The Phantom #17

Diana Palmer, a gifted swimmer and diver with a heart devoted to the Phantom, finds her life entwined with his across oceans and years. Though surrounded by admirers, her loyalty remains steadfast, even as their paths cross again in the wilds of the jungle.

In a jungle tale from The Phantom #17, the grandfather recounts the cursed legacy of Queen Samaris 12th, a ruler who cheated a witch to gain eternal youth—only to face the price centuries later. When the Phantom arrives, she traps him not for power, but to force a marriage she never expected to want. As the ancient witch’s curse takes hold, her youth collapses, revealing the true cost of her defiance.

In the heart of the jungle, Track Hunter and Oloo track a chimp clad in a hunter’s gear, terrorizing nearby villages with a rifle—only to discover the creature is no ordinary beast, but a trained animal with a deadly act. The mystery deepens as they confront the chimp’s uncanny precision and the unsettling truth behind his actions.

A Day with the Bambuti Pygmies offers a quiet, respectful glimpse into the lives of the Bambuti people, who see themselves as "the Children of the Forest." Through their daily rhythms, from gathering food with nets to hunting with poisoned arrows, the story captures their deep connection to their homeland and way of life.

In this jungle-set tale from The Phantom #17, the legendary hero shares a deep bond with the Bandar—small, secretive guardians who protect his true identity and guide the next generation of Phantom. Though unseen by most, their wisdom and loyalty are vital to his mission, proving that even the smallest allies can shape a legend.