Originally Posted By: Wonder Boy
\:lol\:



Getting back to "God in comics", I really like the SECRET ORIGINS 10 issue (January 1987) that gave four alternative origins for the Phantom Stranger, by four different creative teams.
Three of the four were religious/Christian (if not Biblical) in nature.



I like the Barr and Aparo one the best, centered on a priest of lagging faith, who Phantom Stranger tells his origin to. Where Phantom Strager was living in the time Jesus was crucified, and for his participation in the crucifixion is condemned to wander the earth for eternity, deprived forever of the family and friendships that others have. This one is the most reverent of the 4 stories.

The second by Paul Levitz and Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, also set in Biblical times, while spiritual, is less overtly Christian.

the third story, by Dan Mishkin and Ernie Colon/Pablo Marcos, is a more futuristic/alien origin, where his origin and powers are the byproduct if a scientific experiment. Somewhat reminiscent of a Green Lantern/guardians type story. The art is a bit Gil Kane-esque.

The last origin (probably the highlight for most), by Alan Moore and Joe Orlando, centers on when Satan (Lucifer) and the other angels plan a rebellion against God. Phantom Stranger is an angel, and is invited to take part in the rebellion, but stays in the sidelines to not alienate himself from either side. Aspects of the story take on a "better to rule in Hell than serve in Heaven" aspect. Although for the stranger, it isn't better.

The Barr/Aparo and Moore/Orlando stories are both provocative spiritual explorations. I tried to explain the nature of them, without giving you spoilers, if you haven't read them. But for either a religion-in-comics, or just good stories to add to your collection, I think it fills the bill in both categories.


That was a good issue. Never had much interest in the Phantom Stranger before than but presented with these different origins the character became interesting to me. The science one was the least interesting for me but just for the fact it was different than the other 3 gave it some merit. It's been a long time since I've read those stories but wasn't the Moore story less about ruling in hell since PG was basically shunned by both sides for not choosing a side? As a kid it just blew my mind that PG had essentially went to hell after being rejected by those in heaven.


Fair play!