I have to say I was pretty stoked when I found out that Alex Ross would be helming the release of the new Dynamite title. Ross will act as the creative helm on the new series which will be scripted by Scott Beatty ( G.I. Joe) and penciled by Eduardo Ferigato ( Sinbad). Ross will be taking The Phantom into a whole new direction where apparently, there is no Phantom. According to the solicit from Dynamite, it seems Ross may be the perfect guy for the job considering he happens to be a huge fan of the classic comic book character.
The historic line stops at Kit Walker the 21st, who has forsaken the mantle of The Ghost Who Walks and is enjoying a life with a growing family, while handling the day-to-day affairs of the Walkabout Foundation, a philanthropy created by one of the previous Walkers/Phantoms to help support charities benefiting Bengala, and the surrounding nations of continental Africa. The Walkabout Foundation was funded initially by pirate treasure from the very first Phantom's origins. The organization is symbolic of every young Walker's world-spanning journey from the Skull Cave to the "outside world," becoming educated and awaiting his destiny to one day take up the costume and crusade of the Phantom. Except that this Kit refused to take up the domino mask, rings, and Colt .45s of his father upon Kit Sr.'s death. Alex Ross' beautiful and dynamic vision promises to bring the concept of the Phantom to the 21st century, and it could not be in better hands.
"Being a fan of the Phantom for many years, I've had a vision for a long time of a stylistic change and a dramatic way of illustrating him," said Alex Ross. "Finally through Dynamite Entertainment and working with Scott Beatty, I'm able to fulfill this artistic concept and give a very personalized spin on one of the greatest superheroes of them all."
Dynamite also sent us some pretty awesome concept art to promote their upcoming series, take a look! I for one am really interested in seeing what this comic will be all about, and I'm glad to see that Ross wants to revive the classic character. Are you a fan of The Phantom? Would you pick up the series?
