Shakti Comics Announces The Phantom #28 & Mandrake #16: Two Classic Newspaper Adventures Return in Premium Editions
Shakti Comics expands its King Features lineup with The Phantom #28 – The Chain and Mandrake #16 – Pursuit of Cobra, bringing two legendary newspaper adventures to Indian readers in premium glossy editions.
Fans of classic newspaper adventure comics have another reason to celebrate. Shakti Comics has announced pre-orders for two highly anticipated titles – “The Phantom #28: The Chain and Mandrake #16: Pursuit of Cobra”.
Both books continue Shakti Comics commitment to publishing premium English editions of timeless King Features adventures, complete with glossy interiors and stunning new covers by Indian artist Avishek Biswas.
Whether you’re a lifelong Phantom collector or a Mandrake enthusiast, these releases are worthy additions to your bookshelf.
The Phantom #28 – The Chain
Regular Price: ₹299
Pre-order Price: ₹249
Creative Team
- Story: Tony DePaul
- Art: Bret Blevins
- Colours: King Features Syndicate
- Cover Art: Avishek Biswas
- Language: English
- Pages: 48 (Glossy)
Story
The Chain marks the conclusion of the recent Chronicles storyline and represents the 265th Phantom Daily adventure written by Tony DePaul. The story follows Kit Walker as he faces a dangerous prophecy where the legacy of the Phantom and the wisdom of his ancestors become central to his survival. Tony DePaul also intentionally revisits ideas from Lee Falk’s classic 1953 Sunday story of the same name, giving longtime readers a modern reinterpretation while remaining connected to Phantom mythology.
With dynamic artwork from Bret Blevins and an eye-catching cover by Avishek Biswas, this edition blends classic storytelling with contemporary visual appeal.
Mandrake #16 – Pursuit of Cobra
Regular Price: ₹299
Pre-order Price: ₹249
Creative Team
- Story & Art: Fred Fredericks
- Cover Art: Avishek Biswas
- Pages: 32 (Glossy)
Story
Pursuit of Cobra is one of the memorable Mandrake the Magician newspaper adventures originally created by Lee Falk and illustrated by Fred Fredericks. The story pits Mandrake against his greatest recurring enemy Cobra (Luciphor), a master of black magic and one of the character’s oldest adversaries. Cobra seeks immense power through scientific inventions and deadly weapons, forcing Mandrake and Lothar into another high stakes confrontation. The story originally ran in newspaper strips between 1995 and 1996.
An interesting Easter egg for Phantom fans is the brief appearance of Kit Walker through a Phantom mask cameo during the story.
Bonus Poster
Collectors will also receive a large Phantom poster illustrated by Avishek Biswas, making this release even more attractive for longtime fans of the Ghost Who Walks.
Art By Avishek Biswas
Shakti Comics has steadily built a reputation for introducing premium editions of classic King Features characters to Indian audiences. These releases preserve legendary newspaper adventures while offering modern production quality, attractive cover artwork and affordable pricing.
For younger readers, these books provide an excellent introduction to two of Lee Falk’s greatest creations. For veteran collectors, they represent another opportunity to own beautifully produced editions of stories that helped define adventure comics.
Comics Byte Take
With The Phantom #28 concluding a major modern storyline and Mandrake #16 reviving one of the magician’s classic battles against Cobra, Shakti Comics continues to deliver quality editions for Indian comic readers.
At an introductory price of ₹249 each, both books offer excellent value for collectors looking to expand their King Features collection.
If you’re a fan of classic adventure comics, these pre-orders deserve a spot on your reading list.
Availability: The Phantom #28 – The Chain and Mandrake #16 – Pursuit of Cobra are available for pre-order through Shakti Comics. Readers can also check with major comic book retailers and online bookstores across India for availability after release, as selected retailers may stock these titles depending on inventory. Cheers – Comics Byte!!
The Phantom the Complete Dailies 31: 1984-1986 (Phantom: the Complete Newspaper Dailies)
