The Phantom set the standard for many superheroes to follow, including Superman and Batman.
First appearing in a comic strip in 1936, the Phantom predates even the first appearances of Superman (1938), Batman (1939), and Captain America (1940).
The Phantom set many standards for superheroes who would follow him, including the use of a secret identity (his real name was Kit Walker), a form-fitting costume and black mask for his eyes (with no visible pupils), and, like some prominent heroes like Batman, he possessed no superpowers. Instead, he relied upon his training, intelligence, and his fearsome reputation.
Although historically significant and rare, the Phantom's first appearance in a standard comic book appears to be undervalued.
In spite of him being the first superhero in many ways, or at least the first proto-superhero, key issues for The Phantom are very undervalued, in my opinion.
For example, let's take a closer look at the Phantom's first appearance in a standard comic book, Ace Comics #11.
Published in February 1938, this issue predates Action Comics #1. Not surprisingly, this issue is extremely rare; there are only 12 universal blue labels on the CGC Census. Yet, in spite of the historical significance of this character, and the lack of supply of this issue, this issue is actually still pretty affordable (if you could ever find it on sale).
As an example, a CGC 3.0 copy sold for just $2,899 back in June 2018. To me, that is shockingly low for an important Golden Age comic.
The Phantom's Silver Age key issues are even more affordable, but also still very rare.
PWCC currently has six Silver Age Phantom comics up for bids, including The Phantom #1, published in 1962, which includes the Phantom's origin, and a beautifully painted front and back cover by George Wilson.
Graded copies of this issue are extremely rare, even for a Silver Age issue. Specifically, there are only 124 universal blue labels on the CGC Census. Surprisingly, in spite of the above, this issue isn't that expensive. For example, the last sale for a CGC 8.0 copy of this issue (the most common grade on the Census) sold for just $450 in February of this year. The current bid on PWCC is just $8.
In addition to The Phantom #1, PWCC also has several other Silver Age Phantom issues up for bids including issues #3, #5, #8, #9, and #11. Like issue #1, these five issues also have beautifully painted covers by George Wilson. As of Saturday, October 14, bids on each of these issues were only $6.
Do you think the Phantom's key issues are undervalued? Please let our community know what your opinion is in the comments section below!
