The Phantom Stranger #22

The Phantom Stranger #22 was published by DC Comics in late 1972 as part of the character's long-running supernatural anthology series. During this era, the title leaned heavily into the gothic horror and occult-mystery trends popular in comics at the time, positioning the titular enigmatic figure as an observer of humanity's moral failings. The series served as a bridge between traditional superhero narratives and the darker, atmospheric storytelling that defined the Bronze Age of comic books.

The creative direction for this issue was deeply influenced by the editorial guidance of Joe Orlando, who curated the series to highlight moody, surrealist art. The visual style typically employed heavy shadows and intricate line work to emphasize the Stranger's ethereal and detached nature. Critically, the series was well-regarded for its ability to integrate moral parables into the DC Universe, often featuring the Stranger as a catalyst for justice rather than a traditional protagonist, which helped differentiate the title from its more action-oriented counterparts.