What is the measure of a man? Is it confidence and grim determination or is it fear-- and the ability to overcome that gnawing terror in the face of adversity? 
The Phantom Stranger (Volume 2) #17 is an issue of the series The Phantom Stranger (Volume 2) with a cover date of February, 1972. It was published on November 9, 1971.
Synopsis for "Like a Ghost from the Ashes"
Coming to the rescue of a man being pursued by thugs to recollect stolen scrolls, the Phantom Stranger decides to defend the man. However, when the thugs come at him, the Stranger is suddenly weakened by magical forces and beaten by the thugs who take what they want before leaving. The Stranger is rescued and taken in by Cassandra Craft, a blind girl with an affinity for the occult.
Using her abilities, Cassandra finds the source of power that is weakening the Phantom Stranger in the Egyptian Desert. However, because he is still weak, the Stranger cannot convince Cassandra from joining him to Egypt. There the two are drawn to an archeological dig that is taking place there. The chief archaeologist welcomes them, but when the Stranger and Cassandra decide to take a walk, they are attacked by several men, who are following the command of a strange man. The Phantom Stranger and Cassandra return to the archaeologist, just to learn that he is behind it all and they are knocked out with gas.
When the Phantom Stranger revives, he finds himself mystically bonded and the archeologist changes shape into Tannarak, who has survived his last encounter and is seeking to resurrect the ancient Phoenix. Tannarak will use Cassandra and several other believers in the unknown in order to provide The Phoenix the faith it needs to come alive. While Tannarak revives the Phoenix, the Phantom Stranger breaks free from his mystical prison and confronts Tannarak, who has already gained control of the Phoenix. The Phantom Stranger battles Tannarak and the Phoenix, but their combined strength is too much for the Stranger. Knowing that the Phoenix feeds from faith, the Phantom Stranger convinces the hypnotized followers to stop believing in the mythical creature and without the power of faith, the creature burts into the ground, seemingly killing Tannarak.
When the dust settles, the Phantom Stranger notices that his powers have returned and he starts to leave. Cassandra pleads to let her go with him, but the Stranger refuses, giving her one parting kiss and telling her that his path is meant for him alone.
Appearing in "Like a Ghost from the Ashes"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
- Cassandra Craft (First appearance)
Antagonists:
- Tannarak (Flashback and main story) (Apparent Death)
- The Phoenix
Other Characters:
- Mr. Murtz (Single appearance)
- Batman (On a TV or computer screen)
Locations:
Synopsis for Doctor 13: "Suicide Tower!"
This story is reprinted from Star-Spangled Comics #124.
Appearing in Doctor 13: "Suicide Tower!"
Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
Other Characters:
- Pete Clay (Single appearance; dies)
Locations:
Items:
Vehicles:
Synopsis for House of Mystery: "I Was a Victim of Black Magic"
This story is reprinted from House of Mystery #3.
Appearing in House of Mystery: "I Was a Victim of Black Magic"
Featured Characters:
- Henri Lemain (Single appearance)
- Marta Lemain (Single appearance; dies)
Supporting Characters:
- Louis Lemain (Single appearance)
- Doctor Farron (Single appearance)
Other Characters:
- Pierre Vachon (Dies in flashback)
- Jeanine Lemain (Dies in flashback)
- Antony Lemain (Flashback only)
- Marie Lemain (Dies in flashback)
- Alfonso Lemain (Flashback only)
Locations:
- France
- Compagnon, a small village
Notes
- "Like a Ghost from the Ashes" is reprinted in Showcase Presents: The Phantom Stranger Vol. 1.
See Also