Today’s Comic> Phantom: Generations #11

Dreading the move to Dynamite.

The Phantom: Generations #11

Moonstone Entertainment (2010)

The 11th Phantom is in quite a fix. After becoming so obsessed with taking down the killers of the 10th Phantom, he has lost his wife who took their son with her. Now alone, but still consumed with his revenge, his last battle has dropped him off on the shores of New World, near a freed slave community during the Revolutionary War. There he teams with Francis Marion, the legendary “Swamp Fox” and his men to protect the community from British soldiers. It’s what he learns here that allow him to let go of his desire for revenge and attempt to reconcile with his wife. Back in Africa, he later tells this story to a young boy who will be known as Shaka Zulu. (Although I think that was just the name of the biographical miniseries they made of him.)

What they got right: This was something different when it comes to the Phantom as we see a bit about how the legacy affects his family. (Although in this case Kit 11 went a bit overboard his duties.) We also get more Phantom name dropping in the form of the “Swamp Fox” of the Revolutionary War, and they do make for a good team.

What they got wrong: But then we get the reveal that the kid he’s been telling his story to is Shaka (of Shaka Zulu fame). Really, guys? I’m not sure what kind of influence he had on the kid, as I’ve never been drawn to Shaka’s story, but this feels forced. Also, the art isn’t bad exactly, but it feels wrong for a comic, even one of this style.

Recommendation: “Why is he here?” ending aside, it’s a good story, and it’s a bit sad that Moonstone is losing the license to Dynamite before this series is finished. (Especially when you consider what we’re getting. No, I’m still not over the “berry juice” outfit replacement.)

Nothing in the art work felt worthy of a “Best Scene” nomination. The best scene would come from the text, if anywhere.

Tomorrow’s Comic> The Transformers #8