Killing Time
| Killing Time | |
| |
| 1st publication: | Defenders of the Earth #2 (Mad Cave) |
|---|---|
| # of pages: | 24 pgs |
| Writer: | Dan DiDio |
| Artist: | Jim Calafiore |
| Producer: | {{{Producer}}} |
"Killing Time" is an US made Mandrake story from 2024.
Plot summary
Lothar and his son, Rick, come back in the Seven Nations. They are and aboard a jeep, set out in pursuit of Singh bandits, although the Singh deny any involvement connection with a plot they are even shot by the Phantom.
Meanwhile Mandrake goes on tour in casinos, giving a show in front of an audience who finds his tricks outdated. Again the Phantom appears and puts an end to the spectators' displeasure by using the magician's magic wand against them. The Phantom is surprised that Mandrake is only on tour while a few years ago they were fighting together. But Mandrake reveals that he came there to confirm his conviction: in front of him the public has deeply changed under the influence of Kro-Tan as all individuality seems to have disappeared among them and among casino staff. Suddenly one of the spectators stabs the Phantom in the back.
Meanwhile Rick arrives by helicopter at the ice station where Kro-Tan's weapons are stored.They hope to use these weapons for destroying the evil forces that now own St. Louis. Flash Gordon, already present at the base, explains to Kro-Tan that the situation on the planet Mongo has gone from bad to worse. However, strangely the latter - although originating from the distant planet - does not seem concerned by the dramatic events on Mongo. Finally, and when they are visiting the base's facilities, one of the workers, suddenly transformed into a Mongo monster, attacks Rick.
In the jungle Lothar and Rick notice that the new Phantom has a strange attitude: he coldly killed one of the bandits already arrested and he no longer refers to his ancestors as he did before. When they arrive in a completely devastated village they note that the victims are in fact only Singh pirates and not the native villagers. A survivor of the massacre reveals that he was saved by a “Phantom woman”. This is Jedda who appears and tells them that there are now two Phantoms, her uncle and her. She adds that unfortunately her father, the last Phantom, broke his oath to pursue the quest for justice from fathers to sons. But Lothar reminds her that her father can't be so evil; according to him, he still really loves her. It is her uncle who is lying to her, what however she doesn't want to believe.
On their side, Mandrake and the current Phantom - in fact the usurping uncle - are attacked by a bandit. The Phantom opposes the latter with a unusual cruelty, which surprises Mandrake and will probably reinforce his suspicions...
Appearances
Recurring characters
- Mandrake
- Lothar
- The Phantom
- Flash Gordon
One-time characters
- Rick, son of Flash Gordon.
- J.L., son of Lothar.
- Jedda, daughter of the Phantom.
- Kshin, Flash Gordon executive assistant.
- Kro-Tan, warrior on Mongo planet.
Locations
- Jungle of the Seven Nations
- Ice station
- various theaters for Mandrake's shows
Reprints
This story has been published in the following publications:
USA
- "Homecoming", Defenders of the Earth #2 (Mad Cave) (2024)