Artist: Fernando Blanco
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: October 9, 2013
Re-Enter The Phantom Stranger
Well about a year ago I was saying to Jim. "Who the hell would want to read the Phantom Stranger? There is absolutely nothing in that book that could be interesting" Also add a lot more shit talk, then fast forward a few months, when I decide I want something new to read, and on a whim decided to pick up an issue of Phantom Stranger. Then fast forward another week, and I have all the back issues. So just to clear the air a little, I'm an asshole. Man did I judge the shit out of it, without knowing anything. Phantom Stranger is one of the best titles out there that no one is reading, and all of you out there that haven't read it, and are assholes like me, get out there and pick up the book. So, on with the show.
Explain It!:
Last issue during the Trinity War, where technically this is still part of the Trinity of Sin cross over, Phantom Stranger was erased from existence by the arch angel Zauriel. But now he's back. The Scottish Terrier God, (I don't know the breed of dog, I'm taking a guess. If I'm wrong cut me a break, I know comics, not dogs) decided that the Stranger's work isn't finished yet. Even being God, he doesn't know why the Stranger sacrificed himself to help Batman, and Deadman, and for this he takes off two more coins around the Strangers neck. God tells him that his redemption depends on saving two souls, and then he fades away.
We're reintroduced to the one soul the Stranger did save from heaven (wow that sounds funny) Chris. But since Chris returned he hasn't been the same, and his family feels the difference as well, and even though they can't explain it, Chris makes them uncomfortable. Chris goes to his room, and then electrifies his laptop, and vanishes through a wall to find himself in the old house of the Phantom Stranger. Chris asks for help, Stranger wants nothing to do with it. He vanishes, and then Chris follows. Now Phantom Stranger wants to know whats up. But no explanation is present. They teleport to the home of Dr. Thirteen, who in issue seven betrayed The Stranger and stabbed him through the heart with the spear of destiny. They find him on the verge of death, and Chris revives him. More powers that Chris doesn't understand.
The Trio now decide to go to another home of Dr. Thirteen, where we find out that Ole Doc Thirteen is from old money. He has a huge penthouse and he allows Chris to stay and try to figure out whats happening to him. The Phantom being him, decides to vanish back to his home.
In the end the Phantom Stranger finds that his home has been set on fire, by The Sin Eater, and his, I don't know Satan Dog? The last panels are of The Stranger standing in the flames disappearing yelling out "What have you done?"
Bits and Pieces:
This title continues to be great month after month. The Phantom Stranger has so much untapped potential that you could pretty much to anything with the character and make it work. Now the Stranger is back from being erased from existence, and we're starting a new interesting story, so for everyone who needs a jumping off point. Well this might not be it, but you'll probably enjoy it enough to pick up a few back issues. Great issue, go check it out.
8.7/10
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