A new Phantom comic book published by Story House Egmont is available for preorder in Finland.

Titled ‘Mustanaamio – Paha Merkki‘, which translates to ‘Black Mask: Bad Sign‘, the softcover comic book comprises of 148 pages measuring 26cm x 17cm and is translated to Finnish by Antti Koivumaki.

Mustanaamio – Paha Merkki will publish all Phantom stories illustrated by Jim Aparo whilst working for Charlton Comics in the United States. Jim Aparo worked on the Charlton Comics Phantom comic book series from 1969 thru till 1970. His contributions included both interior art and covers for comic book edition numbers 31 thru to 38 in the series. These issues showcased his dynamic and detailed style, making it a memorable period in the Phantom’s history. These eight editions can be seen below.

In 1974, Aparo illustrated two additional covers for Charlton Comics, comic book edition numbers 60 and 61, as seen below.

Aparo’s attention to detail was impressive. He carefully depicted the Phantom’s costume, the jungle of Bangalla, and the unique creatures of this mysterious land. His backgrounds were vivid, enhancing the stories. A sample of his comic strip work can be seen below.

Mustanaamio – Paha Merkki will bring together all Phantom comic strip stories illustrated by Jim Aparo’s for Charlton Comics within this one edition. The description for the comic book seen in online advertisements reads:

Legendary Batman artist Jim Aparo drew Black Mask stories for the American Charlton publishing house in the early 1970s. The magnificent “Bad Sign” brings together all of Aparo’s stories, most of which are now being seen in Finnish for the first time.

The front cover for Mustanaamio – Paha Merkki can be seen below, artwork originally published on the front cover of the Charlton Comics edition number 33 released in the United States in 1969.

Mustanaamio – Paha Merkki by Story House Egmont is due for release on the 7th of October 2026 and can be preorder HERE

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