"Stones of Blood" Part II
Writers: Ben Raab
Artists: Pat Quinn, Ken Wolak with Dawn Groszewski(c)
Publisher: Moonstone
"Ten Tigers got nothin' on me."--the Phantom
As you can infer from that quote, Mr. Raab isn't above having some fun in the more dramatic Phantom ongoing series from Moonstone. For those scratching their heads, the cartoon Phantom of the well-meaning but seriously juvenile Defenders of the Earth possessed the abilities of "ten tigers."
Moonstone's Phantom is the real deal. Kit Walker, the Ghost Who Walks that is in fact many mortal men who walked, fights against piracy and cruelty in the jungles of Bangalla and wherever he is needed. He possesses no powers, certainly not the "strength of ten tigers." He will bleed, and he will die only to be replaced by another Phantom--one of his two children.
The Phantom is always a family man. His legend depends upon it, and last issue, his wife was brutally struck down by a sniper's bullet. Terrorists blew apart the building where the attack occurred, and the Phantom in this issue learns of what becomes of Diana and his children.
During that fact-finding heroism, the Phantom recites an oath as if he were Green Lantern, and some may find this scene to be a direct lift from the Lantern's chronicles. In fact, Raab is showing the Phantom retaining his heroism and his character. Kit Walker would like to kill the individuals that cut down his beloved Diana, but the Phantom is above such emotions. He must be something more than a man. He must be a symbol for justice. Thus, as Kit recites the oath spoken by the first Phantom to the skull of his father, he channels his anger into the unstoppable Ghost Who Walks. Devil, his wolf companion, and Hero, his horse, seem to be just as angry as their master.
The entire scene works on a number of levels. It not only gibes with the story so far and the long historical characterization of the Phantom. It also creates the impetus that launches the Phantom into stunning action sequences brilliantly illustrated by Pat Quinn. One of these scenes reminds him of the meaning in the rings he wears, and all of them have a breathless quality that recalls the underrated Billy Zane movie. Damned if I didn't hear David Newman's score as I read the book.
Perhaps, the most amazing thing about this issue of the Phantom is that he loses--big time. I'll not say how he loses, but such is the power of the writing and the artwork that you really believe that the Ghost Who Walks has once again succeeded where others have failed. It's only in hindsight that you realize that this issue represents one of the biggest losses in his career of winning.
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