Showcase #80

As the issue opens, a bunch of children huddle around a candle in a cave, talking about a “curse” that is about to hit the city. The Phantom Stranger appears, and hopes to puts the children at ease with a story.Phantom Stranger - “The Three Signs of Evil…”Like the funky font says...In Columbus Circle in New York City, a group of sorcerers gather to make use of the full moonlight, using symbols on a board. Artist Mark Davis comes passing by, and unknowingly sketches out the symbols as his newest work of art. The sorcerers catch notice, and believe Davis will interrupt their plans. The sorcerers ambush Davis at Times Square, but the assault is interrupted by the Phantom Stranger. The Stranger tries to deduce the meaning of the assault, and finds that each of the attackers wields ancient weapons.When the Stranger takes a look at Davis’ painting, he realizes that the symbols represent Columbus Circle, Times Square, and Washington Square. Each of these three locations must be part of their plans. Stranger and Davis investigate Washington Square. Stranger asks Davis to wait outside while he looks around, but once Stranger leaves, Davis is kidnapped and brought below the Square. The sorcerers plan on sacrificing Davis, but the Stranger interrupts. Stranger knocks out the “sorcerers,” but disappears just as the cops show up.Reprinted from The Phantom Stranger v1 #2Back in the present, as the Stranger finishes up his story, he disappears. The kids are amazed, and look for him. They find a couple, who ask what happened. When the couple discover the kids are looking for Phantom Stranger, their ears perk up. The man is Dr. Terrence Thirteen, and he has an interest in finding the Stranger. When the kids ask who he is, Dr. Thirteen tells them a story of why he disproves ghosts.Dr. 13 the Ghost-Breaker – “I Talked with the Dead!”Before his father’s death, Dr. Thirteen made a deal that they would meet up five years after his death. If ghosts were real, then...