THE PHANTOM #5 (Mad Cave Studios)
It’s finally time for the face-to-face meeting of the Phantom and Asif Singh. As this confrontation takes place the future of Bandar hangs in the balance. Can the defender of the jungle save Bandar and send the Singh Brotherhood packing?
The Phantom #5 - 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:
Asif Singh waits for the Phantom to reveal himself and if he doesn’t, he is completely ready to make good on his threat to kill the children if he doesn’t show. Guran, who is still hiding in the jungle is trying to figure out what he should do as the Phantom is injured and possibly dead, and he is on his own. Just when doubt creeps in the Phantom returns and even though he is worse for wear, he needs to make a stand. The two hatch a plan and then confront Asif, and with that let the final battle commence. Can the Phantom save Bandar even though he is banged up, or will Asif Singh figure out a way to kill the man that won’t die?
WRITING:
This issue highlights the return of the Phantom, increasing the narrative tension. Ray Fawkes expertly develops the drama set in the jungle, integrating suspense with strong character development. The primary focus is the climactic battle between the Phantom and Asif, a confrontation that has been carefully established throughout the series and appropriately culminates in this final issue of the arc.
ARTWORK:
Russell Olson brings an energetic and visually engaging style to this final issue, consistently sustaining a fresh, retro feel in his illustrations. His backgrounds are full of detail, and the action sequences stand out, immersing readers in the story. The colors he uses blend classic and modern elements, reinforcing the contemporary mood of the narrative while still nodding to its origins.
Taylor Esposito excels with the lettering as well. The words are easy to read, and the lettering’s placement and style boost both the atmosphere and clarity of the story. Even though there is a lot of text, Esposito’s careful technique makes dialogue and captions straightforward to follow, aiding the narrative’s rhythm without making it confusing for readers.
Check Out My Review of The Phantom #4
Final Thoughts:
The Phantom #5 ends this initial arc in a satisfactory way, delivering some awesome action. This story arc has been full of suspense and action, and this final issue follows suit. The Phantom has been a pleasure to read, mixing old school comic style with a modern day feel. If you haven’t read this arc from the beginning, make sure to grab the TPB when it drops later in the year.
FINAL GRADE: 9.3/10
Let me know your thoughts on The Phantom #5 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
