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Sunday, November 16, 2008

TPH #056 Phantom Sunday Strip #154 The Lion's Head Tamarine (year 2001)

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Now, talking of comics, I read a new phantom story (first time reading of a story) after quite a long time, and must admit I somehow liked it. It is sunday strip #154 from post Falk era, written by Claes Reimerthi, experienced Swedish writer of Phantom stories from team fantomen, and drawn by Graham Nolan, a fine comic book artist. The good thing about Nolan is that he doesn't try to copy the style of any of his predecessors like McCoy or Barry. Instead of this he sticks to his own way of drawing the scenes. It gives the pictures a fresh and energetic look.

The story resembles some of the stories created by Falk against a similar backdrop of conspiracy for power and it's associated cruelty. It begins with the same old words that we have read a number of times about the new generation being slowly developing along the coast of Bangalla and the usual not much changed wild jungle spreading for miles. It talks about the still mysterious misty mountains, their spoiled princes and kings and immediately grabs the attention of old lovers of Phantom.

Then story reminds the reader the origin of Rex, how Phantom found him and eventually succeeded in handing over his rightful place as the prince of Baronkhan, the largest, richest and mightiest kingdom in the misty mountains. In this way we are stuck to the original idea developed by Falk and Barry. A visit from old pal Tom-Tom makes us remember all the beautiful moments they shared in the jungle and then a conspiracy in the nearby state Dharmistan, a peculiar kingdom with strange but fascinating customs. Finally, all it needs the efforts of Phantom in his own familiar way to resolve the crisis.

Those who have missed this one for not being from Lee Falk's own pen (or for not having access to this one so far) may consider reading it. They won't be disappointed.






















(31 Pages, 1024 px wide, 9.2 MB)

The strip ran for 31 weeks from 11 March 2001 to 07 October 2001.

12 comments:

  1. The story is not bad but just a routine one offering no such novelty and punches.
    Naturally post Falk era stories are bound to be unknowingly compared with their predecessors.
    Nolan illustrations are bright and technically sound but i am afraid not a single European writer is capable enough of carrying out Falk's legacy with the same royal dignity.

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  2. the effort of posting something is really appreciable!

    I second the opinion of cw, really, original is original and that is why all that glitters is not gold!! but TPH, good job again!!

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  3. Thanks, TPH. The scans are excellent.

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  4. Thanks for this colored strip!I've it physically but only a B/W version while this one is a colorful scan! :-)
    Btwn,allthough a mediocre story @best,BUT ANY tale associated wid Misty Mountaions & REX - I love!
    SG

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  5. And TPH,after seeing the scans,I guess you haved edited those panels,specially speech-baloons or it was in original??

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  6. Thanks TPH. Was this from the "Graham Nolan Sundays" TPB book? Or were these scanned from the actual newspaper?

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  7. @CW: Yes, this is the biggest challenge before the current writers and illustrators that their work will always be compared with the original artists. Not easy to fit the shoes of likes of Falk and Barry.

    @Sameer: Thanks. No doubt about that.

    @Deb: Welcome friend. But I'm not the original scanner this time.

    @Sagnik: It's really sad that they can't find an artist capable enough of creating some nice catchy stories of such a wonderful character like GWW. And as I said, scans are not mine here.

    @Col Worobu: Always feels great to find you here. Your guess is correct. This is from the mentioned book.

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  8. Helo TPH,hows life??I've started scanning as my scanner get backs in life!do check out...:)
    Btwn,do you have forgot thoz Cobra DCs? :P

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  9. Hallo TPH.
    Thank you very much. It is very nice to see this beautiful scans.
    I'd like very much to see this, but the link don't work and when I try to see the pictures I need a passwor.

    One more time, thank you very much for your trouble.

    Luis

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  10. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  11. @ Lufisipico - The link has been updated. enjoy.

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  12. Hello TPH.
    Thank you very much for your trouble end promptitude.

    Luis

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