Collectible Phantom Color Model Cel from Defenders of the Earth

Currently available at auction at Heritage Auctions, the United States-based auction house, is a Defenders of the Earth – Phantom Color Model Cel.

Defenders of the Earth is an American animated television series, with the first episode airing on the 8th of September, 1986. It features characters from three comic strips distributed by King Features Syndicate – Flash Gordon, The Phantom, Mandrake the Magician, and Mandrake’s assistant Lothar – opposing Ming the Merciless in the year 2015. Supporting characters include their children Rick Gordon (son of Flash), L.J. (son of Lothar), Kshin (adopted son of Mandrake), and Jedda Walker (daughter of the Phantom). The show lasted for 65 episodes. Additional information found HERE.

Th color model cel at auction is from the animated series Defenders of the Earth. It features the Phantom in his specially designed purple suit for the cartoon series, with the illustration serving as a vital technical reference for Marvel Productions animators. As a color model, this piece was designed to establish the specific palette and character proportions for the Phantom character, ensuring visual consistency across the show’s episodes. The Phantom is illustrated in a classic, powerful standing stance, with the artist behind the work not noted.

The cel is presented over a hand-painted background that adds atmospheric depth, illustrated with the vibrant production style of 1980s Saturday morning cartoons. Because color models are unique reference tools rather than standard frame-by-frame production cels, this item marks it is a unique collectible. It was illustrated in an era of analog craftsmanship, showcasing the meticulous hand-inking and gouache painting that defined the pre-digital age of cartoon animation.

Seen in the online auction listing, Heritage Auctions describe the Defenders of the Earth – Phantom Color Model Cel as:

“By jungle law, the Ghost Who Walks calls forth the power of ten tigers.” A rare color model cel featuring an astonishing full figure of The Phantom from the animated television series Defenders of Earth. Making his first appearance in February of 1936 and considered the first costumed crimefighter in comic strips, he established many superhero tropes like a secret identity, a recognizable costume, and a hidden lair. In Defenders of the Earth, comic strip heroes; Flash Gordon, The Phantom, Mandrake the Magician and his assistant Lothar join forces to battle Ming the Merciless.

In visual arts, a color model is a studio document used to help standardize the appearance of a character and maintain continuity. Phantoms full figure measures at 3.5″ x 8.5″ on a 10.5″ x 14.25″ acetate sheet that is displayed over a 10.5″ x 16.75″ gouache background. The overall condition is Good to Very Good with staples along the lower border, and torn gouache background, production cel adhered to the background, and minor handling wear and edge wear.

The upper left section of the Defenders of the Earth – Phantom Color Model Cel offers supplementary information regarding its production. The cel is dated the 15th of October 1985, the year prior to the cartoon series being released.