The Golden Perils fanzine series was released by Howard Hopkins in Maine, USA from 1984 thru till 1992. The series contains at least 20 editions catering to fans of pulp fiction, old-time radio, early science fiction, movie serials, and similar nostalgic and adventurous genres.

Fanzines are self-published magazines originating in the Science Fiction community which became an integral part of comic book culture in the 1950’s and 1960’s, offering an early avenue for industry news and information, as well as providing a platform for burgeoning artists to publish their own art inspired by popular characters and stories.

The series published a variety of comic book characters, with each edition generally focusing on the one character, which included Doc Savage, The Shadow, Green Hornet, Phantom Detective, Sheena, Flash Gordon and more. All editions are printed with black print on varying colored paper.

The Phantom was featured in edition number 5, published in July 1986. Printed on purple paper with black print, this edition features the Phantom on the front cover, an illustration by Franklyn E. Hamilton. The front and back covers can be seen below.

Franklyn E. Hamilton (1918–2008) was a celebrated American illustrator and pulp fiction artist, renowned for his meticulous pen-and-ink stippling technique. His distinctive style graced the covers and interiors of numerous fanzines and pulp-related publications, including Doc Savage Quarterly, Golden Perils, Echoes, and Pulp Vault. Hamilton’s work often paid homage to classic pulp heroes such as The Phantom, The Green Hornet, Doc Savage, and Dark Shadows, capturing the dynamic energy and nostalgia of early 20th-century pulp fiction.

Beyond his artistic contributions, Hamilton was deeply embedded in the pulp fan community, both as a collector and a creator. His illustrations were not only admired for their technical precision but also for their ability to evoke the essence of the pulp era. Hamilton’s legacy endures through his artwork, which continues to be celebrated by collectors and enthusiasts of pulp fiction and illustration.

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