I'm just a stranger—and I'm here to help you!
The Phantom Stranger #1 is an issue of the series The Phantom Stranger (Volume 1) with a cover date of August, 1952. It was published on June 6, 1952.
Appearing in "The Haunters from Beyond!"
Featured Characters:
- Phantom Stranger (First appearance)
Supporting Characters:
- Anne Parris (Single appearance)
Antagonists:
- Bruce Parris (Single appearance)
- Rita Westcott (Single appearance)
Synopsis for "The Haunters from Beyond!"
A woman by the name of Anne Parris is haunted by spirits of people who were killed during the times of the witchhunt in Salem as a result of her ancestor's crimes. Unable to find an answer, she decides to commit suicide, but the Phantom Stranger gets involved in the situation.
After learning of the events, the Phantom deduces the truth behind the spirits as part of a hoax to force Anne to kill herself. The criminals behind it are Bruce Parris and his woman, Rita Westcott, who planned to take legal claim of Anne's fortune after she was dead. With the trouble solved, the Phantom disappears, leaving a very confused, but safe Anne Parris behind.
Appearing in "When Dead Men Walk"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
- Edgar Jones (Single appearance)
- Margo Phillips (Single appearance)
Antagonists:
- Matt Wright (Single appearance)
Other Characters:
- Bart Benson (Single appearance)
- Carson Rand (Single appearance)
- John Martin (Single appearance)
Locations:
- Nevada
- San Francisco
- Mesa Verde
Synopsis for "When Dead Men Walk"
When three men die in a plane crash, their spirits seem to be haunting those they left behind, but the Phantom Stranger reveals that the ghostly appearances are really the work of an embezzler attempting to cover his tracks.
Appearing in "Goblin in the Bottle"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
Other Characters:
Locations:
Items:
Vehicles:
Synopsis for "Goblin in the Bottle"
- Synopsis not yet written.
Appearing in "The House of Strange Secrets"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
- Neal Hunter (Single appearance)
Antagonists:
- Robart (Single appearance)
Synopsis for "The House of Strange Secrets"
Stage magician Robart lures Neal Hunter, a traveler to his house. He wants to kill him and be able to cast a black magic spell which will grant him immortality. The Phantom Stranger appears on the scene, protects the innocent man and exposes the charlatan's tricks. Robart then tries to stab the Stranger, but he passes right through him, his blade striking some electrical equipment, which promptly electrocutes him.
Notes
- This issue is reprinted in Showcase Presents: The Phantom Stranger Vol. 1.
- This issue represents the first appearance of the character known as the Phantom Stranger. The Phantom Stranger will go on to star in a second ongoing series, as well as a four-issue limited series, and a one-shot Vertigo Visions special. The Phantom Stranger remains as one of the most steadfast, yet enigmatic characters in the DC Universe.
- The Phantom Stranger (Volume 1) was published on a bi-monthly basis.
- The Phantom Stranger chronologically appeared last in numerous flashbacks provided in Secret Origins (Volume 2) #9.
- "Haunters from Beyond" is reprinted in DC 100-Page Super Spectacular #4.
- "When Dead Men Walk" is reprinted in the The Greatest 1950s Stories Ever Told, and partially reprinted in The Phantom Stranger (Volume 2) #1.
- "The House of Strange Secrets" is partially reprinted in The Phantom Stranger (Volume 2) #2.
- This issue includes the text story "Fate Takes a Hand", by Jack Miller.
- Manly Wade Wellman is credited as writer of "The Haunters from Beyond" in Julie Schwartz's editorial records. Gardner Fox is credited as the creator of The Phantom Stranger and writer of some stories in The Comic Reader #27, July 1964.
Trivia
- This series features the tagline, "Is he man... or ghost?"
See Also
- Discuss The Phantom Stranger Vol 1 1 on the forums
- Cover gallery for the The Phantom Stranger series
