THE PHANTOM #3 (Mad Cave Studios)

The Singh Brotherhood continues their reign of terror on the village of Bandar. But now the Phantom has fully entered the fight and as the mercenaries start to feel his presence, they tremble at the thought that the myth is real. The only person that doesn’t believe is the leader Asif, but will his unwillingness to accept that the Phantom is real be his downfall?

The Phantom #3 - Written By Ray Fawkes – Art By Russell Olson - Letters By Taylor Esposito - Edited By Sarah Brunstad - Published By Mad Cave Studios

Credit: Mad Cave Studios

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

STORY OVERVIEW:

The Phantom is continuing to methodically take out the Singh Brotherhood from the shadows. But he also decides that the best way to strike fear in their hearts is to let them know that the myth is a reality. Unfortunately for the troops their boss Asif thinks that this is all made up and some mad man with a death wish is acting like the legendary Phantom. Either way, his plan is to draw the vigilante out and execute him to prove that the Phantom isn’t real.

WRITING:

This issue successfully intensifies the challenges faced by Bandar and its people. Ray Fawkes skillfully develops the story's drama set in the jungle. The Phantom's approach throughout this issue highlights the character's complexity and adds significance to his actions. At the same time Fawkes shows the true ruthlessness of Asif and his willingness to cross every line of decency imaginable to get his way and show his power.

ARTWORK:

Russell Olson excellently maintains a refreshed, retro vibe through his artwork, with backgrounds and action scenes that truly stand out. The color palette feels both timeless and contemporary, fitting well with the modern tone. Taylor Esposito excels at lettering, conveying information clearly and enhancing the story's mood. Although the narrative contains a lot of text, the thoughtful placement and style of the lettering ensure it remains easy to follow.

Final Thoughts:

The Phantom #3 is a great continuation of the story that leaves the reader on the edge of their seat by the end of the issue. Asif and the Phantom are a perfect ying and yang with one being pure good while the other is pure evil. If you're interested in a new perspective on superheroes, you might want to check out The Phantom. Grab a copy at the LCS and give this book a shot.

FINAL GRADE: 9/10

Let me know your thoughts on The Phantom #3 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!