Enzo Carretti, a distinguished figure in the mid-century Italian comic art scene, was born in 1932 and became widely recognized for his dynamic and atmospheric illustration style. Often signing his work with the pen name “E. Car”, Carretti emerged as a prolific artist during the golden age of Italian adventure comics, particularly within the 1960s.

His early professional journey was closely tied to the publisher La Freccia, where he established himself as a premier cover artist for the series Avventure Americane – Periodico Quindicinale, which ran between 1959 and 1961. His ability to capture the suspense and exoticism of serialized adventure made him a sought-after talent for publishers looking to localize American characters for the Italian market, leading to a long and fruitful association with the works of Lee Falk. His work can be seen on the below front covers in the series.

The artist’s contribution to the legacy of the Phantom (known in Italy as L’Uomo Mascherato) is particularly significant, as he helped define the character’s visual presence for a generation of European readers. Working largely with the publisher Fratelli Spada throughout the 1960s, Carretti provided both interior art and striking covers that emphasized the Ghost Who Walks as a figure of mystery and martial prowess.

His work on the series Avventure Americane – L’Uomo Mascherato, which ran between 1962 and 1967, remains a high point of his career. During this era, Carretti’s lines were characterized by a gritty realism and a sophisticated use of shadows, which perfectly suited the jungle setting and the vigilante nature of the Phantom. His art is found on the first edition in the series, featured below.

Beyond his work on the main series, Carretti was a frequent contributor to the Super Albo – L’Uomo Mascherato title, also published by Fratelli Spada, which ran between 1962 and 1967. His art is found sporadically in the series, with additional Italian artists contributing to comic cover art included Mario Caria and Domenico Mirabella. As sample of Carretti’s cover art found in the series can be seen below.

His tenure with the character saw him illustrating dozens of stories and covers that balanced the traditional American style of the original strips with a distinctly European artistic flair. This period of his career solidified his reputation as one of the most reliable and evocative illustrators of Lee Falk’s creations, as he simultaneously worked on Mandrake the Magician for the same publishers.

Carretti’s versatility extended to other international markets and genres, including work for the French publisher Editions de Remparts. In 1966, he executed the original cover art for Banga #43, showcasing his talent for tempera painting and high-contrast composition. Throughout his life, Carretti remained a dedicated craftsman, and his original sketches and tempera boards continue to be highly valued at international auction houses. His legacy is that of a pivotal bridge between the classic American newspaper strips and the robust Italian comic industry, ensuring that characters like the Phantom remained vibrant and culturally relevant far from their shores of origin.

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