Guns, Part 1

Guns, Part 1
Produced for:	The Phantom #1 (1989)
# of pgs:	24
Writer:	Mark Verheiden
Artist:	Luke McDonnell
Original colorist:	Anthony Tollin, Adrienne Roy
Producer:	DC Comics

"Guns, Part 1" is a 1989 DC Comics story by Mark Verheiden and Luke McDonnell.

Plot synopsis

A British weapons dealer, Cammell, has arrived in the African country of Satif-Bioko, which is torn apart by civil war. Preparing a trip to sell off guns to the rebels, Cammell learns about the legend of The Phantom from an old man who claims to have met him as a child. Dismissing The Ghost Who Walks as native superstition he later meets up with General Gamin, the rebel leader, and delivers his merchandise.

While doing business, they are discovered by three patrolling members of the Jungle Patrol, and in order not to get caught Cammell ruthlessly has them all killed. Knowing that the Patrol is protected by The Phantom, Gamin immediately explains to Cammell that their arrangement now is over.

Eventually, in Bangalla, Colonel Worobu of the Jungle Patrol, calls his unknown Supreme Commander to inform him about the execution of the patrolmen, suspecting that Cammell is responsible for it. The Commander – being the Phantom – responds that he will be handling the investigation personally.

Some time later, having understood that his business with the rebels are over, Cammell turns to his contact on the other side, Satif-Bioko's Minister of Defense. Once again Cammell's plans are debunked, as he finds out that "The Phantom" already has paid a visit to the minister, who – noticeably shaken – explains that he no longer is interested in any relations with Cammell.

Finally, Cammell gets to meet The Phantom face-to-face, as The Ghost Who Walks arrives at his ship and finds evidence of his killing of the patrolmen. But before The Phantom is able to do anything about it, he finds himself surrounded by Cammell and his men, all armed.

Appearances

Recurring characters

• The 21st Phantom
• Unspecified past Phantom
• Devil
• Guran
• Hero
• Rex
• Colonel Worobu
• Cammell
• William

One-time characters

• Patrolman Jackson
• Patrolman Teeter
• Patrolman Dupont
• Ali
• General Gamin
• Defense Minister O'Botu
• Miriam (mentioned)
• Merriwell

Locations

• Bangalla
  • Deep Woods (not mentioned by name)
    • The Skull Cave
      • The Phantom Crypt
      • The Radio Control Room
      • The Chronicle Room
      • The Skull Throne
• Satif-Bioko
  • Daraj
  • Juba River
  • Lower Ikela River
• USA

Bangalla tribes

• Bandar

Organizations

• The Jungle Patrol

Vehicles

• The Rabbit's Foot

Behind the scenes

• When the origin of the Phantom is told in this story, as well as every DC story to follow, no specifics about the pirates attacking the ship of the future first Phantom are mentioned; the name Singh doesn't appear in the DC continuity. Nor is the first Phantom (or his father) named. Rex however refers to the current Phantom as "Uncle Walker", and in later DC stories his civilian name is said to be Kit Walker.

Related stories

Followed by

• "Guns, Part 2" by Mark Verheiden and Luke McDonnell

Referenced in

• "Framed, Part 2" by Mark Verheiden and Luke McDonnell

Reprints

This story has been published in the following publications:

Brazil

• "Armas", Fantasma #1 (1989)

Germany

• "Händler des Todes, Teil 1", Phantom #11 (2024)

Norway

• "Våpen, del 1", Fantomet 13/1993

USA

• "Guns, Part 1", The Phantom #1 (1989)
• "Guns, Part 1", The Complete Series: The Complete DC Comics Volume One (2021)