The Phantom Reporter (Richard "Dick" Jones) is a

fictional Fiction is any creative work, chiefly any narrative work, portraying individuals, events, or places Place may refer to: Geography * Place (United States Census Bureau), defined as any concentration of population ** Census-designated place, ...

character appearing in

American comic book An American comic book is a thin periodical originating in the United States, on average 32 pages, containing comics. While the form originated in 1933, American comic books first gained popularity after the 1938 publication of ''Action Comics'' ...

s published by Marvel Comics. He had no known superpowers until he inherited the powers of the hero known as Fiery Mask.

Publication history

For several decades, the character's only appearance was in '' Daring Mystery Comics'' #3, published by Timely Comics, the forerunner to Marvel Comics, during the period known to fans and historians as the

Golden Age of Comic Books The Golden Age of Comic Books describes an era of American comic books from 1938 to 1956. During this time, modern comic books were first published and rapidly increased in popularity. The superhero archetype was created and many well-known char ...

. He appears in '' The Twelve''. His one Golden Age story has been reprinted in ''The Twelve'' #0. His origin was told in ''Daring Mystery 70th Anniversary Special'', and his Golden Age story was again reprinted.

Fictional character biography

Dick Jones was ex-All American

fullback Fullback or Full back may refer to: Sports * A position in various kinds of football, including: ** Full-back (association football), in association football (soccer), a defender playing in a wide position ** Fullback (gridiron football), in Americ ...

, ex-collegiate boxing, wrestling and fencing champ. He actually has three identities: Dick Jones, reporter; Van Engen, millionaire; and Phantom Reporter, costumed crime fighter. He put on a mask so he could redress the wrongs he couldn't as a reporter.

The Twelve

Jones and eleven other heroes, such as Blue Blade, the first Electro and the

Black Widow Black widow may refer to: Spiders * Black widow spider, a common name for some species of spiders in the genus ''Latrodectus'' American species * ''Latrodectus apicalis'', the Galapagos black widow * ''Latrodectus curacaviensis'', the South Amer ...

, are in Berlin during the last days of World War 2. The story starts from his perspective. Purely by chance they assemble and investigate the headquarters of the S.S. As part of a plot to reinvigorate the Nazis, they are captured and placed in suspended animation. The scientists responsible are killed in various incidents and the twelve are not found until 2008. To reduce the culture shock the government agency recreates life from decades ago. Jones notices oddities, such as a female nurse having earring holes and wearing bizarre stockings. This snaps the illusion for the group. Jones also deals with his growing attraction to the Black Widow. Soon, he is offered a job with the '' Daily Bugle''. For the editors at the ''Bugle'', the Phantom Reporter's first-hand experience of America's past — specifically all the good and ill that was present — will be invaluable to their readers. He accepts the job, writing his first article on the sacrifice and patriotism of his generation of heroes. Dying, Fiery Mask transmits his power to him.The Twelve #11, 2012

References

External links

The Phantom Reporter
at Nevins, Jess
A Guide to Golden Age Marvel Characters
of latter. {{Avengers characters Comics characters introduced in 1940 Fictional boxers Fictional fencers Fictional reporters Fictional World War II veterans Golden Age superheroes Timely Comics characters Vigilante characters in comics Marvel Comics characters with superhuman strength Marvel Comics male superheroes Marvel Comics martial artists