Random Happenstance

I was thinking of this one, since my theory was there were like maybe two Phantom Stranger stories people really remembered: the Secret Origins issue with four possible origins for him, and his Vertigo Visions one-shot. Then I pick up the latter, and realize I maybe hadn't read it before? So much for that theory...from 1993, Vertigo Visions: the Phantom Stranger #1, "Geronton" Written by Alisa Kwitney, art by Guy Davis. Cover by John Bolton.

As an old man with a distinctive hat watches from upstairs, Naomi Walker starts her first night shift, as the massive old age home Paradise Gardens. The orderly on duty is friendly--too friendly, as in a "call HR" kind of way--and the creep factor just keeps increasing: the first patient Naomi is introduced to is both medicated out of her mind, and had maggots in her hair. Later, another room is locked, with the occupant described as "prone to fits" and dangerous; which Naomi of course has to see for herself: it's the old man, who tries to warn her off. But, Naomi doesn't seem to scare easily, and is already taken with the house. Then a strange man appears outside--one that seems to resemble the old man...

I don't want to spoil anything on this one, and I'm trying to think of a way to phrase this that isn't condescending or disparaging, but if you were to make a list of common Vertigo themes and situations, this one checks a lot of boxes, in the best way! It also ties into what passed for continuity at Vertigo, with a plot point from Sandman that was used in Lucifer and Stanley and His Monster! I wasn't familiar with Alisa Kwitney, although we did see a Batman story from her some time back. Guy Davis of course draws the hell out of this: I was surprised that on the Vertigo checklist, he didn't draw that month's issue of Sandman Mystery Theatre. I had thought he did most of that run, since I'm thinking of his long run on B.P.R.D. I also love that Vertigo had a checklist; their cross-sell game was strong: there are multiple ads for Vertigo titles and even just as a brand, as well as the Vertigo-adjacent Garth Ennis Demon.