Available now for purchase is a new paperback novel by Jacob Nelson featuring the Phantom.

Titled ‘From the Chronicles of the First Phantom – Part One‘, the paperback novel contains 239 black and white pages measuring 15.2cm x 22.9cm. Published in English text, the book was released on the 8th of November 2024, void of comic strips.

This is the second book written by Jacob Nelson to feature the Phantom, with his first book published in 2013 titled ‘The Legend of the Phantom‘. More information about this book is found HERE and can still be purchased online, including from Amazon HERE. It a fantastic read and highly recommended to all, including fans of the Phantom. The covers of this edition can be seen below.

From the Chronicles of the First Phantom – Part One is described as:

For Those Who Came in Late… Who is the Ghost Who Walks… also known as the Phantom? Over four hundred years ago, a cabin boy to Admiral Christopher Columbus grew to become an explorer and a mighty sea captain… but unfortunately met his end as he fell prey to pirates, leaving his son alone. As the lone survivor of the pirate attack, the young man swore to devote his life to the destruction of cruelty and injustice… as the nemesis of pirates everywhere! He was the first to take upon himself the title of the Phantom! His son and his son’s sons–generation after generation–succeeded him in the crusade. Their faces masked, they generally worked alone; living lives of mystery and danger… moving in and out of shadows… stalking… feared by evil–doers everywhere…

Thus generations of Phantoms lived, fought, and died–usually violently–as they followed their oath. Jungle folk, sea folk, and city folk believed him always to be the same man; and so the legend grew–the legend of Kit Walker… the Man–Who–Cannot–Die… the Ghost Who Walks… the Phantom! Only the pygmies knew that, always, a day would come when their great friend would lie dying. Then, alone, a strong young son would carry his father to the burial crypt of his ancestors where all the Phantoms rested. As the pygmies waited outside, the young man would emerge from the cave, wearing the mask, the costume, and the skull ring of the Phantom upon his strong hand; his carefree days as the Phantom’s son over. Then the pygmies would chant their age–old chant, “The Phantom is dead. Long live the Phantom.”

This story covers the origin of the First Phantom as told from excerpts in his diaries.

The book is broken down into 12 chapters, with a prologue found at the commencement of the book plus an index of credits at the end:

• Prologue: For Those Who Came In Late
• Chapter One: Death of the Father of the First
• Chapter Two: The Bandar Pygmies
• Chapter Three: Enter the Phantom, the Ghost Who Walks
• Chapter Four: First Contact With the Wasaka
• Chapter Five: Malaria, Wasaka, and the Oath
• Chapter Six: Avenger’s First Fight Against the Singh
• Chapter Seven: Simon and the Treasure of Rhodes
• Chapter Eight: Sir Thomas, Paracelsus, & the Ring
• Chapter Nine: Phénix and the Philosopher’s Stone
• Chapter Ten: Mystery in Rome
• Chapter Eleven: Gabrielle and the Mask of Death
• Chapter Twelve: The Confidence Trickster
• Index of Credits: My Deepest Thanks to Each of You!

From the Chronicles of the First Phantom – Part One mainly follows the adventures of Christopher ‘Kit’ Walker, the first Phantom, as he confronts various challenges, including pirates, a tribe of giants known as the Wasaka, and the pursuit of his father’s murderer. The story blends fictional elements with historical references and draws inspiration from various Phantom comic stories, including ‘Legacy‘ (written by Ben Raab and illustrated by Pat Quinn, published by Moonstone Books). and ‘The First Phantom‘ (written by Lee Falk and illustrated by Sy Barry, the 96th Phantom Sunday story). It chronicles Kit’s journey as he becomes the Phantom, carrying on his father’s legacy.

The story primarily focuses on Kit Walker’s journey to become the first Phantom, exploring various themes and motifs along the way, establishing a foundation to the Phantoms overall mythos. Justice and revenge are central themes throughout the book. Driven by the murder of his parents, Kit dedicates his life to fighting injustice, particularly piracy, and avenging his family, initially taking on a persona as ‘The Avenger‘, a reflection of a desire for retribution, the theme which ties into the larger Phantom legacy of fighting evil and protecting the innocent.

The book is packed with mystery and intrigue, rife with creative characters who adopt false identities and engaging in conspiracies. This motif highlights the complex and often morally ambiguous world the Phantom navigates throughout his adventures, both at home and abroad. Such characters displaying these traits found within the book include:

• The pirate El Aswad (who leads the Singh pirates) hides under the guise of the merchant Kizim.
• Count Emile d’Auvergne (a knight belonging to the Knights of the Order of Johanniter, based in Malta) manipulates the truth to protect his reputation.
• Gabrielle (the cousin of King Francis I of France) disguises herself as a boy to avoid danger.
• Nicholas Bixley (a printer living in Portsmouth, England) forges documents to exploit Jonathon.

From the Chronicles of the First Phantom – Part One paints a vivid picture of the first Phantom, showcasing his resourcefulness, courage, and lifelong commitment to fighting injustice. These traits establish him as a complex and compelling character whose legend continues to inspire generations to this day.

The book is currently available in a variety of formats, including hard copy, epub, kindle, and nook.

From the Chronicles of the First Phantom – Part One by Jacob Nelson can be purchased on the lulu website HERE, on the Amazon website HERE and on the Barnes & Noble website HERE

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