Hello, I’m Nexon Picker 용혁순.

Today, I’d like to share how I became a fan of Phantom, a class whose story really drew me in while I was playing MapleStory.

What was Phantom like back then?

I still remember how impressive Phantom’s first appearance was. I was in elementary school at the time, and he felt like such a fresh take on a hero.

In his very first appearance, he exposes Hilla’s false claim that she is Aria’s descendant. By this point, he has begun to awaken once again as the Black Mage’s seal weakens. That storyline has already been resolved in MapleStory today, though, so it helps to remember that this was made in '11.

Once her lie is exposed, Hilla assumes her Commander form and leaves with a hint about the Black Mage. Phantom then takes his leave as well, reminded of the former Empress Aria as he looks at Empress Cygnus.

I think this video drew so much attention because Shin Yong-woo’s voice and the artwork complemented each other so well. That art style is still beloved by many fans today. Shin Yong-woo has voiced plenty of familiar characters, and many will recognize him as Kaito Kid in Detective Conan!

Phantom’s story as we know it

Phantom began as a thief who stole from the wealthy of Maple World, earning the nickname “Phantom Thief.” He later infiltrated Ereve to steal the Skaia, which belonged to Empress Aria and was said to be the treasure of Ereve.

In the process, he became friends with Empress Aria. Aria agreed to hold talks with the Black Mage’s army, with whom she was at war, but the Commanders used the meeting as a pretext to murder her. Shocked by her death, Phantom sought out the Dragon Master Freud and joined the ranks of Maple World’s heroes.

From thief to hero (what won me over)

Although he started out as something of an antihero, Phantom eventually joined the heroes ahead of their confrontation with the Black Mage. That is how he came to be counted among MapleStory’s Hero classes. His refined, handsome looks and appealing personality only added to his charm.

I remember how much praise his story received, especially his journey from a renowned thief with no interest in saving Maple World to a hero moved to act by Empress Aria’s death. Like the illustrations depicting Von Leon and other unfulfilled relationships in the story, a few official illustrations explore Phantom’s own relationship. I find this one, which recently appeared on the official website, particularly lovely.

That covers what won me over, from his MapleStory voice that brings Kaito Kid to mind to the appeal of his character. Some MapleStory players may think of Phantom as “that scoundrel who steals Explorer skills!!” For me, though, he has been a favorite ever since his debut.

A phantom thief who becomes a hero and sets out to save Maple World after losing a friend—every part of that backstory appeals to me. It is such a wonderful premise. And he even has a great voice..