The Phantom - The Mysterious Ambassador!

The Mysterious Ambassador is actually written by the Phantom's creator Lee Falk. This is one of a few of the Avon novels I actually got hold of and read way back in the day when they were landing on newsstands. But it's been a long time and reading it this time was like reading fresh. George Wilson's covers for these books are uniformly fine, but this one is a particular standout. This Hermes Press reprint is a very handsome little tome.

This novel was first published in 1973 and it's difficult not to imagine that the brutal dictator in the story was not inspired by the outrageous and sadistic Idi Amin who ascended to power in Uganda in 1971. In Falk's story a military leader named General Bababu seizes power in the country of Bangalla after losing a fair election. The real winner was a Dr. Luaga who at the time of the election was busy helping in a remote village with a plague. He was assisted by a full United Nations team, which happened to include the lovely Diana Palmer, the girlfriend of a certain Ghost Who Walks. 

Bababu who is described in the book as "half gorilla, half rhino, and all monster" seeks nothing less than the head of Luaga to prove that his opponent is well and truly dead. His forces shoot down a U.N. helicopter sent to rescue the team, but at this point the Phantom intercedes. He sends Bandar warriors to lead the displaced team to relative safety in the Deep Woods. We are treated to a small tour of the area and see some of the odd features already introduced by Falk in his comic strip. It was neat indeed to see the passion with which the Phantom greeted Diana when the party at last arrives safe and sound. 

This book is filled with some outstanding Phantom action. Falk emphasizes the power of the Phantom's punch and many a soldier loyal to the despot is laid out with a single blow. The struggle to get the medical team to safety is a harrowing one and not without mishap. But eventually they safe and then the Phantom's mission is transformed. He becomes "the mysterious ambassador" of the title, but the Ghost Who Walks practices his diplomacy with a distinctive hands-on approach likely not practiced by those formally trained in the profession. 

I found this to be an exciting installment, with a feeling of some greater gravity. There is death and sordid mayhem in the background of the story. People die, but many are saved due to the heroism of the Phantom, and that's the whole point. This one is highly recommended. 

Next up is The Mystery of the Sea Horse. 

Rip Off