About

The occasional scribblings of Tony DePaul, father, grandfather, husband, freelance writer in many forms, recovering journalist, long-distance motorcycle rider, blue routes wanderer, topo map bushwhacker, blah blah…

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26 Responses to About

  1. Sagnik (HojO) says:
    May 24, 2021 at 1:54 am

    Hello Tony,
    I’m a long time Phantom fan and follower of the current strips. In your era we have some nice stories, a couple of tough recurring villains and other new characters. Plus, in your early period at the strips, we have some fantastic Eden stories. Infact, any adventure around Phantom’s isle is my favourite but you gave us some mysterious plots, hidden temple etc, which made Eden even more interesting(and the subsequent Egmont tales extended this).
    So here is my question – Why we are not having an Eden story lately? Mr. Ryan was terrific in those strips and now that we have two equally class artists, I will request you to consider Eden an option in the future plots(either of sunday/daily). Eden and it’s animals are big part of Phantom world, please bring them back.

    Thanks, Sagnik

    Reply
    • Tony says:
      May 24, 2021 at 7:37 am

      Hello Sagnik,

      You know it’s funny, I’ve been thinking about Eden lately, only because I’ve been writing a Sunday story centered on the Mori Coast. In fact, I’ll be filing new weeks for Jeff Weigel this morning. The Mori, as you know, would deliver part of their catch to the big cats on Eden.

      Eden does present a few challenges when writing for an audience in 2021, however. What do you do with Hzz? and Stegy? Those features of Eden seem awfully outdated nowadays. But we did have fun with the temple stories and steered clear of difficulty, so yes, Eden is still good material. I’ll give it some thought.

      Thanks for writing.

      Reply
      • Sagnik (HojO) says:
        May 24, 2021 at 9:00 am

        Hello again Tony,
        Thanks for the reply and glad to hear about Mori – they are a definite part of Eden. While everything associated with Eden fascinates me including that Temple, I understand your doubt over the extent of exposure of Stegy & Hzz n family. Afterall, Falk introduced them much before the Jurassic Park happened, and their active presence in the ’70s/’80s strips were engrossing, in a fantasy way.

        At the present time, if you will ask me, you can show them in a couple of images with all other animals, just to give readers a proper view of the animal world of Eden. Then move the story in a way that will not require any active participation of these prehistoric creatures. This way both old and new fans will be happy.

        When I re-read old Falk-Barry strips of Eden, those always give a campy feeling which is good but repetitive after a point. The late ’80s daily “Rex – prince of Baronkhan” was the first story in Eden with a Phantom-like conspiracy plot. With that and your own mystery elements, I do believe we can have some even better adventures at that isle.

        Thanks, Sagnik

        Reply
        • Sagnik(HojO) says:
          June 12, 2022 at 8:17 am

          Hello Tony,
          Thanks for bringing back Eden in the ongoing sunday strip. Eden was long overdue and I see through Diana’s comment, you have recognised that fact. 😄

          Hopefully Phantom will spend some time with the animals – so we can have that iconic view of Eden(Phantom with his animals) – before heading for the actual purpose(I guess he doesn’t want Diana to get involved in this situation and will left her with the animals, safer that way).

          Reply
          • Tony says:
            June 12, 2022 at 8:39 am

            You have a good handle on how the Phantom thinks, Sagnik. Thanks for following the strip.

            Reply
            • Sagnik (HojO) says:
              June 12, 2022 at 9:19 am

              Tony,
              It’s a pleasure. Among all the new Phantom stories have been created in the last 15+ years, newspaper-strip version remains the most faithful with great Falk’s original series. Even when I don’t like how a strip concluded, it’s no problem to recognise the basic Phantom World we know since the childhood, which is not the case with many newer stories.

              Post Script – Phantom family is no longer living or even visiting their modern abode – Tree House or Castle-in-Air. Is growing up of the twins the primary reason? (I hope am not bothering you with all these queries, being a crazy Phan!)

              Reply
              • Tony says:
                June 12, 2022 at 10:22 am

                Very true, Sagnik, the treehouse doesn’t get much ink anymore. The last time it appeared was in the daily story The Challenge. See July 3, 2015.

                Reply
  2. Robert Carignan says:
    April 24, 2021 at 8:20 am

    I just read your final tribute to Mr Flores in PHANTOM. Thank you.

    Reply
  3. Dave Weyermann says:
    October 11, 2019 at 5:15 pm

    Tony, I read your story about lymphoma. Very sorry to hear.
    I’ve been working with cannabis meds (RSO) to treat cancer.
    I’m not sure how you feel about this topic,
    but if you are interested, I would be happy to be of any help,

    Reply
    • Tony says:
      October 11, 2019 at 5:20 pm

      I’ll read up on it, Dave. Which means I’ll get Pam to 🙂 My scary-smart executive assistant is a reading machine, doesn’t miss a thing.

      Thanks so much for writing.

      Reply
  4. Keith Carreiro says:
    December 10, 2018 at 12:05 pm

    Hi, Tony,

    David Bright recommended that I contact you and see if you and I can get together for a coffee, talk shop and see what we have in common and uncommon.

    Please give me a shout out if you are so inclined . . .

    Best,

    — Keith

    Reply
  5. Dudley Hogarth says:
    May 31, 2017 at 8:56 pm

    Tony,
    Have just read “That’s it for me and the Phantom”. It is a travesty and complete injustice! If there was one ounce of moral compass in the corporate corner such an act of deceitful manipulation of labour could never occur. I congratulate you on your time of faithful service to The Phantom universe and for walking away with your dignity intact.
    Enjoy the open road and thank you for the many wonderful stories that were so true to the Lee Falk legacy!
    Best regards
    Dudley

    Reply
  6. Monica says:
    July 28, 2014 at 9:55 pm

    Hi Tony. I’ve been doing some research on my family tree, just starting out, actually. You had written about an Alvin Overlock who was wounded in Petersburg in battle in 1864. I was wondering if you had any other information on him, such as who his children were. There is a chance he may be my great great great grandfather.

    Reply
  7. Tim Lasiuta says:
    December 13, 2013 at 3:55 pm

    Hello Tony

    It is very interesting to read about your travels. I am reminded of Neil Peart of Rush, and his travels world wide. I can imagine how the mind of a writer can wander, and visualize tales of people long since dead and buried, how you could see ghostly images of events since past. Such a great way to write the Phantom.

    I am truly jealous.

    Happy trails Tony.

    Reply
  8. Lorie Butcher says:
    August 24, 2013 at 3:40 pm

    Hi Tony,
    Just came across a letter you had written to my father-in-law, Orval Butcher. You had included him in your story: The River Towns Ride, July 1-8, 2011. Sadly, I wanted to tell you that Orval passed away this month. Orval had told my husband, Alan, about your visit and I wish we could have shown him your report but he was proud to be in it nonetheless.
    Best Regards, Lorie Butcher

    Reply
    • Tony says:
      August 24, 2013 at 6:51 pm

      Lorie, I’ve thought of Orval many times since July 2011, and on this ride to Alaska, too; once because I happened to run into a fellow very much like him. I’m looking at my notes now… this was on May 28, in Wyoming, Richard Bruggink, 88, headed home to Denver after visiting his grandchildren. Like Orval, Richard was a widower and a Navy vet, Pacific theater, WWII. He walked up, said hello, opened his wallet and showed me a well-worn photo of the Harley he rode after coming home from the war. I laughed and told him all about Orval doing the same thing two years earlier in West Virginia. Thank you so much for letting me know that Orval has completed his journey here, Lorie. What a great life he led.

      Reply
  9. Vin Gambardella says:
    September 23, 2012 at 4:44 pm

    Hey Tony,
    I love keeping up with you on your website. Its great reading. Sorry to hear about Pam. Hopefully she recovers quickly and your back on the road. As for me, I am thoroughly enjoying my Road King purchase lat month. What a great ride. Best ride I have had considering the plate in my back. Also love reading about your old Ford. I am still in search of my dream 1956 F100. If only my dad had given his to me in 1971 rather than getting rid of it for basically nothing. Best to you and the family. Get well soon Pam and perhaps you will spend a day riding with me next summer. Take care.

    Reply
  10. Tom Coforio says:
    October 24, 2011 at 1:18 pm

    Tony,

    Great story and to read your adventures across America on your favorite vehicle and tent camping with nature abound as you cross the country. You learned well about the outdoors and use it wisely (fun, adventure, and sight seening). WOW.

    Reply
  11. Steve Szydlowski says:
    October 3, 2011 at 2:55 pm

    Tony, Thanks for the wonderful story, sorry about what happened to the bike. Its super to read the blog and of your adventures on the road, it’s my inspiration for a blog I’m working on for people with a passion for 4 wheels. Thanks for the great read. Excellent images too…..

    Reply
  12. Mike Schwartz says:
    September 5, 2011 at 2:51 pm

    Great Story and pictures Tony. I just read the latest installment for the third time. My wife loves the photos. Keep it coming.

    Mike

    Reply
    • Tony says:
      September 5, 2011 at 6:40 pm

      Thanks for the good word, Mike. I shipped the bike home last week, it needs a major engine overhaul. That’ll be my winter project. Pam flew out yesterday. We’ll take a little tour of the Olympic Peninsula and the San Juan Islands and head home in a week. Cheers!

      Reply
  13. Chuck Baim says:
    July 5, 2011 at 11:15 pm

    HI TONY LOVE UR STORYS KEEP RIDING AND WRITING ALWAYS WILL READ THEM WE MEET PENNA TURNPIKE ON JULY 4 th 2011 I WAS RIDING 07 RODE KING WITH 4 OTHER COUPLES HOPE U MADE PHILLY ALRITE THAT DAY TAKE CARE KEEP THE WHEELS TURNING / ROBESONIA PENNA

    Reply
  14. David Dunlap says:
    July 4, 2011 at 1:58 pm

    Hello Tony,
    It was so great meeting you here at KOA/Fox Fire Kamp ground, Huntington W.Va. We really enjoyed your company and friendly attitude. We also really enjoyed your blog! Feel free to email me anytime.
    fellow rider,
    David

    Reply

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