IN THE MEDIA

The Phantom has made appearences on both of these mediums through the ages both on Television and in the Cinema.

THE PHANTOM SERIAL The Phantoms's first ever appearence was in the Phantom serial of 1943 produced by Columbia Pictures. Starring Tom Tyler and 'Ace' the German Shepherd as Devil, this cardboard cutout of the popular hero was not a stunning success, and ran for four and a half hours. It was never really accepted by Lee Falk who has described it as "dreadful".

DEFENDERS OF THE EARTH This cartoon series released in September 1986, was the first attempt at animating the adventures of several Kings Features characters: the Phantom, Mandrake the Magician, Lothar and Flash Gordon. Fighting the villainous Ming the Mercilous and joined by a new generation of heroes including the Phantom's 17 year old daughter Jeda. The Defender's adventures were set in the 21st century, which makes the Phantom the 27th in the line.

THE PHANTOM 2040 The second animated series to be shown on television in September 1990, showed us the adventures of the 24th Phantom. Based in the high-tech city of Metropia, the Phantom continues the fight his father began with Max Madison (a corporate mogul and schemer). Aunt Heloise, the sister of the 22nd Phantom (son of the current Phantom) also appears along with a futuristic Guran.

THE PHANTOM MOVIE Released in 1996 on the 60th anniversary of the Phantom, the Phantom movie was a clever representation of the World of the Phantom. Casting Billy Zane as our favourite hero and Kristy Swanson as Diana.

The movie meanders through the 1930's visiting places like the jungle and New York. It was loosely based around the story "the Singh Brotherhood" with 3 enchanted skulls and a magical skull ring written into the script. A good adaptation of the Phantom story and lore surrounding it.

THE PHANTOM'S MILK CAMPAIGN This advertisment shows Billy Zane as he appeared in the Phantom movie, resplendant in a milk moustache. Given the Phantom's huge background in Milk drinking, his image was perfect for advertising the product as a healthy choice of beverages. The picture shows the Phantom in the skull cave wearing the milk moustache.

"AS YOU WERE, ART LOVERS" by Peter Moller, 1988 This painting was acquired by the Gold Coast City Art Gallery in 1988. This is the kind of creativity we like to see here at the Phantom's World. Click on the picture to see a larger image.