Tuesday, April 19, 2016

P is for …Phantom

http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0883929314010_p0_v1_s192x300.jpg
The Phantom has been around a long time. He was invented for comics by Lee Falk in 1936 and he's found his way onto the small and big screen since. Of course, I didn't know that when I saw Billy Zane's performance in 1996. What I did know was that I loved it. Not everyone does, of course. Even I'll admit that those purple pajamas are a little ridiculous.

I also didn't know that The Phantom was the first superheroic character to wear a skintight action outfit like that. He was also the first to use the mask that disguised even his eyes. He didn't have any superpowers beyond knowledge and training. Much like Batman, he was a detective first and foremost.

In 1996, I wasn't the pulp enthusiast I am now becoming, though I had enjoyed several stories of that sort. I'm not sure I even knew the term for it. I guess I've always been drawn to stories that intermix fantastical and more realistic elements, humor and drama, action and philosophy. After seeing this film, I began to seek out more of these kinds of stories. So, my thanks to Mr. Falk for creating such an inspiring and intriguing character. He brought me one of the great joys of my life.
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This post is part of the A to Z Blogging Challenge. I'll be writing about superheroes I love all month. You can check out other bloggers and see their creative takes on the challenge here.

Don't forget to check out my own superhero stories:




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6 comments:

  1. UnknownApril 19, 2016 at 11:40 AM

    I agree with you--I like characters that are a mix of the real and the fantastical. I did not know Billy Zane was in that movie--I may have to track that down!

    @Kathleen01930
    Meet My Imaginary Friends
    #AtoZchallenge

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  2. AnonymousApril 19, 2016 at 7:03 PM

    I saw that movie when I was a teenager and loved it. My mom had a friend who owned it and I'd borrow it and watch it over and over.

    ~Ninja Minion Patricia Lynne aka Patricia Josephine~
    Story Dam
    Patricia Lynne, Indie Author

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  3. bettyApril 19, 2016 at 11:24 PM

    Not sure I have heard of the Phantom before, but I have to agree purple wouldn't be exactly my color of choice for a super hero!

    thanks for visiting and blitzing me :)

    betty
    http://viewsfrombenches.blogspot.com/

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  4. Tasha Duncan-DrakeApril 20, 2016 at 3:32 AM

    I first say Phantom in Defenders of the Earth, the cartoon, but I love the Billy Zane version too :). It's silly, but so much fun.
    Tasha
    Tasha's Thinkings | Wittegen Press | FB3X (AC)

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  5. Yolanda RenéeApril 20, 2016 at 9:59 PM

    I enjoyed the phantom too. Will he have a comeback too? I can understand your fascination, no super powers, just intelligence and cunning, oh and a few muscles. :)

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  6. Timothy S. BrannanApril 21, 2016 at 7:07 AM

    I have to admit I enjoyed the Phantom movie. I also enjoyed the comic years ago (even then it was considered old).
    Kind of a lost sort of hero in today's world really.

    --
    Tim Brannan, The Other Side Blog
    2015 A to Z of Adventure!
    http://theotherside.timsbrannan.com/

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