In 1952, there was a boom in the horror comic genre and National Comics Publications (the previous name of DC Comics) wanted its slice of the cake. Created by writer John Broome and artist Carmine Infantino in the comics’ Phantom Stranger #1 was part of the strategy to capitalize on the craze—the series was canceled after six issues though.
Nevertheless, this was the introduction of the Phantom Stranger, a mysterious figure—wearing a blue fedora and overcoat—who, at first, used to prove that supernatural events were hoaxes perpetrated by criminals. His most evident talent was his capacity for appearing where and when he was needed before simply disappearing.
After making a comeback in Showcase #80 (February 1969), the Phantom Stranger got another series that, once old material was reprinted, really made him a supernatural hero. Nowadays, he is known as a supernatural assistant to other heroes as he is apparently not allowed to end a crisis directly. Because of that, he became more of a guide to others.
One thing that is clear about the Phantom Stranger is that he is mysterious. His origins, the real extent of his powers, his identity, and his motivations, all is clouded in mystery.
What is the secret origin of the Phantom Stranger?
Like most of the old superheroes, the Phantom Stranger has more than one origin story. But contrary to others, his are only partly the result of reboots.
First of all, let’s establish that his real name, his true nature, or his origins have never truly been revealed. But in 1987, DC Comics published a special issue of Secret Origins (Vol. 2, #10) dedicated to the character. In it, multiple possible origins were introduced:
A scientist trapped in a time loop, a fallen Angel, a man who rejected heaven, a wandering Hebrew, and Judas Iscariot.
In one story, he was a man whose son was killed by King Herod and he blamed Jesus. Thirty years later, he finally got his vengeance, bribing a guard to let him take his place and participate in the flagellation of Christ. Because of that, he was condemned to “tarry in this world” and repented by helping others.
In another story with a religious element, he was an Angel who refused to ally himself with Lucifer, but also with God. Rejected by the two sides, he was forced to walk the Earth alone for all time.
Speaking of Angel, in another possible origin story, the Stranger was spared God’s wrath by an angel. When he committed suicide, the angel forbade him from entering the afterlife. Once again, he was then condemned to walk the Earth alone for eternity.
A fourth story is set in the future, near the end of the universe. The Phantom Stranger appeared to scientists who want to save the Universe but must face an avatar of Anti-Life. One scientist is then sent at the beginning of time to stop the dangerous enemy from preventing the creation of the Universe. Turns out that this man was the Stranger himself, becoming stuck in a time loop as he is created at the beginning as a result of his actions at the end.
And finally, The New 52 era went back to the religious angle. This time, the Phantom Stranger was implied to be none other than Judas Iscariot himself who, after betraying Jesus, tried to kill himself. He was stopped and judged by mysterious figures. As a result, he was condemned to repent.
How powerful is the Phantom Stranger?
The Phantom Stranger is mysterious and his powerful capacities don’t help to decipher the character’s actions. He could probably resolve by himself the situations he guides other heroes to confront as he seemed to possess limitless mystical abilities and deep knowledge of the supernatural realm.
Talking about knowledge, this may be his most useful tool. The Stranger seems to know everything, even things nobody’s supposed to know, and not just about what’s happening in his universe. This omniscience, his immortality, his capacity to travel through time and space, and his mystical knowledge seem without limit.
In conclusion, The Phantom Stranger is clearly an elusive, but fascinating character whose enigmatic nature and mystical abilities can be astonishing, and frustrating. From his origin stories to his often moral ambiguity, or even his role in the DC Universe, it’s often hard to know what to make of him, but this doesn’t stop him from being a guardian of the DC Comics universe.