The Phantom Stranger Omnibus Overview | Who is The Phantom Stranger?

The book we thought would never come, is here! Here is my overview of The Phantom Stranger Omnibus from DC Comics. With gorgeous art by Carmine Infantino, Neal Adams and Jim Aparo.
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[@tylerhacker4685]

Hopefully DC sees this as an opportunity to reprint the occult books like the Spectre and Deadman omnis

[@kade82]

While I have both omnis you mention, I would love for DC to also publish omnis for the 1980s and 1990s Spectre series.

[@alexpage10]

You have no idea how desperate I am for a Spectre Omni by John Ostrander. I want that book more than anything else in this world.

[@Bryndor_]

They’re reprinting omnis like Zero Hour and Gail Simone Wonder Woman so here’s hoping those get reprinted by 2024.

[@alexpage10]

@@Bryndor_ I also hope they reprint the Wrath of Spectre Omni

[@Bryndor_]

@@alexpage10yeah since that one and Deadman came later in 2020 here’s hoping they get a surprise reprint like the ZH and WW 😁

[@kade82]

Omar, as someone who can't draw a straight line, I was always impressed that Jim Aparo used to pencil, ink, and letter a page per day (or 20 pages per month). Such a talent and definitely one of my favorite artists.

[@TheWisestWizards]

Beautiful dust jacket and spine! They did a great job with this release, hope it sells well.

[@ancientonezero]

I'm sitting here holding my copy of the Phantom Stranger omnibus. And there's a tear in my eye. It's worth the wait. 👍

[@Robd07]

You know what we need is a complete Steve Ditko Mysterious Traveller omnibus! I love comics from the silver/bronze age. This def will be on my list!

[@sergiofreitas441]

Omnibus of the year.

[@Robd07]

Mmmm....had this been a complete 50-60s era it would have been perfect. The later modern stuff is so/so.

[@zhisangchen4562]

This omnibus is one of the only chance to read Phantom stranger. DC infinite app only has a couple of issues. Even pirate sites don’t have much. Unless you can hunt down individual issues the omnibus might be the one way. It’s a perfect example why physical is so important

[@ericliu8488]

There was a black and white showcase presents that had a bunch of issues

[@vincentfranklin17]

Phantom Stranger is one of DC Comics most underrated mystical heroes! I'll look for this!

[@Robd07]

This looks like Steve Ditkos stories

[@armandosaldana1729]

On issue #1 of COMIC BOOK ARTIST magazine, dedicated to Bronze Age DC they remark on the fact that PHANTOM STRANGER cover appeared “virtually simultaneously with HOUSE OF SECRETS #92 (first Swamp Thing) and SAVAGE TALES #1 (first Man-Thing)”. They interviewed Wein, Wrightson and Orlando. Of course, it all comes from The Heap from the 1940s.

[@camilocuba6927]

It’s real and it looks spectacular. I feel like DC’s dedication to reprinting their lesser known characters went out the door when Paul Levitz left. Hopefully this does well enough for them to try other non-Trinity characters.

[@TheAdorableBrentHogan-gn3ht]

This is so cool. Now imagine if they will print Sgt Rock omnis. The Joe Kubert art would look great with new scans.

[@Robd07]

I wish they had Sgt Rock...50 issues in a complete omni!

[@mjcook3922]

The cover art on this one is gorgeous.

[@Eyrrll]

I am pretty excited for this because it finishes a Deadman, Spectre, Phantom Stranger trifecta for me.

[@rlightbourneify]

My copy is on the way! Okay DC can we get a Jonah Hex omnibus, please and thank you take my money now!

[@HunHaze]

Finally, he's here for you It's the last member of the OMNI crew! This Phantom's so strong, it isn't funny Can make a Swamp Thing cry out for mummy I can pick up this book with relative ease Makes reading comics seem such a breeze He may be cryptic, he seems kinda shy But this Stranger's one hell of a guy!

[@josephpetersen1728]

I have 0 nostalgia for this older stuff but I love going back in time reading these comics

[@markzimmer5467]

"IT'S REAL!" Nice, Omar. I had my doubts after the many years of teasing.

[@WarBrer]

I can't believe it! Ordered my copy yesterday and it still won't be real until it arrives.

[@Robd07]

Im into Steve Ditko stuff..and this looks really good to have!

[@just23bulls]

Not a book for me personally but it’s nice to see this book coming out! It definitely got the Batwoman treatment for a looong time lol

[@blacksun7471]

Tempted to get this. Is the vein, at least in my mind. I'm still kicking myself on missing out on The Spectre Omnibus.

[@greendaleforever]

DC's been pretty great with reprints lately, i'd expect this one to come back soon

[@YellowfinGrouper]

This is a must for me. I loved the Phantom Stranger as a boy. It is these 12c, 15c and 25c issues with Jim Aparo tgat I bought as a boy and enjoyed. The cover with the silhouette of the man frying in the electric chair is surely the most chilling comic cover ever. I am so glad you appreciate Jim Aparo, Omar. I think he is an incredibly underrated artist. My second favourite Batman artist after Neal Adams. I hope this volume gets the sales and appreciation which it deserves. My only negative is the later attempts to give him an origin and suggest that he is a fallen angel. I want the Stranger to stay a mystery.

[@Robd07]

Its all about Nostalgia! I wasnt born during Marvels 60s superhero Spiderman/Avengers era...but they really are cool to read especially the letter pages. Im big into the Ps Artbooks! Those comics from that era are more exciting than todays comics!

[@Mr_Rob_otto]

Neal Adams went on the record somewhere stating that the swamp creature he created on the cover was definitely not a prototype of Swamp Thing. Adams said it has no relationship whatsoever to Swamp Thing and he would not take any credit for creating Swamp Thing.

[@NearMintCondition]

Thank you.

[@shaddouida3447]

​@@NearMintCondition Batman and Catwoman Valentine's Day Special Green Lantern and Star Sapphire Valentine's Day Special Aquaman and Mera Valentine's Day Special Wonder Woman and Steve Trevor Valentine's Day Special Superman and Lois Lane Valentine's Day Special Nightwing and Batgirl Valentine's Day Special Green Arrow and Black Canary Valentine's Day Special Joker and Harley Quinn Valentine's Day Special Constantine and Zatanna Valentine's Day Special Beast Boy and Raven Valentine's Day Special Flash and Iris West Valentine's Day Special Hawkman and Hawkwoman Valentine's Day Special

[@shaddouida3447]

​@@NearMintCondition Batman and Catwoman Summer Special Green Lantern and Star Sapphire Summer Special Aquaman and Mera Summer Special Wonder Woman and Steve Trevor Summer Special Superman and Lois Lane Summer Special Nightwing and Batgirl Summer Special Green Arrow and Black Canary Summer Special Joker and Harley Quinn Summer Special Constantine and Zatanna Summer Special Beast Boy and Raven Summer Special Flash and Iris West Summer Special Hawkman and Hawkwoman Summer Special

[@cruelangel8689]

After so long, was nice to finally get that 'order shipped' email!

[@projektvyking7521]

This omni has been elusive as the Stranger himself; one step closer to a Trinity of Sin omni or at least New 52 Stranger Deluxe

[@jonny9884]

Pre-ordered mine a few weeks ago. I was first interested in it because of Jim Aparo, who's Phantom Stranger may be gracing the spine, but then Jess got me jazzed about it as well. Hope to have it and the Superman For All Seasons Absolute next week !

[@Joenah5]

I’m kind of surprised this actually exists after all those cancellations and delays

[@JoeArnold333]

Im dying to see your Batman Adventures omnibus review! Just seen the final dust jacket design and damn is it beautiful might be the best looking dc omnibus ever imo!

[@NichoMania2]

So happy with this. Hope we get more and more C/B-list character omni’s like this, Id love the war heroes to get omni’s, like Unknown Soldier, Phantom Tank, The Losers, Sgt Rock, and Black Hawk. Then maybe we could get Infinity Inc and The Outsiders too. 😊(and Blue Beetle, Captain Marvel (DC), og Charleston comics, and og Faucet comics, etc)

[@kade82]

Please stop reading my want list. Lol

[@zhisangchen4562]

Pretty sure this is the plan going forward. At least two C tier a year. However going forward in compendium format instead.

[@sirlordcapybara801]

Don't forget Captain Atom, Vigilante, Firestorm, Amethyst, and many others I can't think of right now!

[@NichoMania2]

@@sirlordcapybara801 Absolutely, and Allstar Squadron, Justice Society, and Ragman... never forget Ragman! 😌[I also want Booster Gold omni's so badly too.....heck, more Superman post-crisis ones too, I swear the fact Exile and Death of is still all we got is baffling to me, unless you count Superman/Batman too]

[@toeknee1505]

Thanks for this DC omnibus review, Omar. I really do not know anything of this character, and I appreciate your review!

[@miguellupi8709]

Jim Aparo, Neal Adams. Nothing else needed to decide.

[@TheComicBookReport]

Was interested in seeing coverage on this 👏 Thanks :D

[@d.truett9980]

Thanks for covering this one. Yeah, you aren’t familiar with the older books - the Jim Aparo art _I_ grew up enjoying - but unlike others who do these previews, you at least tried to “brush up “ on your knowledge. And, just as importantly, you do a great job of sharing more visuals of the art, table of contents, etc. Plus, you revere the Art of Jim Aparo! Shows great taste.😎 As someone else pointed out, this omnibus and the Spectre omnibus and the Deadman and the three Bronze Age Brave and Bolb omnibus books combined with ther recent Aquaman books and the Batman & the Outsiders books almost amount to a complete collection of Aparo art (I’d still like to see a collection of his work done for “The Outsiders 1-28, 1985-88, the last time he did pencils, inks & lettering). For now, this is a terrific addition for Aparo art lovers. It’s amazing to see the quantum leap in quality that takes place in his Art between issue 7 and issue 14 or so. And I still think DC made a mistake by not using the cover art from issue 21 for the cover of this omnibus: It’s perfect.

[@OrangeGeemer]

Ordered mine today! First time I saw the guy was in COIE, then Swamp Thing, then JLA... he was always around, but never read anything dedicated to him (which made him more mysterious). Really glad DC gave him an omnibus.

[@mehernoshtarapore8902]

Hope a jonah hex omnibus or compendium will ever be solicited

[@ebilliot510]

Hard to believe that it is finally real!!!

[@kevinvendt5948]

Do my eyes deceive me? The Phantom Stranger exists! Definitely will be adding this one to my library.

[@vincentimbesi3947]

The Jim Aparo art is the main selling point for me. I can’t wait to read my copy.

[@ianfleetwood8804]

Got to agree there. Aparo's art is so over looked. Apraomayno longer be with us, but he was consistent and he never failed to deliver.

[@MandoAllDay]

Can't wait to get this.

[@robertday4390]

I thought the Stranger would be more prominent on the dust jacket cover but the design looks pretty good regardless. Seems to be an interesting read for those with the budget to pick it up. Thanks Omar!

[@matthalteman823]

I wonder what the thinking was regarding the exclusion of the 4-issue mini-series from 1987 by Paul Kupperberg and Mike Mignola.

[@chaplinreid]

Great review of the Phantom Stranger omnibus book. It been a long time for fans of comic book series but here it is and its a beautiful book . Hopefully they will start doing Spectre and Dead Man Omnibus book. Brilliant omnibus book review thank you very much Omar. 📚👍👍

[@siriactuallysara]

Thank you I appreciate your hard work on this volume. I saw it yesterday for sale and was interested. Since I like classic comics.

[@evanperdue3006]

So this has got the inspiration for Swamp Thing if I'm correct. It predates House of Secrets. At least what I was told

[@Krypton_Ken]

Tempted to get this, I've never read these but I love the creators and characters involved. Great review as always, Omar, thanks!

[@Rodimusprimerib]

Never read anything Phantom Stranger related always him as a side character. Happy this finally came out after the long and almost fabled release

[@jordanthomas4379]

Hey Omar, do you think the kurt busiek Conan omnibus will get a reprint in the near future?

[@carrion_man3700]

My copy is on the way! Will look nice next to my Deadman and Spectre Omnis.

[@YellowfinGrouper]

Wow. I thought this would never appear so I have been collecting the individual issues.

[@Robd07]

This is def an upgrade with cleaned up pages and bright art!

[@fireboy312002]

Great design. Glad you got it, Omar?

[@hi36609]

Oh Jim Apparo involved.. am sold.

[@jeffsuter344]

Not jinxing it. I see it on the screen but won't believe it until it is in my hand. Been disappointed so often over 4 years. Got it on pre-order. We do need Ostrander's Sspectre.

[@FearMonarch]

18:05 *a mighty twhomp*

[@NFLDude56]

Phantom Stranger's going to be a reverse Gotham by Gaslight. Omar has his copy and Jess' copy is going to be held up and delayed for months.

[@xfctrinc]

Btw Omar you're at your humor peak here bro.

[@craigcamplin9580]

Holy Cow! Finally Here! Or maybe it's an illusion.....???

[@nidoqueen106]

17:15 "I dont know if anyone else was like that as a kid, wanting to know all and read all about the DC universe" heck I'm 28 and am CURRENTLY trying to do that. Never really read Marvel or DC as a kid I was more of a Manga kid, but Ive trying to read all about dc & marvel teams & heroes that sound interesting to me. I will say though Phantom stranger, didnt quite speak to me I only really like the crossovers w/ Deadman

[@NearMintCondition]

Good Journey in this massive world!

[@theoneiros8380]

We need ostranders spectre and martian manhunter omni

[@andrewprescher5235]

Now if they will just reprint the Secptre omnibus. When they are going for hundreds of dollars, you would think DC would get the idea.

[@McDuendis]

I think I will pass on this, waiting for others omnis. Oh, and the GL compendium. By the way, if i had grew up with this one i would buy it but I haven't so I am not that into it, at least not these stories. And great for those who to like this one 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@ComicCrossing]

I really hope youre able to do a Superman For All Seasons overview in the next couple days. Would love to see what it looks like before I commit to a purchase

[@henlohenlo689]

yeah the marvel comics art is amazing in my opinion. i love the fzero video game comicbook art. there was a video game back for snes called 'war of the gems' the game not only had great art, but the music on the game was amazing in my opinion aswell. i appreciate the stuff they done. the concept of the game was similar to united nations and how global powers compete for power and the final villain was thanos. but the game helps the concepts of real life to be more easier absorbed or absorbed in a more entertaining fashion i guess or flavorful fashion of stories that can relate to real life stuff.

[@Untitledfoundtape]

this cover goes HARD

[@jimkrueger2500]

I do wish it also had the Paul Kupperberg and Mike Mignola limited Series.

[@Robd07]

This def has a House of Mystery feel..im getn it!

[@CarlosDias-er6dd]

I don't know why but this book would go well along my Sandman and Lucifer Omnis and my Swamp Thing box set. (and the Hellblazer and Books of Magic Omnis as long as I get them!)

[@MrMarcusToliver]

Want them to collect Superman’s Girlfriend Lois Lane… Some controversial issues in there that I would like to read!😊💝

[@joshuahelmeke]

OOOOOOOHHH SHIT!!!!!!!!!! ❤🎉

[@mjcook3922]

One thing I've noticed is that comics in these eras and through the 60s were saturared in yellow. Yellow shadowing on faces or solid yellow backgrounds. It makes the panels less appealing to me.

[@xfctrinc]

Hey Omar, and other fellow minties, Lethem's Omega the unknown, buy or pass?

[@fishin4bass2002]

The question isn’t who is phantom stranger but who isn’t phantom stranger?

[@ervingarcia874]

The Phantom Stranger looks a lot like Peter Cushing

[@NearMintCondition]

Yes! Now I see that too.

[@kingcjr]

Is it just me,or does he occasionally look like Peter Capaldi in the first three issues of the Stranger’s 60s solo title?

[@ReaperXC]

$250 in Australia. No thanks. I'll get it digitally.

[@fortcastellan1730]

If I had an unlimited budget--and more importantly, unlimited shelf space--I'd probably get this. If only to encourage them to expand beyond the strict the superhero genre...But, alas, space is limited, and I don't have any particular interest in the character, and I doubt I get much re-reading out of the book....

[@phyllis9998]

Yes, Aparo was the definitive Batman arttist for me... until Norm Breyfogle came along.

[@collectingmemoriesyt]

I'm not dure about this one. I'm interested in the character but find pre-Crisis DC very hit or miss. Maybe if i can get it used or from a book remainder store for $60 I'll bite. The art does look fantastic, however.

[@andrewwilson4676]

I do like that DC is starting to do more omnibus of lessee known characters. However I don't like the 1100+ phone books. I think the 800-1000 page rang is the sweet spot. Plus the $150 is a bit much especially for REPRINTS

[@shaddouida3447]

Batman and Catwoman Valentine's Day Special Green Lantern and Star Sapphire Valentine's Day Special Aquaman and Mera Valentine's Day Special Wonder Woman and Steve Trevor Valentine's Day Special Superman and Lois Lane Valentine's Day Special Nightwing and Batgirl Valentine's Day Special Green Arrow and Black Canary Valentine's Day Special Joker and Harley Quinn Valentine's Day Special Constantine and Zatanna Valentine's Day Special Beast Boy and Raven Valentine's Day Special Flash and Iris West Valentine's Day Special Hawkman and Hawkwoman Valentine's Day Special🤞🙌🙏

[@shaddouida3447]

Batman and Catwoman Summer Special Green Lantern and Star Sapphire Summer Special Aquaman and Mera Summer Special Wonder Woman and Steve Trevor Summer Special Superman and Lois Lane Summer Special Nightwing and Batgirl Summer Special Green Arrow and Black Canary Summer Special Joker and Harley Quinn Summer Special Constantine and Zatanna Summer Special Beast Boy and Raven Summer Special Flash and Iris West Summer Special Hawkman and Hawkwoman Summer Special🤞🙌🙏

[@balkthor]

Kindof a shame that they canceled it so many times. I preordered it every time, and finally just gave up and took it as a sign. Of course, that's the one that actually stuck. Sure, I could pick it up now but honestly I kinda lost interest in this particular one. It is a beautiful cover though.

[@blueg8731]

150 dollars....

[@kurumais]

i would like to read this but not buy itf