Angelo Raffaele Todaro, born on the 17th of December 1945, in Fragagnano, a province of Taranto, Italy, emerged as a significant figure in the world of comics during the mid-20th century. His journey into the arts began in the early 1960s when he relocated to Rome to attend the Artistic High School, as his hometown lacked such educational facilities. This move marked the inception of a prolific career that would see him contribute to various notable comic series and collaborate with esteemed publishing houses.

In 1964, Todaro embarked on his professional journey by working for Co.F.Edit, a local Roman publisher. Here, he illustrated ‘Gordon Scott,’ a comic character inspired by the popular ‘Diabolik’ series. This initial foray into the comic world showcased his burgeoning talent and set the stage for future endeavors. By 1966, he expanded his repertoire by drawing the science fiction strip ‘Alika’, further demonstrating his versatility and adaptability to different genres.

The year 1967 marked a pivotal point in Todaro’s career when he began his association with Fratelli Spada, an Italian publishing house renowned for producing original stories of American comic characters. For Fratelli Spada, Todaro illustrated numerous stories of ‘Mandrake the Magician’ and the Phantom, known as ‘L’Uomo Mascherato’ in Italy. His work on the Phantom was particularly noteworthy, as he brought to life the masked hero through his distinctive artistic style, illustrating a total of six Phantom stories. Additionally, under the pseudonym ‘Al Todd’, he contributed to several episodes of ‘Rip Kirby’, a character created by Alex Raymond. This period solidified Todaro’s reputation as a skilled artist capable of handling diverse narratives and characters.

Following his tenure at Fratelli Spada, Todaro collaborated with Studio Giolitti, led by the esteemed Italian artist Alberto Giolitti. The studio was recognized for its contributions to various comic strips in South America and the USA, including titles like ‘Turok, Son of Stone’, Star Trek’, and ‘Gunsmoke’. Within this setting, Todaro primarily undertook inking duties, honing his skills and gaining exposure to international comic standards.

Todaro’s versatility extended beyond Italian borders. He worked on comic series such as ‘FBI’, ‘Lasso’, and ‘Buffalo Bill’ for the German publisher Bastei Verlag. His contributions to these series further showcased his adaptability and appeal to a broader European audience. Notably, he also illustrated one story of the Phantom for Bastei Verlag (titled ‘The Curse of the White Goddess’ written by Peter Mennigen), indicating his enduring association with the character across different markets.

In the subsequent decades, Todaro diversified his portfolio by creating a series of albums for the Italian publisher Editore Ediperiodici under the pseudonym Paul Bennett. From the 1970s to the 1990s, he illustrated stories for Italian publications like ‘Oltretomba’, ‘Terror’, and ‘Terror Blu’, delving into genres that explored horror and the supernatural. This phase of his career highlighted his ability to navigate and contribute meaningfully to various thematic narratives.

Todaro’s association with the Phantom remained a significant aspect of his career. His stories were featured in various publications, including those by Frew Publications in Australia. For instance, in 2016, Frew released issue #1761, titled ‘Venus of the Jungle’, which showcased Todaro’s artwork. This issue was part of ‘The Phantom’s World’ series, aiming to introduce previously unpublished Phantom stories to English-speaking audiences. The cover art and the story were both credited to Todaro, underscoring his integral role in bringing these narratives to life.

In 2017, Frew Publications continued to honor Todaro’s contributions by releasing issue #1780, featuring the story ‘The Stubborn Sorcerer’. This issue, also part of ‘The Phantom’s World’ series, included both story and cover art by Todaro. These publications not only highlighted his artistic prowess but also introduced his work to new generations of Phantom enthusiasts.

Beyond his work in comics, Todaro ventured into writing, authoring several historical books focusing on topics such as World War II. His passion for history and storytelling found expression in these works, further showcasing his multifaceted talents.

In recent years, Todaro has been involved in creating strips for tourist magazines, covering themes related to the environment, sports, history, and fantasy. This endeavor reflects his continuous engagement with art and his commitment to educating and entertaining audiences through diverse mediums.

Angelo Todaro’s career is a testament to his adaptability, creativity, and dedication to the arts, passing away on the 22nd of March 2025. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the comic industry, particularly through his work with iconic characters like the Phantom. His legacy continues to inspire and influence artists and readers alike, cementing his place as a distinguished figure in the annals of comic art history.

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