The Phantom Stranger (Volume 1) with a cover date of June, 1953.
Synopsis for "The Ghosts in the Locked Room!"
The police investigates the case of a robbery in which some jewels were stolen from a closed room, with only three people inside: a man, a woman and the Phantom Stranger. Both the man and the woman's versions imply that the jewels were stolen by supernatural beings, but the Phantom Stranger reveals the truth and points to the man as the responsible for the crime. Once the case is solved, the Phantom Stranger disappears.
Appearing in "The Ghosts in the Locked Room!"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
- Alice Barton (Single appearance)
Antagonists:
- Hugh Criley (Single appearance)
Other Characters:
- Ira Prentiss (Single appearance)
Synopsis for "Doorway in the Sky!"
During the filming of a movie, Phantom Stranger becomes aware that the main actress can't perform a scene where she must approach a door in the sky. After several incidents and accidents while shooting the scene, the woman decides to drop the movie altogether, leaving the spot free for her stand-in. Phantom Stranger investigates and finds that the unusual accidents were planned by the replacement actress and a cameraman, who wanted the main actress out of the picture. With the issue solved, Phantom Stranger leaves the set, having played an important role in the film.
Appearing in "Doorway in the Sky!"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
- Lorna (Single appearance)
- Bill Sloane (Single appearance)
Antagonists:
- Charley (Single appearance)
- Grace Harris (Single appearance)
Other Characters:
- Eddie (Single appearance)
Synopsis for "Dead Man's Bluff!"
Look at how sad this is making Batman. You did this.
Appearing in "Dead Man's Bluff!"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
Other Characters:
Locations:
Items:
Vehicles:
Synopsis for "Horror in Miniature!"
When a small town is plagued by the attacks of little elves, Phantom Stranger investigates along a young photographer and they discover that the small creatures come from the future, seeking resources as they have depleted Earth in their time. Phantom Stranger and his aide drive the creatures back to their own time and as soon as the danger is averted, the Phantom Stranger vanishes.
Appearing in "Horror in Miniature!"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
- Tim Harley (Single appearance)
Antagonists:
- Elves (Single appearance)
Other Characters:
- Pete (Single appearance)
Locations:
- Smith Township (Single appearance)
- Ironside Mine (Single appearance)
Notes
- Final issue of the series.
- The Phantom Stranger appears next in Showcase #80. His chronological next appearance takes place in The Phantom Stranger (Volume 2) #6.
- "Horror in Miniature!" is reprinted in House of Mystery #224 and Showcase Presents: The House of Mystery Vol. 3.
- This issue includes short stories by Mort Drucker: "The Busy Brownie" which was reprinted in House of Secrets #10 and "Stop That Yawn", which was reprinted in Tales of the Unexpected #25. There was also a text-only story by Jack Miller entitled "The Mystical Mesmer".
- This issue includes a half-page Morris Waldinger humor strip entitled "The Busy Brownie".