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The world’s first superhero is back — and Mad Cave Studios has him. The Phantom is returning to comics this September in an all-new series, reborn, renewed and with a new sense of purpose in a today’s world, almost a century after his first appearance.

Originally debuting as a newspaper strip from Lee Falk in February 1936 — which means he predated Superman as a costumed crimefighter by a couple of years — King Features Syndicate’s The Phantom wasn’t just the first comic strip hero to wear a skintight costume, as future superheroes would; he was also the first to wear a mask that hid his pupils from the world, as would also go on to become superhero standard. This pulp hero is closer to Batman than the Man of Steel however; he’s got no superpowers, instead relying on his wits, his natural physical abilities, and the two handguns he has attached to his hips. (So, not exactly like Batman, then.)

Since his debut in newspapers, the Phantom has appeared on the big screen — he had a movie series in 1943, and a feature film in 1996 that’s worth tracking down — and comic books, having been published by both DC and Marvel Comics across the decades. Now, he’s back in a new comic book series from indie publisher Mad Cave, with creators Ray Fawkes (One Soul, Gotham by Midnight) and pulp illustrator Russell Olson at the wheel, following on from their revival of the character with the Free Comic Book Day 2025 Phantom #0 release.

“Seeing the incredibly positive reaction to the Free Comic Book Day issue of The Phantom only got me even more excited to take part in making this series happen," Fawkes said in a statement from the publisher. “The Phantom and all of his supporting cast have such an unbridled sense of fun and adventure that I can’t help but love them all. I feel like readers will see that on every page!”

“From long-time Phans to first-time readers, the responses I've received for the FCBD issue have been overwhelming,” agreed Olson. “I couldn't be more thrilled to be working with Ray and the whole crew at Mad Cave to deliver a great Phantom book.  I love pulp storytelling and swashbuckling adventure, and there's no better character in Comics to explore those themes than The Ghost Who Walks. I'm jazzed for folks to see the new series.”

They won’t have to wait long to see it; The Phantom #1 will be released September 1. Here’s how Mad Cave describes the first issue: “When a violent gang of smugglers stumbles on an idyllic Bandar village, the peace that The Phantom has brought to the African nation of Bangalla will suddenly shatter. It will take all of The Phantom’s many skills — and allies — to restore it. The most exciting series of the year starts here!”

Alongside a cover from Olson, the first issue will also feature covers from Freddie Williams II, Caanan White, Dan Brereton, Natacha Bustos, and Maria Wolf, as well as a sketch cover. You can see them all in the gallery below.

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