Character(s): The Phantom Detective
Publication: Thrilling Comics No. 57
Publication Date: December 1946
Publisher: Standard Magazines, Inc.

Richard Curtis Van Loan, the Phantom Detective, began his career in the pages of a pulp magazine in the 1930s. From 1946 to 1949, however, his adventures appeared in the pages of Thrilling Comics.

Richard's early life was marked by a horrible tragedy - the death of his wealthy parents. Raised by newspaper publisher Frank Havens, Richard explored a number of pursuits, including polo, big game hunting, and a stint in the military during World War I, but ultimately grew bored with his playboy lifestyle. At the urging of his foster father, Richard turned his attention to criminology. Becoming a master of disguise, Frank donned a costume and battled crime as the Phantom Detective. He was often assisted by his girlfriend, Muriel.

The Phantom Detective appeared in Thrilling Comics 53-62 & 65-70 and America's Best Comics no. 26.