The yearly Christmas Special Phantom comic book is now available for purchase from Frew Publications in Australia.

This year’s edition, number 1986, features 108 full-color pages measuring 18cm x 25.5cm. Inside, you’ll find three daily comic strip stories published:

• The Breakout – written by Tony DePaul and illustrated by Mike Manley
• Dungeons Undone – written by Tony DePaul and illustrated Mike Manley
• The Journey Home – written by Tony DePaul and illustrated by Mike Manley, Bret Blevins, and Jeff Weigel

Frew Publications describe the contents of the Christmas Special as:

The Phantom attempts to navigate a way to alter Old Man Mozz’s alarming predictions. His primary concern whilst breaking Savarna out of Gravelines Maximum Security Prison is not to be wounded or reveal the whereabouts of Chief Constable Jampa to her as was predicted by Old Man Mozz. Jampa is a policeman in the mountain city in India where Kit studies. He is also someone that Savarna would seek to wreak vengeance on because 19 years earlier he murdered her family, stole their ship (the India Voyager I), and left her to die in the water.

The vibrant Christmas themed wrap around cover is illustrated by Australian artist Alex Trpcevski, capturing the joyful essence of the holiday season in his artwork. It features the Phantom assisting Santa Clause in his yearly distribution of Christmas gifts, riding a sleigh being pulled by reindeer across the starry night sky. Meanwhile, Devil enjoys the wind in his face from the sleigh, his excitement palpable as he revels in the adventures that this magical time of year brings.

Alex Trpcevski gave us a peek into what inspired him for the cover artwork on his social media feeds:

The Phantom Christmas Special cover is here, and I’m excited to finally share it!

When Dudley approached me about this piece, the first image that popped into my mind was something fun—something that screams Christmas. I pitched the idea of The Phantom and Santa together on the sleigh, about to deliver presents, with reindeer wrapping around the back cover. Dudley loved it, and I got straight to work.

Of course, I wanted to add some personality to the piece—cue Devil! Lauren Marshall pointed out how fun it would be if Devil stuck his head out, enjoying the wind like a dog in a moving car. I loved the idea, ran with it, and it instantly gave the artwork that extra spark of joy.

I also had a blast working on the reindeer, bringing them to life with their own energy and character as they pull the sleigh through the starry night sky. I wanted every detail to feel festive and magical, like something straight out of a Christmas storybook.

This cover was such a joy to work on, and I hope it brings a little Phantom magic and holiday cheer to you all! Let me know what you think!

A sample of internal pages can be seen below.

The 2024 Christmas Special Phantom comic book is set to hit news agencies across Australia this week, or you can buy it directly from the Frew Publications website HERE.

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