Phantom Stranger #5 Discussion/Spoilers

[SpycrabKiller]

Wouldn't it be awesome if The Question were in the background of every comic in April the way that Pandora was in September 2011?

And Constantine was not in the issue, aside from Dr. 13's mentioning him as a kind of needless recap of last issue.

Has The Question talked Dr. 13 into betraying the Stranger somehow with this poker game? I do want to see what happens next . . .

Actually, considering the Prologue to Trinity War starts this month I think, I wonder if May is the month Trinity War starts.


Pandora was in the Issue 1s, Stranger has his own book. Maybe Question DOES appear in April. Pandora began the build up, now it's time for Vic to end it and start the shwo.

[Outside_85]

I don't read Titans. What's Trigon's story in the New52 so far?

You only need to read #1 of Phantom Stranger, his appearance in TT served as nothing but introduce Raven post-reeducation and hint that Trigon has plans for her.

But short recap of what we do know:
Still a powerful demon
Appeared completely calm when meeting the Stranger, a trait that's passed on to Belial
Knows the Stranger is Judas
Destroyed Azerath a few years ago
Was poised to launch an invasion of Earth to look for Raven

[crossbones]

while i loved the Question appearance here, i do wish DC would stop beating around the bush and just gave him an ongoing already.

maybe this june we'll get one.

[JimmyOlsenMustDie]

Don't forget that he has three sons, and a daughter . . .

You only need to read #1 of Phantom Stranger, his appearance in TT served as nothing but introduce Raven post-reeducation and hint that Trigon has plans for her.

But short recap of what we do know:
Still a powerful demon
Appeared completely calm when meeting the Stranger, a trait that's passed on to Belial
Knows the Stranger is Judas
Destroyed Azerath a few years ago
Was poised to launch an invasion of Earth to look for Raven

[Bookem Danno]

You only need to read #1 of Phantom Stranger, his appearance in TT served as nothing but introduce Raven post-reeducation and hint that Trigon has plans for her.

But short recap of what we do know:
Still a powerful demon
Appeared completely calm when meeting the Stranger, a trait that's passed on to Belial
Knows the Stranger is Judas
Destroyed Azerath a few years ago
Was poised to launch an invasion of Earth to look for Raven

Thanks for the 411.

[BooCoo]

I absolutely loved the clash between PS and S! Classic stuff, with good insight as to how both entities see each other. I'm still not completely sold on the "Judas" angle (at least not how we know it) for the simple reason that a single betrayer on one world would NOT make a universal cosmic entity. That would impact earth but not existence at large. Something is missing somewhere in PS's history, I think. Or he's somewhat amnesiac (by design?) If his deed of betrayal is the "sin" everyone assumes it to be, why would wizards be in judgement and not apostles? Or is PS a variation of Judas in all timelines and/or universes? It's the only way to account for his cosmic importance. Otherwise, this angle makes NO SENSE AT ALL. He clearly has two aspects. The protector guide/ destroyer revenger. Can Spectre be right about him and his nature? Also, is there power in saying his true name, as was hinted at one time? And are both "sides" parlaying on his duality? One minute the dude's all calm and zen, the next...he want to burn/blow everything up. Either he'll fight all existence on your behalf or kill you on the spot. Like a box o' chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get. He don't suffer fools, that's for sure. And of course, the demon chicks dig him. Check volume 2 and the Hellblazer series for details (a rather hellish lookin' PS, too). Tala needs to return someday. Just sayin.' Does the Question have animosity towards the Stranger?

My own theory on the coin collar is that it's really a controller leash. Phantom Stranger is DC's cosmic frankenstein.

[RKitch]

I do agree with that. John Constantine's appearance in issue 4 pretty much marked it.

And I don't know if I'm to only one, but I'll definitely be missing Jae Lee's covers after this issue. I think they're done with, but overall I'm really happy something happened after issue 4 and now with 5 because I almost dropped it after 2 and now I'm glad I gave it a second shot.

[dubbauw]

I do agree with that. John Constantine's appearance in issue 4 pretty much marked it.

And I don't know if I'm to only one, but I'll definitely be missing Jae Lee's covers after this issue. I think they're done with, but overall I'm really happy something happened after issue 4 and now with 5 because I almost dropped it after 2 and now I'm glad I gave it a second shot.

I will be too, Lee's covers have been some of the best in the New 52. Just wonderful. But this title really has picked up, and I think is doing a great job besides some meh art every now and then.

[RKitch]

I think the art switch from the zero issue to the #1 was a bad move, only because one art type was teased and then another is used in the actual series. If it wasn't a Wave 3 title, it wouldn't be as big of a deal for me.

[dubbauw]

I think the art switch from the zero issue to the #1 was a bad move, only because one art type was teased and then another is used in the actual series. If it wasn't a Wave 3 title, it wouldn't be as big of a deal for me.

Yeah, I don't know exactly what I don't like about the current art, maybe it's too blurry or not clean enough.

[BooCoo]

I can see it now...

(Phantom Stranger walks with a friend) "It's as I told you, I can help."

(Man) "I didn't know who else to turn to. Do you really think we can find my missing kid?"

"Yes, but I cannot interfere directly. Lead on, I will be at your side. Walk with me."

"Sure."

STABS.

"Wha-??"

(Stranger stands dramatically over fallen man, cape swirling) "My friend, you are perished. But perish knowing that you'll die for the greater good."

Man (lying face down in dirt with knife in back) "@@&$& you, Stranger."