In October 1949 Frew Publications published their first Australian written Comic. It was the brainchild of Jeff Wilkonson.
Frew is known as the Australian publisher of The Phantom.
Jeff's comic was The Phantom Ranger. A western hero with more than a few nods to The Phantom. The Phantom Ranger was brought up by Navajo Indians after his parents were killed by the Sioux Indians. He was known as Kina The Deathless One. He also swore an oath to fight bad guys. Hmmm I think I know this story.....
Frew is known as the Australian publisher of The Phantom.
Jeff's comic was The Phantom Ranger. A western hero with more than a few nods to The Phantom. The Phantom Ranger was brought up by Navajo Indians after his parents were killed by the Sioux Indians. He was known as Kina The Deathless One. He also swore an oath to fight bad guys. Hmmm I think I know this story.....
 Ad in the Frew Comics |  Herald Melbourne September 1950 |
Boys (sorry girls) loved the character. Before long they could buy the Phantom Ranger clothing and accessories from any of the major Department Stores. Boys would write to the children's pages in their local newspaper and request the non de plume Phantom Ranger. It seems the requests for Kina The Deathless One, all got lost in the mail, I never saw any of those. The fancy dress competitions at the local halls seem to have several Phantom Rangers.
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Sending 1 shilling and a return self addressed envelope to Frew Publications resulted in a Phantom Ranger Deputy Badge. (Ink only and print clearly).
There is also a Phantom Ranger Associate Badge, however I haven't worked out who supplied the badge and what you had to do to get one.
Sending 1 shilling and a return self addressed envelope to Frew Publications resulted in a Phantom Ranger Deputy Badge. (Ink only and print clearly).
There is also a Phantom Ranger Associate Badge, however I haven't worked out who supplied the badge and what you had to do to get one.
 Collection of Ian Grieve |  Collection of Ian Grieve |
The popularity of the Phantom Ranger led George Edwards Productions to produce a Phantom Ranger serial 208 x 15 minute episodes in August 1952, with 'Bud' Tingwell as The Phantom Ranger, supported by several top Radio Actors, Marie Clarke, Reg Goldsworthy, David Eadie, John Ewart, Tom Farley, Harp McGuire, John Saul, Walter Sullivan, Anthony Veitch and Jerold Wells.
2UW advertised the serial, held several competitions and started a Club (details unknown). There were also Phantom Ranger Stamps, but I still don't know the details at the moment.
2UW advertised the serial, held several competitions and started a Club (details unknown). There were also Phantom Ranger Stamps, but I still don't know the details at the moment.
 The Daily Telegraph - August 1952 |  ABC Weekly - August 1952 |
The Sun - October 1952 
Sydney Morning Herald - October 1950 I hope that this information strikes a cord and others can throw in their two cents worth.
I am still researching The Phantom Ranger and I will update this blog if more information comes in.
I have spoken to other Radio Transcription Collectors and we are not aware of any surviving episodes, but fingers crossed now that more people will be looking..
Ian Grieve
I am still researching The Phantom Ranger and I will update this blog if more information comes in.
I have spoken to other Radio Transcription Collectors and we are not aware of any surviving episodes, but fingers crossed now that more people will be looking..
Ian Grieve
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