Story Title: “The Adventure of the Dragon’s Leg”
Book: The Phantom: The Treasures of Drakon – The Complete Pirates of the Red Dragon
Story and Script: Julie Ditrich
Pencils: Wendell Cavalcanti
Inks: Wendell Cavalcanti
Colours: Ivan Pedersen
Letters: Frank Schulze
Cover: Daniel Picciotto
Editor: Glenn Ford
Genre: Action Adventure
Background: The story is a sequel to three comic book stories, originally published in the 1970s written by Norman Worker, with art by Georges Bess, that focus on the Phantom’s battle with a deadly and obsessive female villain, driven not only to possess him but also to exact revenge on him in the most horrific manner.
Synopsis: When a series of refugee boats sink under mysterious circumstances off the coast of Bangalla, the Phantom sets out to uncover the truth. As fear spreads and the death toll rises, the Ghost Who Walks finds himself confronting a deadly mystery hidden beneath the sea. To save future victims, he must discover who—or what—is responsible before more lives are lost. Accident, piracy, or something far more sinister?

The Story Behind the Story: Sometimes the stories that change our creative lives begin with a simple conversation over dinner. Mine began in a Spanish restaurant in Sydney, where I found myself surrounded by fellow comics creators. During the evening, Glenn Ford, one of the directors of Frew Publications, asked whether I would be interested in writing The Phantom. My answer was immediate: “Absolutely.”

Initially, I was invited to pitch stories featuring Diane Palmer and Julie Walker as part of Frew’s desire to broaden the title’s appeal to women readers. Glenn sent me a collection of Phantom comics to immerse myself in the world, and I prepared several story proposals. Before any of those moved forward, however, an unexpected opportunity arose. Frew was preparing a Kickstarter campaign for a Phantom board game centred on Princess Sin, one of the Phantom’s most dangerous adversaries. Alongside it, the publisher planned a trade paperback collecting her classic stories, together with new material that would expand her saga. Dale Macanti wrote the prequel. I was invited to write the sequel.

Before writing a single page, I carefully studied the original Princess Sin stories and developed a detailed outline. Glenn’s editorial feedback was both simple and invaluable: add more action. I returned to the outline, strengthened its pacing and ensured the story maintained a satisfying rhythm of action and suspense throughout. Once approved, I began scripting the adventure.

Collaborating with Brazilian artist Wendell Cavalcanti became one of the highlights of the project. His artwork was exceptional. I assembled extensive visual reference for locations, boats and props, helping us build a believable world for the story. At the same time, I explored the psychology of obsession and stalking—particularly erotomania—to better understand Princess Sin’s motivations and emotional landscape.

Looking back, “The Adventure of the Dragon’s Leg” taught me something I have carried into every Phantom story since. I realised that I couldn’t simply write about the Phantom—I had to understand him from within. Once I learned to connect with his character from the inside out, his voice became clearer, his decisions felt instinctive, and the stories flowed more naturally. It was one of the most important creative lessons of my career.