Phantom Stranger

He is… A Stranger…

The Phantom Stranger is one of DC’s bedrock mystics.  No one knows his origins, although DC did feature the Phantom Stranger in an issue of Secret Origins in which they gave four different alternate tales for possible origins of the Phantom Stranger.

1. A man saved from God’s wrath and charged with turning people away from evil.
2. The Wandering Jew from the Christ’s crucifixion tale.
3. The essence of an already dead universe traveling in the body of a man who survived that universe’s collapse.
4. A fallen angel who did not take a side in the great war between Heaven and Hell, force to walk the Earth for all time.

It is up to the reader to decide if any of these origins are true or not, as it could be a yet as unrevealed origin that is the truth of the Phantom Stranger’s story.

What is known is the Phantom Stranger shows up to advise, give information, and to guide others, rarely does he take direct action in the events before him.   It is clear most of the magical community are aware of the Stranger and many have an extensive past with him, such as Madame Xanadu, who apparently was quasi romantically involved with the Stranger once upon a time.

The Phantom Stranger was a member of the Justice League of America, however due to his… unreliability, he was downgraded to honorary status.  When he shows up however, only the new members give him any sarcasm as the others have learned that the Phantom Stranger is best to be heeded should he make an appearance.  The JLA should they need to summon him now go through Zatanna.

First Appearance

Created By:  John Broome, Carmine Infantino, and Sy Barry

Powers

Awareness – The Phantom Stranger is keenly aware of events and he is drawn to places where his help is needed most.

Immortal – The Phantom Stranger is apparently immortal, having existed previous to the King Arthur days when he first encountered Madame Xanadu.

Magic – The Phantom Stranger is capable of casting all sorts of spells as needed, he almost always does this to guide the person he is helping to an eventual confrontation against the evil that is plaguing them.

Vulnerabilities

Phantom Stranger being immortal is impossible to kill for most individuals, however high level magic characters or deities could do so if they wished.  Most of the Phantom Stranger’s foes concentrate on distracting the Stranger rather than with direct confrontation.

Skills

Occultist – Phantom Stranger knows a great deal of occult lore which he uses in his quest.

Equipment

Amulet – The Phantom Stranger wears an amulet that he sometimes uses to focus spells, though in some stories the amulet is merely ornamental.