Phantom Stranger

## Gallery

***"I steer, but I cannot lead. That has always been my fate..."***

-- Phantom Stranger to John Constantine

## **Overview**

**The Phantom Stranger** is a mysterious figure whose origins and true nature remain shrouded in secrecy. He often intervenes in supernatural conflicts or situations where the balance between good and evil is at stake, acting as a guide and mentor to those who seek to make the right choices. He is often torn between his desire to help others and his duty to maintain the natural order of the universe. Yet, for all his flaws and contradictions, the Phantom Stranger remains a figure of awe and reverence, a powerful symbol of the unknown and the unknowable, and a force for good in a world fraught with darkness and danger.

## **History**

### **Origins:**

* The Phantom Stranger is a mysterious figure whose origins remain shrouded in secrecy, leaving many to speculate on his true nature and purpose. Some believe that he is an angel or a demon, while others view him as a supernatural entity. Despite the lack of concrete information about his past, it is widely accepted that the Phantom Stranger is a powerful force for good, intervening in supernatural conflicts and helping to maintain the balance between good and evil.
* Many who have encountered the Phantom Stranger believe that he works for a being known as The Presence, who some view as the creator of all things. The exact nature of The Presence is likewise shrouded in mystery, with some interpreting it as a representation of God or a universal life force, while others view it as a primordial force of chaos or order. Nevertheless, the Phantom Stranger's association with The Presence lends him an air of authority and power, and his actions are often seen as carrying a cosmic significance beyond mere mortal concerns. Despite his enigmatic nature, the Phantom Stranger remains a figure of awe and reverence, inspiring both fear and admiration in those who encounter him.
* Despite extensive speculation and research, the true origins of The Phantom Stranger remain a mystery, adding to the enigmatic nature of this fascinating character. Despite this lack of clarity, four main theories have emerged in an attempt to explain his existence and role within the universe.

#### **1. The Fallen Angel:**

* The first theory regarding the origins of The Phantom Stranger posits that he is an angelic being who was cast out from Heaven as punishment for his neutrality during the war between Heaven and Hell. According to this theory, the Phantom Stranger may have refused to take sides in the conflict, opting instead to remain impartial and pursue his own agenda.
* This theory imbues the Phantom Stranger with a sense of mystery and intrigue, casting him as a being who values his independence above all else.

#### **2. The Spared:**

* The second theory suggests that he was once a regular citizen during biblical times, who narrowly escaped God's wrath with the aid of an angel. After questioning God's motives, however, he ultimately takes his own life.
* Rather than allowing him to enter the afterlife, the angel that saved him instead reanimates his body and condemns him to an eternal existence wandering the world, forever separated from humanity yet forever a part of it. In this version of his origin story, the Phantom Stranger eventually discovers his divine mission: to turn humanity away from evil, one soul at a time.
* This theory casts the Phantom Stranger as a tragic figure, forever haunted by his past and unable to fully connect with the world around him.

#### **3. The Wanderer:**

* The third theory suggests that he was once a family man named Isaac, living during the time of Jesus Christ. When King Herod ordered the slaughter of all small male children in an attempt to kill Jesus, Isaac's own son and wife were among the casualties.
* Overwhelmed with grief and anger, Isaac spent the next 30 years consumed by his hatred of Jesus. Eventually, he found himself present at the crucifixion of Jesus and, in a fit of blind rage, bribed a guard to take his place in whipping the condemned man. As punishment for his actions, Jesus sentenced Isaac to wander the earth alone, never returning to his home or country, until the end of time.
* This version of The Phantom Stranger's origin story casts him as a complex and tortured figure, driven by a mix of rage, grief, and ultimately, redemption.

#### **4. The Survivor:**

* The final theory surrounding The Phantom Stranger's origin suggests that he may be a remnant of a previous universe. According to this theory, as the universe was coming to an end, a group of scientists were studying the event when they were approached by the enigmatic figure of The Phantom Stranger.
* The Stranger warned the scientists not to interfere in the natural conclusion of the universe, but one of the scientists was curious and dared to approach him. In an unexpected turn of events, The Phantom Stranger passed a portion of himself to the scientist, and as a result, the universe was reborn. In this new universe, the scientist who had received a portion of The Phantom Stranger became the very embodiment of the enigmatic figure.
* This theory presents The Phantom Stranger as a cosmic entity, transcending time and space, and existing beyond the boundaries of the universe itself.

### **Phantom Stranger: 2013**

* The enigmatic figure of The Phantom Stranger made several appearances to John Constantine, warning him about Sargon the Sorcerer meddling in dark magic and the dire consequences of his current path. The Stranger watched over Constantine as he investigated the death of Sargon the Sorcerer, and later appeared to him once again, urging him to understand the importance of teamwork in defeating their common enemy, Galid.
* In a final encounter, The Phantom Stranger revealed to Constantine his true intentions and reasoning behind his guidance. He explained how Constantine's life had been redirected towards forming The Hellblazers, a team dedicated to saving the world from eternal darkness. Through his cryptic appearances and guidance, The Phantom Stranger played a vital role in reshaping the course of Constantine's life and the fate of the world.

## **Threat Assessment**

### **Powers:**

* Cosmic Awareness: The Phantom Stranger has shown his knowledge of all events in the universe.
* Dimensional Travel: The Phantom Stranger can travel throughout different dimensions.
* Eldritch Blast: The Phantom Stranger can produce a strong blast of mystical energy.
* Energy Absorption: The Phantom Stranger can absorb attacks.
* Exorcism: The Phantom Stranger has shown that he can cleanse beings of demonic influence.
* Flight: The Phantom Stranger can fly.
* Immortality: The Phantom Stranger has been around for thousands of years, proving that he is functionally immortal.
* Intangibility: The Phantom Stranger can become intangible at will.
* Invisibility: The Phantom Stranger can become invisible at will.
* Invulnerability: The Phantom Stranger is impervious to most attacks. He is weak however to mystical artefacts with strong magical energy such as The Spear of Destiny.
* Magic: The Phantom Stranger is skilled in many forms of magic.
* Omniscience: The Phantom Stranger has shown that he is omniscient.
* Oneiromancy: The Phantom Stranger can read and invade people's dreams.
* Phasing: The Phantom Stranger can phase through solid objects at will.
* Precognition: The Phantom Stranger knows all that has happened and all that will happen.
* Reality Alteration: The Phantom Stranger has altered reality on few occasions.
* Self-Sustenance: The Phantom Stranger doesn't require sustenance.
* Teleportation: The Phantom Stranger can teleport anywhere in the universe at will.

### **Skills:**

* Hand-to-Hand Combat (moderate): The Phantom Stranger has shown a moderate skill in hand-to-hand combat.
* Storytelling: The Phantom Stranger is a gifted storyteller.
* Occultism: The Phantom Stranger is an expert on the occult.

## **Notes/Trivia**

* Phantom Stranger's appearances is based on the actor Djimon Hounsou.