” Fictional dogs have near human capabilities, but there is no record of anything Devil might have said to the Phantom.

Something I find interesting about the Phantom is his costuming. He wears his purple tights and his mask under another costume, of a more typical gent in an overcoat, hat, and sunglasses. Of course, when fists start to fly the Phantom is back in his tights planting punches on his adversaries’ faces.

In the last panel, as the kissing starts between the Phantom and Diana (gosh, a spoiler...ain’t I a stinker?) the dialogue becomes...well, odd. I have never seen the likes of it.

It appeared in newspapers December 4, 1950 to March 24, 1951.

I found this continuity online, and don’t know exactly who to thank. To the anonymous donor, thank you!

Posted in: Pappy Comics