iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

Kit’s Last Day Pt 3 The future 20th Phantom rides to the assistance of the Osi-Wey and discovers that Maude knows his secret. This is an adventure that could easily have been taken from pages in the 1950s. It works really well. Aside from Maude’s characterisation, that is… 3.5/5

000

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

The Fifth Season Pt 2 The 19th Phantom learns more about the cursed Vivaldi piece — but within the earshot of Team Le Chat, who intend on snatching it. A fun, well-paced part with an intriguing historical flashback. A tad frustrating at the end, but it’s a solid cliffhanger. 4/5

100

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

No 2031 The parts contained in this issue continue the stories that ran in the previous one. Of note is the editorial by Dudley Hogarth, revealing that he is leaving Frew (but not of his own volition).

100

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Kit’s Last Day Pt 2 Pirates are burning and looting Osi-Wey settlements and the 19th Phantom is injured. His son must decide what to do. There’s a decent concept here, but the story is all over the place — most likely due to how much Foley tried to cram into so few pages. 2/5

000

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

The Fifth Season Pt 1 A missing composition by Vivaldi — possibly cursed — surfaces in Venice. Both Le Chat and the 19th Phantom catch wind of this. An intriguing start, a cursed object, a delightful setting and the return of fun characters. Sign me up for the next part! 4/5

100

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

No 2030 This issue is all new and all Frew, with stories written by Pidde Andersson and Shane Foley.

100

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

I swear I wrote this before I read part 2, in which "oh hi Maude" actually features as dialogue. 🤣

000

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Kit’s Last Day Pt 1 The future 20th Phantom leaves the Deep Woods to begin his new job as a jungle guide. Mere setup with some sly winks to the future (oh, hi Maude). I can’t say that my interest was piqued or that my attention was engaged. Let’s see how it goes. 2/5

000

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

The All-Seeing Eye Stone An eccentric Italian noble orders the kidnapping of the Wambesi prince in order to lure the 3rd Phantom to Palermo for a battle of wits. There’s not much substance here, but it’s an suitably entertaining romp, complemented by the usual framing device. 3/5

100

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

No 2029 Here you’ll find the typical Team Fantomen and Frew Crew pairing. One is semi new and the other is new-new.

100

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

No 2028 — Secret of the Satellite A falling satellite reveals the location of the Skull Cave to an opportunistic dude who sees dollar signs. I didn’t think it was possible for a decent “Treasure Room heist” story to exist. And yet…here it is! Straight out of the 1980s. 3.5/5

000

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

The Girls Pt 2 Rpt 54. The Phantom arrives just in time to save Diana and then decides to stick around, causing havoc for the female pirates. It took me a minute to remember this one. It’s very ordinary and nothing about it stands out. But it’s decent enough. 3/5

000

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

The Masked Marvel Pt 1 Rpt 55. The Phantom agrees to replace the incapacitated Masked Marvel so Diana can get a flight home. Perhaps it’s because I’ve never read this story in separate parts before, but now I see that this setup is exceptional. Rating raised. 4.5/5

110

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

The Masked Marvel Pt 2 Rpt 56. The Phantom continues to fight as the Masked Marvel to raise money for a children’s hospital. Suddenly, I see the light. Excellent story. The relationship drama isn’t just drama; it says a lot about why Diana loves the Phantom. Rating raised. 4.5/5

100

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

The Flirtatious Princess Pt 1 (Dailies) Rpt 57. A princess of a neighbouring kingdom accepts the marriage proposals of two men. This is the better half of the story, if you’d believe me. Not that it’s any good. Let’s not reprint this one for a while! Rating unchanged. 1.5/5

100

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

No 2027 — Replica Series No 46 The four issues reprinted here are No 57, 56, 55 and 54. All are from 1953 and all have been reviewed by me previously. I’ve used “The Girls” instead of “The Lady Luck” to maintain consistency with my other reviews.

100

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Gyp and the Jungle Drums The princess of Kerala has been kidnapped and the Phantom is steadily pursuing the gang responsible. I enjoyed the old-fashioned flair here. Even the bad guys had names that were familiar (and they should be!). Standard and solid fare. 3/5

000

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

The Mark of the Phantom The Phantom checks out a statue of a serpent that was found in an excavation in Egypt. Grave-robbing cultists show up to grab it. So many of my favourite elements. I should have loved this. But it was just so derivative. Not a bad read, though. 3/5

100

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

No 2026 A typical pairing can be found in this issue — a new-ish Team Fantomen story and a shorter Frew original.

101

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

War Pigs (The Phantom: Vietnam Chp 13) Someone is selling supplies to both sides and the Phantom won’t stand for it. I wasn’t expecting a Mister Hog throwback! A classic character done right, the purple guy used to full effect, the addition of a gutsy offsider—great stuff. 4.5/5

011

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Rex King Rpt. The Phantom finds a baby that was abandoned and then orphaned, then takes it upon himself to raise the boy. This is essential reading for any Phan. I always find myself smiling by the end (and usually throughout the entire story!). Rating unchanged. Forever. 5/5

110

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

The Dollmaker After his Pendragon House adventure, the 19th Phantom assists an unconscious woman and takes her to a house inhabited by a man and his dolls. Fun, creepy, moody, a killer ending—what more could you want? Okay, maybe it’s bit predictable. Still fun, though! 4/5

110

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

The Epidemic Rpt. An epidemic is sweeping through the deep jungle of Bengali and obviously Diana is going to help. This story straddles different eras and is part of an important transition. It’s a great read, though hampered by outdated aspects. Rating lowered slightly. 4/5

110

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Steel Rhino (The Man from Mandalay Pt 2) The Phantom goes from stowaway to prisoner in a French base of operations in Laos, where he deals with CIA stooges. Another slick part that grabs hold of you and takes you along for a too-short ride. I’m keen to see the conclusion. 3.5/5

110

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

The Ghost Keeps Walking: Ninety Years of the Phantom Kevin Patrick looks into the demographics of Phans to understand the enduring appeal of the purple guy. A fascinating article! Patrick’s writing style is engaging and not at all dry, even when discussing survey results. 5/5

110

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Oath This short poem by Robbie Coburn uses some great imagery, but I’ve read pieces with very similar arrangements and language so it doesn’t stand out for me. It adheres to the current trends in Australian poetry. 3/5

110

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

No 2025 — 90 Legendary Years Special It has been 90 years since Lee Falk’s Phantom strip debuted and so Frew has naturally published a 90th anniversary special. Full colour, which is always a delight.

110

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Simulacra Pt 4 The Phantom takes on an eldritch god and gets some assistance from the natural order. This serial had a heavy emphasis on Australian flora and fauna, but it kind of worked for me. Decent ending. Too bad the rescuee didn’t get a single iota of personality. 3/5

000

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

The Year the Phantom Died A gang of men dress up as the Phantom and terrorise villages for gold while the real deal recovers from a fever. Impostor stories can drag on too long and get on one’s nerves, but this one did the job and then didn’t outstay its welcome afterwards. 3/5

100

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

No 2024 This issue contains a Fratelli Spada story from the 1960s and the next part of Julie Ditrich’s Simulacra serial.

100

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

No 2023 — The Dictator Lamanda Luaga is gifted corn cakes and flies into a rage every time he eats one. He even orders the Phantom to face a firing squad! This felt very repetitive. I just wanted it to be over. We also didn’t see any real consequences on Lamanda’s actions! 2/5

000

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

Simulacra Pt 3 The Phantom has been captured by a cult-like group and is in danger of losing his sight and his mind. Hmm. I liked the lead-up, but I don’t feel that this part matched my rising expectations. One of the weird stories. Unsure if “delightfully weird”, though. 2.5/5

000

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

Floating Borders The Phantom recounts the tale of when he stopped a Rhodian plot to change an international border by moving a river. That’s quite an interesting premise. Just add some lightning for dramatic effect and you’ve got an above-average prison-break story. 3.5/5

100

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

No 2022 A Team Fantomen story from 2021 takes pole position while a Frewniverse part rounds out the issue.

100

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Simulacra Pt 2 The Phantom continues his search in the Daintree Forest. He escapes a cassowary but falls victim to a human. A delightfully creepy part that maintains the atmosphere and cuts off in just the right place, though I’m a little wary about where this is going. 3.5/5

000

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

The Totem of Evil A mysterious totem appears in the Deep Woods overnight and a princess has been kidnapped. Are these plots connected? Yes, but they’re so weak and messy that one has to wonder if perhaps they should have been separated into different stories. 1.5/5

100

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

No 2021 The stories paired in this issue are from Team Fantomen and Frew (the latter is another part of Simulacra).

100

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Simulacra Pt 1 The Phantom heads to the Daintree Forest in QLD, Australia to investigate the disappearance of a friend. Right from the start, I was fully engaged in this atmospheric story. And who wouldn’t enjoy the spectacle of the Phantom fighting a croc? I sure did. 4/5

000

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Solomon’s Judgement An old man tells his grandchild the story of how the Phantom stopped the Llongo and Wambesi fighting over fishing rights. I don’t like remakes, so imagine my surprise at how good this one is. The framing device helps to smooth over the original’s flaws. 3.5/5

100

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

No 2020 Here we have a Fratelli Spada remake of a Lee Falk classic and the first part of a Frewniverse serial by Julie Ditrich.

100

Reposted by Phantom Phan

THE PHANTOM @thephantom.fan · 29/06/2026

💥 Frew Publications Celebrate 90 Years of The Phantom with Special Comic Release. Cover art by Ben Bradi. 🫟 More information here 👉 thephantom.fan/2026/06/29/f... #thephantom #phantomcomic #leefalk #comic #art #frew #special

0163

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Hunters’ Prey Pt 6 The Phantom helps catch the Leopard Man/Prince Lloni of the Llongo. While I appreciate Foley’s use of older tales in spinning new ones, it feels like he places a higher priority on references over story quality. “Ninth Hour” was a glorious exception! 2.5/5

010

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Ninth Hour The 9th Phantom discusses the past with the future 10th Phantom, including the truth about the other 9th Phantom. Foley has done a superb job of marrying together different canons while presenting us with such a heartfelt story. His vision makes a lot of sense. 5/5

100

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

No 2019 Both stories in this issue are new, from the pen of Shane Foley, and from the “Frewniverse”, which is a term that I’ll adopt in future — “Frew original” doesn’t sound quite as exciting.

100

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

Hunters’ Prey Pt 5 The Leapard Man makes it to the Green Valley and really doesn’t like it when people call him Lloni instead of Chawa. Perhaps I’m expecting too much from a story with a leopard man in it? I enjoyed myself more when he wasn’t actually on the page! 2.5/5

000

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

Arms Trafficking The Phantom must discover — and stop — whoever is smuggling weapons to Rhodia to avoid Bangalla being pulled into the war. We get a Walker investigation, the Phantom wielding his legend and explosive action. It sure ticks a lot of the right boxes! 3.5/5

100

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

No 2018 Another issue, another 1980s Team Fantomen story, another part of Hunters’ Prey. Let’s do this! Frew is using “Bangalla” here… but I know that it would be “Bengali” in the original script. I’m torn about what to do in this situation.

100

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

I think you can all guess what arrived today.

000

Phantom Phan @frewphantomphan.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Hunters’ Prey Pt 4 The Phantom catches up to the witch-man, brawls with new arrivals and then gets a message from newer arrivals. A bit of a let-down. Phantom goes somewhere. Finds/learns something. Very repetitive. But it looks like a resolution may finally be in sight. 2.5/5

000