The Phantom Stranger (Volume 2) #31 is an issue of the series The Phantom Stranger (Volume 2) with a cover date of July, 1974. It was published on March 12, 1974.
Synopsis for "Sacred Is the Monster Kang!"
When soldiers of fortune take over an ancient temple where it's followers have spent generations building a giant maze to apparently keep a demon at bay, they intend to sell the men off to slavery. However, one of these soldiers is an opium addict named Jones is visited by the Phantom Stranger, who tries to convince Jones to shake off his dependencey on the drug (which is the reason why he is part of this operation) and do what's right before it's too late.
When the wall is broken and the demon, Kang, is unleashed the Phantom Stranger and Jones work together to try and stop it. Although the demon is eventually destroyed, Jones dies trying to stop the would be slave traders.
Appearing in "Sacred Is the Monster Kang!"
Featured Characters:
- Harrison Jones (Single appearance; dies)
Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
- Marshal Feng (Single appearance)
Other Characters:
- Chu (Single appearance)
- Marie (Single appearance)
Locations:
Items:
Vehicles:
Synopsis for "Island of Fear!"
Black Orchid rescues a large group of married couples from the oppression of a brute called Barstoe; who enslaved them all in a hidden island and forces them to work in a gold mine for his benefit. Black Orchid saves the slaves and takes them to safety, foiling Barstoe's evil scheme.
Appearing in "Island of Fear!"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
- Mr. and Mrs. Blake (Single appearance)
Antagonists:
- Mr. Barstoe (Single appearance)
- Virgil (Single appearance)
Other Characters:
Locations:
Items:
Vehicles:
Notes
- "Sacred Is the Monster Kang!" is reprinted in Showcase Presents: The Phantom Stranger Vol. 2.
- The letter page of this issue features a long explanation by editor Joe Orlando, answering a single question regarding the new direction that the series took since issue #27. Orlando notes the dissatisfaction from readers and explains the reasons behind the new creative approach. He explains how former writer Len Wein and former artist Jim Aparo had taken too many assignments of much more importance and thus, they could no longer work in the comic. This change was rather abrupt and forced Orlando as editor to find a new creative team in a hurry, as to meet incoming deadlines. The new team, despite their professionalism, lacked knowledge about the Phantom Stranger and thus, the stories delivered were not up to par with the previous tales.
See Also