The Phantom Stranger #2 is an issue of the series The Phantom Stranger (Volume 1) with a cover date of November, 1952. It was published on September 1, 1952.
Synopsis for "The Killer Shadow!"
The Phantom Stranger becomes involved in a scheme by a corrupt man whose main goal is to murder a woman using tricks with her shadow to drive her insane.
Appearing in "The Killer Shadow!"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
- Myra Hunter (Single appearance)
Antagonists:
- John Neville (Single appearance)
Locations:
- Long Island
- John Neville's Estate
- John Neville's Estate
Synopsis for "Death's Strange Deputy!"
A man becomes convinced he has been created by a magician to kill an evil sorcerer, but the Phantom Stranger unmasks his deceiver's plot.
Appearing in "Death's Strange Deputy!"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
- Adam Horton (Single appearance)
Antagonists:
- Velie (Single appearance)
Other Characters:
- Caldwell (Single appearance)
Synopsis for "Death Writes an Obituary!"
An obituary writer named Joe Kennedy told his colleague that he intended to write his own obituary, so that the paper can have it on file when he dies. Joe refused to let his colleague see the obituary and put it in a drawer. In reality, he intended to fake his death, so that he can leave for Mexico with charity money. Joe rode a boat down a river, where he intended to kill a man who looked like him and dump the body there. He stabbed the man with an eel spear, but suddenly, the man suddenly grabbed onto Joe from the boat, dragging him down into the river, causing him to eventually drown.
Appearing in "Death Writes an Obituary!"
Characters:
- Joe Kennedy (Single appearance; dies)
Locations:
- United States of America
- Mexico (Mentioned only)
Items:
Vehicles:
Synopsis for "The Haunting Wind!"
Dan Russell and Jim Nelson are in Tibet, exploring a mountain with the help of a local guide. They come upon a doorway leading into the mountain and discover a huge treasure trove. The guide warns them not to take anything, as the wind god will become angry. But Dan disregards the warning and takes a ring. As the explorers make their descent, a fierce gust of wind blows Jim off the mountain, and he falls to his death.
Dan heads home to the United States on a steamer. In the middle of the ocean, a hurricane blows him overboard. He spends a day drifting on a piece of floating debris, but he's eventually saved by a passing freighter. Next, Dan boards a plane and experiences horrible turbulence.
When he's finally back in the States, the wind severely whips a bridge that he's crossing. He makes it across just before the bridge collapses. Finally, Dan seeks safety in a nearby building. However, it turns out to be a wind tunnel, and Dan is killed by the spinning fans.
Somehow, the ring comes off Dan's finger and ends up back in the treasure trove in Tibet.
Appearing in "The Haunting Wind!"
Featured Characters:
- Dan Russell (Single appearance; dies)
Supporting Characters:
- Jim Nelson (Single appearance; dies)
- Tibetan guide (Unnamed) (Single appearance)
Locations:
Vehicles:
- Tramp Steamer
Synopsis for "The Talking Head!"
In the 13th Century, an English scholar and scientist named Roger Bacon conceived an idea to enclose England with a wall, protecting them from any invaders. Bacon wondered how to build the fortress and had a vision telling him to make a sculpted head with human organs that would speak and answer any question. He spent seven years constructing the head and when he was done, he refused to sleep, as he believed that the head might talk while he slept. Suddenly the head spoke, much to Bacon's astonishment, moments before the head was struck by lightning and destroyed.
Appearing in "The Talking Head!"
Characters:
- Roger Bacon
Locations:
- 13th Century England
Items:
Vehicles:
Synopsis for "The Three Signs of Evil!"
When an artist unknowingly intrudes on a murderous cult's plot to tap into ultimate power, the Phantom Stranger must rescue him from becoming a human sacrifice.
Appearing in "The Three Signs of Evil!"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
- Mark Davis (Single appearance)
Antagonists:
- Unnamed Cultists (Single appearance)
Locations:
- New York City
- Columbus Circle
Notes
- This issue is reprinted in Showcase Presents: The Phantom Stranger Vol. 1.
- "The Killer Shadow" is reprinted in The Brave and the Bold #98.
- "Death's Strange Deputy" is reprinted in Adventure Comics #418.
- "The Haunting Wind" is reprinted in House of Mystery #199, House of Mystery #227 and Showcase Presents: The House of Mystery Vol. 1
- "The Three Signs of Evil!" is reprinted in Showcase #80.
Trivia
- This issue includes an illustrated text story by Jack Miller entitled "Can You Explain It?"
- "The Talking Head!" is purportedly set in the 13th century, but characters are drawn in 18th-century costume.
See Also
Recommended Reading
Links and References
Look at how sad this is making Batman. You did this.