Phantom Stranger #11

Event\Storyline: Trinity War Writer: J.M. DeMatteis Artist: Fernando Blanco Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: August 7, 2013 Cover Price: $2.99 Critic Reviews: 13 User Reviews: 6
7.9Critic Rating
7.3User Rating

The key to ending "Trinity War" may be the soul of a murdered Justice League member, so the Phantom Stranger must lead a covert team-including Batman, Deadman and Katana-into the afterlife to try to retrieve it! But the Stranger made a promise never to return to the afterlife- and when he breaks that promise, he'll find that the Hosts of Heaven are all too eager to dish out his punishment!

  • 10
    Comic Vine - Mat 'Inferiorego' Elfring Aug 7, 2013

    PHANTOM STRANGER #11 is a fantastic tie-in to the Trinity War as well as a great issue on its own. This isn't a must read for Trinity War fans, but this is something you should really pick up. Batman, Phantom Stranger, and some others find themselves in the afterlife, which is a big problem for Phantom Stranger (see previous issues). The story is a ton of fun and Dematteis has made this one of my favorite reads. Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to a large PHANTOM STRANGER #11 covered in hot fudge*. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Analog Addiction - Jideobi Odunze Aug 8, 2013

    The way this issue was handled is just brilliant. Someone had pointed out earlier that they were disappointed because there hasn't been that “war” yet, but I don't think it's all to necessary to press towards rather than the journey to that point. This issue shows what can come out of this story internally because it's not just a fight about who was right, it's about fighting to stop something which is toying with who they are as people. It started with Superman, and now all three Justice League teams are at each others throats. It's a losing battle and right now we're just seeing how far they'll fall before it ends. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    The Comic Book Revue - Jay Mattson Aug 8, 2013

    I very much enjoyed Trinity of Sin: The Phantom Stranger #11. Though it doesn't take the cake as 'Issue of the Year', it's still the best issue of the series, and one of the better "Trinity War" tie-in issues there's been so far. Matteis does misstep a bit when it comes to exposition about "Trinity War" itself, using Batman as a proxy to outlineexactlywhat's going on in the Justice League books: "Doctor Light isdead, Stranger.Killed"or so most people believe"by Superman. That single event triggered achain reactionthat's rippled across theworld. Brought three Justice Leagues towar"and then uneasy peace." It's all pretty much laid out right there, I guess. There's no real finesse to this method, but I guess it gets the job done and it's not overbearing. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Entertainment Fuse - Elvis Dutan Aug 9, 2013

    Especially with a book as consistent as this. I hope it survives past this event since DeMatteis has been doing wonders with this series. While this issue might be setting up for a finale, given the high take on redemption within it, it will be a very fitting conclusion. If only all the other issues of Trinity War could be as good. Thankfully it is already halfway over. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Comicosity - Matt Santori Aug 7, 2013

    Ultimately, while the goal behind Batman, Katana, Deadman and the Strangers impromptu travel in the world beyond life is left unfulfilled, the journey to get there was very pleasurable. A tie-in issue well-worthy of inclusion with the main Trinity War series, Trinity of Sin: Phantom Stranger #11 sets the character up for his own disappearance in the wake of Villains Month, and, should he return, quite the conflict with heaven on his hands. October cant come soon enough. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    AIPT - Jordan Richards Aug 7, 2013

    The art on this is certainly pretty to look at. The characters are great to look (though Deadman seems a bit thinner than usual), good strong facial emotions, gorgeous scenery and detailing, and more. However, the use of coloring and shading, especially during the scenes in the characters' personal heavens, were especially beautiful looking and most eye-catching things about the issue. Just a wonderfully drawn, inked, and color comic. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    DC Comics News - Max Dweck Aug 8, 2013

    I had really high expectations for this book, and it met all of them. And while as a fan I think its perfect, as a critic I acknowledge that there is some room for improvement. Still, its a 5-star book in my heart, if not my head. This is a great tie-in issue for newcomers, as well as a fantastic climax set-up for long time readers, and whether youre here for Trinity War or the man in the nice hat, this truly is a must-read issue. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Booked - Jeff Hill Aug 8, 2013

    This issue, which will more than likely be the first for a casual reader due to its tie-in to Trinity War, will hopefully grab enough new blood to keep the series going strong for readers like me who were always kind of irritated with the lack of a legitimate origin story in the old DCU. I was always bored by the whole "He's mysterious! That's his power!" logic of the Phantom Stranger in the past. This one is much more interesting. Much more flawed. And above all else, much more human. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Weekly Comic Book Review - Noah Sharma Aug 11, 2013

    The purpose of the event tie-in is not just to add more issues to the story, but also to provide a showcase for the hosting series. Blanco and DeMatteis accomplish this easily. DeMatteis turns his strength for dialogue towards a classically structured plot and a fascinating conception of Elysium. By the time the final monologue is delivered, you're hooked. While it won't appeal to all tastes and it leans a little too heavily on Batman to feel sure that this level of quality is the series' standard, Trinity of Sin: The Phantom Stranger #11 is probably my favorite event tie-in since the Blackest Night issues of R.E.B.E.L.S.. This issue isn't necessary to understand Trinity War and it might not be quite enough to make you a return reader but, on its own, it's a pretty wonderful comic. Read Full Review

  • 7.8
    Weird Science - Eric Shea Aug 10, 2013

        I had a lot of fun stuff this issue.  It's good to see the Stranger acting in a larger scope with the heroes of the Trinity War.  I also find it funny that in six issues of Justice League of America it took a issue of Phantom Stranger for Katana to finally do something.  My main gripe in this issue was Batman's heaven.  Yeah I know he wants to be with his parents, but where was Damian Wayne?  Batman goes through heaven but not a single mention about his terrible grief about the passing of his son?  I don't buy it.  The only thing that came close is when The Stranger said he'd bring Dr. Light back to life and Batman responds "Bring the dead back to life?  That's insane.  I like it."  Anyway with the exception of Talon this is one of the smaller titles I hope continues for a long time, and was a really good tie-in issue. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Batman-News - Andrew Asberry Aug 8, 2013

    It's a decent comic and the best tie-in so far with some really great scenes with Katana and Batman. Sure there were some out-of-character moments and writer J.M. DeMatteis didn't acknowledge any of Batman's current turmoil during the visit to the afterlife, but the pros of his writing in this issue I think far outweigh the cons. I think that this is a worthy tie-in and one that might actually earn The Phantom Stranger a number of new readers. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Comic Book Resources - Doug Zawisza Aug 9, 2013

    Trinity of Sin: Phantom Stranger" #11 doesn't do much to advance the agenda or tighten up the plotlines of "Trinity War" (read: this issue is not necessary for the grander story of "Trinity War") but there is absolutely no question that the developments in this issue are going to have lasting ramifications for the Phantom Stranger and his quest for redemption. J.M. DeMatteis has done a good job of establishing his take on Phantom Stranger and defining the parameters of the realms the Stranger traverses. In this issue in particular, DeMatteis is able to transform metaphysical mayhem into an adventure that remains entertaining despite the shoehorned nature of the crossover. The Phantom Stranger makes some choices here in the spirit of original mentor, but whether those choices pay off for Batman and his allies remains to be seen, as does the true fate of the Stranger. Read Full Review

  • 4.4
    Multiversity Comics - Brian Salvatore Aug 9, 2013

    This is the first book with "Trinity War" on the cover that has felt completely detached from the main storyline, and for that reason, this should be skipped. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    the green death Aug 8, 2013

    Just about as good as a tie in issue can be! It definitely tie into Trinity Wars but also continued the series' own themes through the crossover. I'd dropped PS around issue 4, but the strength of this issue had me buying up the issues I missed. Also, the artwork is amazing, far better than it was earlier in the series!

    Feels like no other DC book out there and highly recommended for filling a niche that I would never have imagined needing filling ( superhero fiction starring Judas).

  • 7.5
    GreyMouser Aug 9, 2013

    . . $3, 20pgs. Plenty of ADs. Bannered B- cover. . . This solo tie-in issue could have lead me to drop tPS. After checking it out, i find it to begin abruptly but offer a nice crossover with good cameo character content. The art and colors of Blanco and Anderson are enjoyable, and raise the bar. While it ties to Trinity War, the activities still connect with tPS's main storyline although its hard to imagine him going back to afterlife so quickly after his recent escape. A strange mix which is a DC risk, TW readers may find it good but light (lol) & tPS readers may find it a bit disjointing. Still, its a good issue overall. A stunning ending leaves me wanting more, so i think i made it through and will continue to read this series.

  • 8.0
    eolnardo Jan 19, 2021

  • 8.0
    Dani06 Apr 19, 2018

  • 6.0
    Melkor Jun 16, 2017

  • 5.0
    VirusVenom Jul 30, 2023

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