Written by Elizabeth Massie & Rafael Nieves
Art by Paul Daly; Stephen Downer; & Josh Aitken
Covers ‘A’ & ‘C’ by J. Anthony Kosar
Covers ‘B’ & D’ by Paul Daly & Jason Jensen
SUMMARY:
In 2010, independent publisher Moonstone Books (with authorization from King Features Syndicate, Inc. and/or Hearst Holdings, Inc.) presented this one-shot spin-off of the classic Phantom. With her brother, Kit, injured in action, Julie Walker becomes the new Phantom … for now.
Beginning in New York City of late 1889, it’s up to the two Walkers to protect their family friend, Nellie Bly, from assassination during her historic around-the-world journey. Assuming the Phantom’s mask against Kit’s protests, married mother Julie sends word to her family waiting for her in New Mexico that she will be delayed on urgent business. Discreetly catching up to Nellie’s ship, the new Phantom finds that their adversaries won’t give up easily. Ultimately, a San Francisco showdown will determine Julie’s fate.
REVIEW:
In the realm of historical fiction, this undemanding adventure has the benefit of classy artwork. Yet, the plotting re: an international assassination plot is hardly original. The forgettable villains are strictly stock theater consistent with the minimal depth the script actually offers. On the plus side, though, co-writers Elizabeth Massie and Rafael Nieves’ straight-up script is an old-school adventure that dismisses the concept of a standard-issue damsel-in-distress. In terms of that concept, this entertaining comic (per Julie’s point-of-view) accomplishes its mission well.
This swashbuckling tale cleverly parallels two advances in 19th Century feminism. While Nellie defies conventional wisdom to break a world’s record, Julie nobly takes up the challenge as a stand-in Phantom. As she evidently has Kit’s same training, the co-writers don’t play up disadvantages re: a gutsy Julie’s inexperience, let alone her gender. Other than Kit’s ineffective protest from his hospital bed, neither topic is broached. It’s only referenced that Julie misses her husband and children while completing her mission. Via the Phantom’s stealthy methods, Julie makes it look easy. These male baddies aren’t fazed that a single woman is beating them up, not to mention anticipating their every devious move.
Without over-sexualizing Julie’s Phantom, artist Paul Daly’s low-key artwork meets the story’s needs well. Further, Cover A’s image is a terrific showcase for Julie Walker’s Phantom, as she is in gun-slinging action on railroad tracks. Ultimately, this comic merits a chance for re-discovery, as its appeal extends to all ages.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
Moonstone offers advertisements for its upcoming projects, such as:
- a two-issue Phantom–Captain Action team-up;
- Domino Lady returns in an ongoing noir series;
- Lady Action one-shot (as a spin-off of Captain Action);
- a Captain Action Special # 1;
- Phantom trade paperbacks;
- The “Moonstone Maximum” sketch card series;
- The Phantom Chronicles Vol. 2 anthology; and
- the six-issue Phantom Double-Shot: KGB Noir series.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE
