400 Years Ago: The Beginnings of The Phantom’s Legacy – Four centuries ago, the marauding pirates of the Singha Sea set fire to a ship in the Indian Ocean, leaving all passengers dead. Only one courageous young man swam for days to reach Yoga Island. This marked the genesis of the lineage that would eventually give rise to the legend of Fantom, also known as Betal. The tradition of Betals began with him, as he vowed to eradicate injustice and malice wherever it existed, carrying the weapon that had slain his father.
The unique markings of Phantom add to his mystique. The ‘MundChinh’ (literally, the symbol of the head) on his right hand terrifies wrongdoers and evildoers. The ‘ShubhChinh’ (literally, the symbol of good) on his left hand, represented by a ring worn close to his heart, aids his friends in Ghost Walk in their fight against evil. Anyone marked by this symbol becomes forever connected to Fantom’s assistance. The ‘Good Mark’ is depicted as two swords in LEE Fok’s portrayal, symbolizing a commitment to protection.
The tribal inhabitants of Mahavan believe Phantom to be immortal. Only the valiant heroes understand that Fantom is mortal; he isn’t truly immortal. The current Phantom is the thirteenth in his lineage. Various tales circulate about Fantom, some purely imaginative, while others hold elements of truth. The first instance of Phantom’s journey was depicted in the Hindi comic by Indrajal Comics, titled ‘Betal Ki Mekhla.’ This story illustrated his birth, the twelfth Phantom’s demise, and the transition to the thirteenth Phantom’s role.
