From The Chronicles Of The First Phantom

From the Chronicles of the First Phantom is a book series which has been self published and written by Jacob Nelson in the USA commencing in November 2024. The paperback novels are printed in English containing new unique stories which are true to Phantom lore.

From the Chronicles of the First Phantom – Part One was released in November 2024 containing 239 black and white pages measuring 15.2cm x 22.9cm, available in both hardcopy and digital formats, sold by a variety of online stores. The front cover can be seen below.

The book contains the following description on sales listing:

For Those Who Came in Late… Who is the Ghost Who Walks… also known as the Phantom?

Over four hundred years ago, a cabin boy to Admiral Christopher Columbus grew to become an explorer and a mighty sea captain… but unfortunately met his end as he fell prey to pirates, leaving his son alone. As the lone survivor of the pirate attack, the young man swore to devote his life to the destruction of cruelty and injustice… as the nemesis of pirates everywhere! He was the first to take upon himself the title of the Phantom! His son and his son’s sons–generation after generation–succeeded him in the crusade. Their faces masked, they generally worked alone; living lives of mystery and danger… moving in and out of shadows… stalking… feared by evil–doers everywhere…

Thus generations of Phantoms lived, fought, and died–usually violently–as they followed their oath. Jungle folk, sea folk, and city folk believed him always to be the same man; and so the legend grew–the legend of Kit Walker… the Man–Who–Cannot–Die… the Ghost Who Walks… the Phantom! Only the pygmies knew that, always, a day would come when their great friend would lie dying. Then, alone, a strong young son would carry his father to the burial crypt of his ancestors where all the Phantoms rested. As the pygmies waited outside, the young man would emerge from the cave, wearing the mask, the costume, and the skull ring of the Phantom upon his strong hand; his carefree days as the Phantom’s son over. Then the pygmies would chant their age–old chant, “The Phantom is dead. Long live the Phantom.”

This story covers the origin of the First Phantom as told from excerpts in his diaries.

The book is broken down into 12 chapters, with a prologue found at the commencement of the book plus an index of credits at the end:

  • Prologue: For Those Who Came In Late
  • Chapter One: Death of the Father of the First
  • Chapter Two: The Bandar Pygmies
  • Chapter Three: Enter the Phantom, the Ghost Who Walks
  • Chapter Four: First Contact With the Wasaka
  • Chapter Five: Malaria, Wasaka, and the Oath
  • Chapter Six: Avenger’s First Fight Against the Singh
  • Chapter Seven: Simon and the Treasure of Rhodes
  • Chapter Eight: Sir Thomas, Paracelsus, & the Ring
  • Chapter Nine: Phénix and the Philosopher’s Stone
  • Chapter Ten: Mystery in Rome
  • Chapter Eleven: Gabrielle and the Mask of Death
  • Chapter Twelve: The Confidence Trickster
  • Index of Credits: My Deepest Thanks to Each of You!

From the Chronicles of the First Phantom – Part One mainly follows the adventures of Christopher ‘Kit’ Walker, the first Phantom, as he confronts various challenges, including pirates, a tribe of giants known as the Wasaka, and the pursuit of his father’s murderer. The story blends fictional elements with historical references and draws inspiration from various Phantom comic stories, including ‘Legacy‘ (written by Ben Raab and illustrated by Pat Quinn, published by Moonstone Books). and ‘The First Phantom‘ (written by Lee Falk and illustrated by Sy Barry, the 96th Phantom Sunday story). It chronicles Kit’s journey as he becomes the Phantom, carrying on his father’s legacy.

The story primarily focuses on Kit Walker’s journey to become the first Phantom, exploring various themes and motifs along the way, establishing a foundation to the Phantoms overall mythos. Justice and revenge are central themes throughout the book. Driven by the murder of his parents, Kit dedicates his life to fighting injustice, particularly piracy, and avenging his family, initially taking on a persona as ‘The Avenger‘, a reflection of a desire for retribution, the theme which ties into the larger Phantom legacy of fighting evil and protecting the innocent.

The book is packed with mystery and intrigue, rife with creative characters who adopt false identities and engaging in conspiracies. This motif highlights the complex and often morally ambiguous world the Phantom navigates throughout his adventures, both at home and abroad. Such characters displaying these traits found within the book include:

  • The pirate El Aswad (who leads the Singh pirates) hides under the guise of the merchant Kizim.
  • Count Emile d’Auvergne (a knight belonging to the Knights of the Order of Johanniter, based in Malta) manipulates the truth to protect his reputation.
  • Gabrielle (the cousin of King Francis I of France) disguises herself as a boy to avoid danger.
  • Nicholas Bixley (a printer living in Portsmouth, England) forges documents to exploit Jonathon.

From the Chronicles of the First Phantom – Part One paints a vivid picture of the first Phantom, showcasing his resourcefulness, courage, and lifelong commitment to fighting injustice. These traits establish him as a complex and compelling character whose legend continues to inspire generations to this day.

From the Chronicles of the First Phantom – Part Two was released in December 2024 containing 295 black and white pages measuring 15.2cm x 22.9cm, available in both hardcopy and digital formats, sold by a variety of online stores. The front cover can be seen below.

The book contains the following description on sales listing:

For Those Who Came in Late… Who is the Ghost Who Walks… also known as the Phantom? Over five hundred years ago, a cabin boy to Admiral Christopher Columbus grew to become an explorer and a mighty sea captain… but unfortunately met his end as he fell prey to pirates, leaving his son alone. As the lone survivor of the pirate attack, the young man swore to devote his life to the destruction of cruelty and injustice… as the nemesis of pirates everywhere! He was the first to take upon himself the title of the Phantom! His son and his son’s sons–generation after generation–succeeded him in the crusade. Their faces masked, they generally worked alone; living lives of mystery and danger… moving in and out of shadows… stalking… feared by evil–doers everywhere… Thus generations of Phantoms lived, fought, and died–usually violently–as they followed their oath. Jungle folk, sea folk, and city folk believed him always to be the same man; and so the legend grew–the legend of Kit Walker… the Man–Who–Cannot–Die… the Ghost Who Walks… the Phantom! Only the pygmies knew that, always, a day would come when their great friend would lie dying. Then, alone, a strong young son would carry his father to the burial crypt of his ancestors where all the Phantoms rested. As the pygmies waited outside, the young man would emerge from the cave, wearing the mask, the costume, and the skull ring of the Phantom upon his strong hand; his carefree days as the Phantom’s son over. Then the pygmies would chant their age–old chant, “The Phantom is dead. Long live the Phantom.”

The book is a collection of nine chapters that take place between the years 1543 and 1549.

  • Prologue: For Those Who Came In Late
  • Chapter One: Willy–Willy
  • Chapter Two: A Chance Encounter
  • Chapter Three: The Golden Man of El Dorado
  • Chapter Four: Return to Marabella
  • Chapter Five: Pirate Blood
  • Chapter Six: The Phantom’s Heart
  • Chapter Seven: Eric the Rover
  • Chapter Eight: Christina and the Blackguard
  • Chapter Nine: Marabella and the Great Deception
  • Index of Credits: My Deepest Thanks to Each of You!

The story commences with Kit Walker, the first Phantom, tasked with escorting a Bengal tiger (named Willy-Willy), a treasure of the Shah of India, to the Grand Duke of Alba in Spain. After surviving a shipwreck off the coast of Africa, Kit finds himself in the company of a Spanish noblewoman named Marabella and her betrothed, Don Diego.

Kit and Marabella fall in love, but their happiness is short-lived as they are soon caught up in a quest for the legendary city of gold, El Dorado. A significant portion of the storyline follows their adventures and challenges in the South American jungle.

After returning from El Dorado, Kit finds himself facing new challenges involving Marabella, pirates, and family drama. He continues to uphold his oath to fight evil, even as he navigates complex relationships and faces difficult choices.

The book ends with Kit back in the Deep Woods with Marabella, raising his son Chris and continuing to fight for justice. We’re told that the adventures will continue in future chronicles of the Phantom via additional paperback novels.

Some of the colorful/interesting standout characters found in the books storyline include:

  • Kit Walker (The Phantom/Chris/The Ghost Who Walks/Avenger): The protagonist of the story, Kit Walker is the first Phantom. He is a skilled swordsman, marksman, and fighter who is dedicated to upholding his oath to fight evil and piracy. He’s often seen disguised in a purple outfit and mask.
  • Marabella Colón (The Spanish Princess): A beautiful and strong-willed Spanish noblewoman. She is the granddaughter of Christopher Columbus and possesses a spirit of adventure. She falls deeply in love with Kit Walker.
  • Willy-Willy: A Bengal tiger gifted from the Shah of India to the Grand Duke of Alba in Spain. The Phantom escorts this tiger across the sea.
  • Don Diego: Marabella’s betrothed, a Spanish nobleman. He’s arrogant and jealous of Kit’s relationship with Marabella.
  • Don Velázquez: A Spanish leader who is obsessed with finding the legendary city of gold, El Dorado.
  • Hapitschombe (The Golden Man): The chief of a native tribe in South America and guardian of El Dorado, whose body is painted gold.
  • Don Felipe: Marabella’s brother-in-law who plots to kill her and inherit her wealth. He’s also revealed to be the leader of a group of English pirates.
  • Carmen: A handmaid at Marabella’s hacienda who is later revealed to be working with don Felipe to kill Marabella.
  • Doña Inez: A woman working with don Felipe to kill Marabella.
  • Don José Halcón: A man who was once helped by Kit’s father and who refers Kit to his son for help in rescuing Marabella from pirates.
  • Don Felipe de Halcón: Don José’s son, a nobleman who is initially skeptical of the Phantom but eventually enlists his help in rescuing Marabella from the pirate Killer Khan.
  • Killer Khan: A notorious pirate who kidnaps Marabella for ransom. He’s ruthless and cruel.
  • Nbanto: A native African chief who joins forces with the Phantom to fight Killer Khan. He’s a fierce warrior and a skilled leader.
  • Eric the Rover: Christina’s father, a former pirate captain who seeks revenge against his mutinous first mate, Magnus Thorn.
  • Magnus Thorn: Eric the Rover’s former first mate who leads a mutiny, kidnaps Christina, and steals Eric’s ship, the Black Serpent.
  • Christina: Eric the Rover’s daughter, who is kidnapped by Magnus Thorn. She eventually marries Kit Walker and becomes the mother of the second Phantom.
  • The Blackguard: A shadowy group of individuals who kidnap the Phantom’s infant son, Chris.
  • Chief Turan: The leader of the Bandar pygmies and a loyal friend to the Phantom. He helps rescue both Marabella and baby Chris.
  • Zelina: A woman who looks exactly like Marabella and who the Phantom rescues from highwaymen. She later impersonates Marabella and takes over the throne of Maravilla.
  • Don Ramón: Zelina’s partner, who helps her to impersonate Marabella and seize power in Maravilla. He;s eventually killed by the Phantom.

From the Chronicles of the First Phantom – Part Three was released in March 2025 containing 266 black and white pages measuring 15.2cm x 22.9cm, available in both hardcopy and digital formats, sold by a variety of online stores. The front cover can be seen below.

The book contains the following description on sales listing:

For Those Who Came in Late…

Who is the Ghost Who Walks…also known as the Phantom? Over five hundred years ago, a cabin boy to Admiral Christopher Columbus grew to become an explorer and a mighty sea captain… but unfortunately met his end as he fell prey to pirates, leaving his son alone. As the lone survivor of the pirate attack, the young man swore to devote his life to the destruction of cruelty and injustice…as the nemesis of pirates everywhere! He was the first to take upon himself the title of the Phantom! His son and his son’s sons–generation after generation–succeeded him in the crusade. Their faces masked, they generally worked alone; living lives of mystery and danger…moving in and out of shadows…stalking…feared by evil–doers everywhere… Thus generations of Phantoms lived, fought, and died–usually violently–as they followed their Oath. Jungle folk, sea folk, and city folk believed him always to be the same man; and so the legend grew–the legend of Kit Walker…the Man–Who–Cannot–Die…the Ghost Who Walks… The Phantom! Only the pygmies knew that, always, a day would come when their great friend would lie dying. Then, alone, a strong young son would carry his father to the burial crypt of his ancestors where all the Phantoms rested. As the pygmies waited outside, the young man would emerge from the cave, wearing the mask, the costume, and the skull ring of the Phantom upon his strong hand; his carefree days as the Phantom’s son over. Then the pygmies would chant their age–old chant, “The Phantom is dead. Long live the Phantom.”

From the Chronicles of the First Phantom, Part Three continues to follow the adventures of Kit Walker, the first Phantom. The book is a collection of nine chapters that take place between the years 1554 and 1566.

  • Prologue: For Those Who Came In Late
  • Chapter One: Six Year Old Chris and the Book
  • Chapter Two: Captain Kidder’s Treasure
  • Chapter Three: The Scorpia Menace
  • Chapter Four: Kit and the Great Deception
  • Chapter Five: René and the Heart of Darkness
  • Chapter Six: Sir Thomas Revenge
  • Chapter Seven: Inquisitor
  • Chapter Eight: Duel in Venice
  • Chapter Nine: Battle on Malta
  • Index of Credits: My Deepest Thanks to Each of You!

The book delves into the continued adventures and challenges faced by the first Phantom, Christopher “Kit” Walker, as he upholds his oath to fight piracy, injustice, and evil in the mid-16th century.

The story commences in 1554 with Kit, now 38, sharing the tale of the Eyrie with his six-year-old son, Chris. This flashback recounts Kit’s father’s (also named Christopher “Kit” Walker) discovery of a mesa alongside Miya and Caribo. This tale sets the stage for themes of adventure and exploration that resonate throughout the book. The story of the Eyrie is of a mesa that the first Phantom’s father Christopher Columbus, his grandmother Miya, and their best friend Caribo stumble upon in a desert land that was rich in natural wonders.

As Kit turns 39 in 1555, he encounters Captain Tomas Kidder, a pirate, leading to a series of confrontations and alliances. Later, at age 45 in 1561, Kit faces the Scorpia Menace, spearheaded by Baron Esteban, plunging him into a web of piracy, betrayal, and enslavement. Kit becomes a slave after he is betrayed, but is freed by pirates, and then organizes the pirates to attack the Scorpia fleet.

The story proceeds to 1565, when Kit, at 49, is embroiled in a duel in Venice, triggered by accusations from Henri D’Auvergne, who seeks to restore his family’s honor. These events test Kit’s resolve and moral compass as he navigates personal vendettas and political machinations.

Culminating in a poignant finale, the book witnesses the death of the First Phantom, marking the end of an era and setting the stage for the legacy of future Phantoms. Through trials and tribulations, From the Chronicles of the First Phantom, Part Three explores themes of family, sacrifice, and the enduring battle between good and evil, solidifying the first Phantom’s place in the annals of the Walker family history.

The Phantom is depicted across a variety of locations as his adventures are envisioned by Jacob:

Based on the excerpt from From the Chronicles of the First Phantom-Part 3, the Phantom is featured in the following locations:

  • Skull Cave, Bengali: This is Kit’s home, a skull-shaped cave in a valley nestled among the Deep Woods, surrounded by a tribe of pygmies known as the Bandar.
  • Captain Kidder’s Fortress: The Phantom surveys an ancient fortress where Captain Tomas Kidder, a notorious pirate, is rumored to have taken refuge. The Phantom is captured here, but later escapes and returns to dismantle Kidder’s operations.
  • Scorpia Island: The Phantom intends to visit Scorpia Island, a place of ‘shadows and whispers’ to confront the Scorpia and Baron Esteban.
  • Gorée Island: The Phantom disembarks at Gorée Island, known for its role in the Atlantic slave trade, seeking information about Scorpia Island and the baron.
  • The Shade: The Phantom stands at the gunwale of The Shade as Captain Antonio stands at the helm of the ship.
  • Venice, Italy: The Phantom is involved in a duel in Venice.
  • Chartres, France: The Phantom makes his way to Chartres to rendezvous with a gathering of conspirators.
  • Bay of Malaga, Spain: The Phantom finds himself in the Bay of Malaga.
  • Spain: The Phantom is spotted moving through Spain from England, heading south.
  • Florence, Italy: The Phantom makes his dramatic entrance before an assembly of onlookers in the enchanting city of Florence.
  • Constantinople, Turkey: Chris notes that his father has been sent as a gift to Emperor Suleyman in Constantinople. The slave driver announces they have reached their destination at Constantinople.
  • Malta: Chris, Henri, and the Phantom quickly find a ship to take them to Malta.
  • Sicily, Italy: A ship arrived from Sicily, bringing bad news.
  • Media, Malta: The Phantom is headed to Media, about ten kilometers from the coast of northwestern Malta.

In From the Chronicles of the First Phantom-Part 3, the Phantom’s fight against slavery is a prominent theme, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to justice and the protection of human rights. His involvement begins with freeing the Bandar pygmies from enslavement by the Wasaka giants, enabling them to defend themselves with poison arrows. He also allies with Captain Antonio, whose father was killed by the Scorpia when he couldn’t meet their demands. Antonio infiltrated their ranks, gathering intelligence, before becoming a sailor. The Phantom later finds himself a captive on a slave ship headed for distant shores after being betrayed on Gorée Island, a notorious slave isle. This experience provides him with firsthand insight into the horrors of slavery and fuels his determination to dismantle the operations of those involved.

The Phantom’s fight against slavery intensifies as he becomes entangled with the Scorpia Menace led by Baron Esteban. After being forced into piracy, the Phantom uses his position to gather intel and orchestrates a mutiny, leading to an attack on the Scorpia fleet. This culminates in the rescue of numerous enslaved people held captive by the Scorpia, effectively dismantling their slave operations.

The Phantoms exploits heighten towards the last few chapters as the Phantom becomes embroiled in a plot involving the Singh pirates and the Spanish Inquisition in the Bay of Malaga. He is captured and tortured, but manages to escape and uncover a scheme to deliver the city of Malaga to Suleyman. He works with Dr. Castillo and his daughter and ultimately thwarts the Singh pirates’ plans, ensuring the safety of Malaga, and reunites with his son, Chris.

The Phantom becomes entangled in a web of betrayal and honor in Venice, where he faces Henri D’Auvergne, who seeks to avenge his father’s treachery. Despite saving Henri’s life, both are imprisoned. Chris, with the help of new allies, endeavors to rescue his father, only to witness him being sent as a slave to Emperor Suleyman in Constantinople. Chris then sets out to rescue his father.

Chris successfully rescues his father, and together, along with Henri and others, they embark on a mission to Malta to aid in the defense against the Turkish forces. Despite their valiant efforts, the Phantom is wounded in battle. He later dies of an infection in the Deep Woods.