#182 - Happy 85th Birthday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!





It is The Phantoms 85th Birthday - on this day back in 1936,
something amazing happened with the debut of a comic strip in the
newspapers that has changed the world and many peoples
lives. 


We at Chronicle Chamber have celebrated the birthday by talking
about each of the decades in detail and going over what we
believe are the key moments through out the Phantoms history.


Have a listen and tell us what you agree with and do not agree
with. Have we missed any key dates or moments? We would love to
hear back from you. Here are a few moments we discussed in the
podcast. The video will have images showing the dates.


1930's


Oath of The Phantom, Comics being published around the world,
strong character development, top stories, world wide appeal.


1940's


WW2, Frew Publications, Wilson McCoy and Alfred Bester filling in
for Lee Falk and Ray Moore, First mainstream merchandise, serial
featuring Tom Tyler, the first engagement, Mr Walker alias, love
interests from other characters to Diana and The Phantom.


1950's


Heaps of new countries (Brazil, Sweden, Indonesia, Denmark,
Norway etc), Jungle Patrol, the good mark and the Female Phantom
were both introduced. Our Phantom was first introduced as the
21st Phantom


1960's


Sy Barry started on the Daily and Sunday strips, modernisation of
the Phantom being moved to Africa and Bengalla becoming
independent breaking  from its former colonialism rule.
RGE/Semic started creating their own stories. Luaga, General
Bababu, Eden, Rex, Whispering Woods, Keela Wee, Phantom Peak and
Bomsbay Prison were all introduced.


1970's


The Phantom and Diana finally were married and then had two
children. The stories from Sweden had a left lean towards them
and emerged as the biggest producer of Phantom stories in the
world. Old Man Mozz, Kit and Heloise, Dogai Singh, Mori tribe,
Wasaki Tribe, origin of the Bandar friendship, the Dolphins, Hzz
and Steggy were all introduced. The 7th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th,
13th, 14th, 15th and 18th Phantoms are all introduced to readers
also.


1980's


Jim Shepherd took over Frew and modernised the comic. There was
an explosion of merchandise in Australia and Sweden helped by the
popularity of the clubs. Comic numbers sold in Brazil, Sweden and
Australia all peaked. Defenders of the Earth was introduced.
Fantomen Land in Sweden was opened and Frew went from the
dominate blue cover to yellow strip top.


1990's


The 1996 Billy Zane movie, Sy Barry retiring and Lee Falk passing
away was the big three of the decade. We were also introduced to
Lubanaga, perhaps the biggest foe the 21st Phantom has ever dealt
with. Fantomen moved to colour and Semic sold their rights to
Egmont. Unfortunately with Lee Falk nearing his end and Sy barry
retiring the newspaper stories hit an all time low. We also saw
the 2040 Phantom TV show.


2000's


Moonstone started publishing comics, Ulf Granberg was
instrumental is saving the newspaper strips existence with Cleas
Remeirthi and Tony DePaul. Continue decline in Egmont and Frew
sales. Introduction of Sandal Singh and the Python as major arch
nemeses to the 21st Phantom.


2010's


End of an era with Ulf Granberg retiring and Jim Shepherd passing
away. Frew Crew picked up the mantle and ran with it. Kid Phantom
and Fantomen Kids started. Introduction to the Nomad and numerous
swapping of newspaper artists. A bigger focus on Australian
created content.


We then discussed our favourite decades and had a go at
predicting what we believe will be key moments throughout the
2020's.

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