PHANTOM

Real Name: Dr. Birch (first name unrevealed)

Identity/Class: Human, saboteur

Occupation: Former research scientist, formerly employed by Stark Industries

Group Membership: Stark Industries (formerly)

Affiliations: None

Enemies: Iron Man (Tony Stark)

Known Relatives: None

Aliases: The "Phantom Saboteur"

Base of Operations: Stark Industries, Long Island facility

First Appearance: Tales of Suspense I#63/1 (March, 1965)

Powers: None. Birch had training in an unknown field of electronics or perhaps weaponry. He was experienced with and had access to a variety of explosives. In addition, he carried a blast gun, suction bombs, and other weapons.

Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 173 lbs.
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Blond

History: (Tales of Suspense I#63/1)-Birch was employed in some field of Research and Development at Stark Industries. He was always frustrated because Stark never seemed to have the time to discuss his developments or problems; so naturally, Birch decided to destroy Stark Industries to get revenge. Adopting the identity of the Phantom, Birch began planting time bombs in Stark Industries, or sabotaging and destroying other projects. Iron Man figured out that it was an inside job, but always seemed to be a step behind the "phantom saboteur." As the attacks continued, unions threatened to pull out their workers due to the risks, and Congress considered awarding their defense contracts to another company. Staying on guard as Iron Man around the clock, Stark finally caught up with the Phantom and chased him into SI's prototype Moon Missile, then captured him within its capsule. The Phantom was unmasked as Birch, and then sent off with the cops.

Comments: Created by Stan "The Man" Lee and Don Heck.

There is no known connection, but I think it would be cool if there was a link with Iron Man's foe "the Ghost" created by Michelinie and Layton. Both characters seem to have the same modus operandi. I don't remember the complete origin of the Ghost being told. Without his mask, I think the Ghost looks a bit like Dr. Birch.
--Carycomix

Phantom has an entry in Marvel Legacy: The 1960s Handbook.

Clarifications: The Phantom has no known connection to:

• Phantome, who battled Vengeance, @ Marvel Comics Presents#156
• Night Phantom, Travis Hoyt, @ Iron Man I#14
• Phantom Blonde (Wanda Mason), @ She-Hulk II#21,23
• Phantasm, who battled the Paladin, @ Marvel Premiere#43
• Phantazm of Eurth (Wonder Man counterpart), Avataars#2
  ...or any of the various and sundry Phantom somethings, or something Phantoms, or the Phantom of what-nots...

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