Frew Publications, based in Australia, have this week released their 2026 Annual Special Phantom comic book, edition number 2014.

The annual Phantom comic book, which is eagerly awaited by collectors, has over the past few years contained a special theme for the stories featured within. The 2026 Annual Special is no exception, showcasing comic strip stories that highlight both of Lee Falk’s creations, The Phantom and Mandrake the Magician.

The 2026 Annual Special is printed in full color, contains 228 pages and will include a second comic book of a replica edition of Frew Publications Phantom comic book edition number 36 (originally published in 1951), all sold in Australian news agencies in a sealed see-through plastic bag.

This vibrant wrap-around cover for The Phantom 2026 Annual Special is illustrated by Jason Paulos. It features a high-stakes crossover between the Phantom and the master magician Mandrake the Magician. Against a dizzying black-and-white hypnotic spiral background, a giant, looming Mandrake manipulates the scene like a puppeteer over a chaotic battle unfolding on a stone wall holding railway tracks. The Phantom is positioned prominently in the foreground, engaged in a dynamic skirmish alongside various allies and foes, which can be seen below.

The comic strip stories published within are:

• Mandrake’s Bon Voyage – the 178th Phantom Sunday story. Written by Tony DePaul and illustrated by Terry Beatty.
• The Missing Aviatrix – a Mandrake the Magician daily story, featuring a guest appearance by the 21st Phantom, Guran, Old Man Mozz, and Devil. Written and illustrated by Fred Fredericks.
• Lights! Camera! Danger! – a Mandrake the Magician daily story, featuring a guest appearance by the 21st Phantom, Guran, and Hero. Written and illustrated by Fred Fredericks.
• Trouble in the Twelve Nations – the 183rd Phantom Sunday story. Written by Tony DePaul and illustrated by Terry Beatty.
• Shadows on Devil Road – a Mandrake the Magician Sunday story, featuring a guest appearance by the Phantom. Written and illustrated by Fred Fredericks.
• Still Lovely, Still Deadly – a Mandrake the Magician daily story, featuring a guest appearance by the 21st Phantom, Guran, and Old Man Mozz. Written and illustrated by Fred Fredericks.
• The Magician’s Curse Part 1 – written by Andrew Constant, illustrated by Kay, colored by Ivan Pedersen, edited by Glenn Ford and lettered Alan Ho.
• The Magician’s Curse Part 2 – written Jeff Dyer, illustrated by Kay, colored by lvan Pedersen and lettered by Deq.
• The Magician’s Curse Part 3 written by Andrew Constant, illustrated by Kay, colored by Ivan Pedersen, edited by Glenn Ford and lettered Alan Ho.

A sample of internal pages can be seen below.

The Phantom 2026 Annual Special comic book can be purchased at news agencies throughout Australia, or direct from Frew Publications via their website found HERE.

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