Writer – Peter David
Artist – Joe Orlando
Inker – Dennis Janke
Colours – Anthony Tolin
Letters – Todd Klein

The fourth and final issue of The Phantom continues its trek in two worlds, one in the past and one in the present and it finds its respective Phantoms doling out justice as only they can. In days of yore, the Phantom is on Tortuga, revenging himself upon the man called Chessman and all of those who are associated with him. It is the only way he can give power back to the name and the legacy he bears and he must be successful in order to do that. Peter David and Joe Orlando chronicle this tale and the Phantom cuts through the pirates like a hot knife through butter until only Chessman remains, chased across the ocean until there is nowhere left to go. Cutting to the current day, similar proceedings are taking place though it is in the big city and there are no pirates. The Phantom is looking to take out the man called Chessman, a repeat of what happened centuries past and to do as such, he will have to get his lady-love back first as she has been kidnapped by the villain. David and his partner in crime craft an exciting chapter of The Phantom’s exploits in this last issue of the series. The way the two stories weaved throughout each book was masterful and seeing them wrap up the way they did, mirroring each other as history repeats itself was perfect. With the demise of Chessman in the present, one does have to wonder if this chapter of the Phantom’s life is finally closed or if another relative will pick up the feud to continue it another day. As for the events of the past, they were just a tad more thrilling and far more interesting as the consequences of them and the repercussions of what that Phantom did would be felt in the present which would lead directly to what Kit and Chessman would do. Orlando, along with Dennis Janke, are just as good at storytelling as David and the two make a great pair, giving life to the Phantom over the years and making it as thrilling as they possibly can. Readers who pick up this series will find it a grand tale and while it had to end, one can enjoy the fact that it had a solid conclusion which sees the Phantom’s line continue with the possibility of more stories to come.

4 out of 5