The legacy lives on. From Eisner-nominated writer Ray Fawkes and artist Russell Olson, The Phantom kicks off a bold new adventure series packed with pulp, myth, and jungle-born justice.
The Ghost Who Walks is back—and he’s not alone.
After a wildly successful Free Comic Book Day preview with issue #0, Mad Cave Studios in partnership with King Features is proud to announce THE PHANTOM #1, the newest reimagined series from award-winning writer Ray Fawkes (Gotham by Midnight, One Soul) and celebrated pulp illustrator and colorist Russell Olson (Gateway City, The Darkest Judge). Lettered by the award-winning Taylor Esposito, this is The Phantom as you’ve never seen him—grounded in myth, sharpened by legacy, and ready to walk again!
Rooted in the legend of Kit Walker—the 21st Phantom—this new series expands on the mythos of Lee Falk’s enduring creation. The stakes are personal, the enemies disturbingly real, and the fight steeped in moral gravity. It’s a story about solidarity, resistance, and what it means to protect a legacy without becoming the thing you stand against.
This exciting first issue features variant cover art by Freddie Williams II (Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) in full color and black-and-white options; Caanan White (Uber, Harriet Tubman: Demon Slayer); Russell Olson (Gateway City, SKRAWL); Dan Brereton (The Nocturnals, Batman: Thrillkiller); and Natacha Bustos (Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, Spider-Woman)—plus a sketch cover and a Mad Cave Exclusive variant by Maria Wolf (Moon Knight)!
THE PHANTOM #1 MAD CAVE EXCLUSIVE
THE PHANTOM #1 1:10 RETAILER INCENTIVE
THE PHANTOM
Writer: Ray Fawkes – Artist: Russell Mark Olson
Letterer: Taylor Esposito
Release Date: September 24th, 2025
Synopsis: THE GHOST WALKS AGAIN! The Phantom returns! Created by Lee Falks in 1936, the Phantom is one of the first costumed super heroes in history, with untold influence on pop culture. Now, critically-acclaimed creators Ray Fawkes and Russell Olson revive the character for fans old and new. When a violent gang of smugglers stubbles on an idyllic Bandar village, the peace that the Phantom has brought to the African nation of Bangalla will suddenly shatter. It will take all of the Phantom’s many skills — and allies — to restore it. The most exciting series of the year starts here!
Meet the Creators!
Writer, Ray Fawkes
Ray Fawkes is the critically-acclaimed author of the comics and graphic novels Underwinter, One Soul, The Spectral Engine, and Junction True, as well as Batman: Eternal, Constantine, and Gotham by Midnight (DC), Wolverines and Murderworld (Marvel), Black Hammer ’45 (Dark Horse), Sanction (Mad Cave) and more. He is an Eisner, Harvey, and Shuster award nominee and a YALSA award winner.
Artist, Russell Mark Olson
Russell Olson was born and raised in eastern Missouri but has lived in the United Kingdom for the past 16 years. He has worked for 2000AD (The Darkest Judge), Mad Cave (A Phone Call Away; Flash Gordon Quarterly) and various UK and US small presses. He is the editor of SKRAWL, the Comix Magazine and the creator of the award-winning, pulp-sci fi series, Gateway City. He lives on the Hampshire-Sussex border with his wife, daughter, and various fish.
The Phantom #1 delivers immersive, morally grounded storytelling—where legacy, justice, and resistance collide in a timely, character-driven adventure, and hits shelves September 24th, 2025.
Preorder from your local comic shop to secure your copy. Retailers interested in exclusive variants are encouraged to contact Mad Cave—no minimums required!
Get the latest news on Mad Cave Studios on social media, or visit www.madcavestudios.com to check out the full lineup of new releases, licenses, and celebrated creator-owned titles!
Comments
You must be logged in to post a comment.
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!