Phantom: The human ideal Article by Stafffighter, 08:02 PM 17th Aug Disclaimer: The following opinions are those of the author and do not reflect the views of the other endless crew staff. In fact they all disagree with me and persecute me regularly. Quick overview: Kit Walker is the latest in a family line that’s long been devoted to being more of an ideal than human, and who teach ideals through humanity. He is, as his forefathers have been, The Phantom. Heroism is often seen as a gift of legacy. This is one example that is decidedly purer than most. While the case is a nightmare for those determining nurture vs. nature it does allow a fascinating opportunity to explore an ideal over extended periods of time. The story of The Phantom is a deceivingly simple one. Once upon a time a young boy was the lone survivor of a pirate attack; he was taken in by the natives and devoted his life as well as those following him to the opposition of piracy. This is interesting in that while native cultures, in this case African, are known for holding strong to traditions and values long thought evolved past yet his boy from the civilized world fell seamlessly into this practice. While this could be chalked up to childish bravado that is not a path we’ve seen lacking in the heroism game. What it also shows that in his impetuous youth he chose not only to punish the pirates that destroyed his life but to become a force opposing theirs entirely. He sought meaningful change beyond emotional vengeance; this makes him a worthy forefather to any hero. This is the environment Kit grew into many generations later. While the traditions held tools and particulars of criminals changed. This is only brought up to bring in the most valuable piece of contrast in this case. While the life of one who fights with life at stake could hardly be called sheltered it could be argued that separation from society lends some difference in viewpoint. Such is not the case as tradition, that ugly word again, dictates that children of The Phantom be educated in the outside world care of their mother’s family. Kit spent his formative years in modern America. He is well informed of the modern ways of being and yet his fights in very much the same direct style of his ancestry. The value of this is seen more in the world as reflected in the man as the man himself. There have been many who bore the name but the reputation was not gained and kept by ineffective warriors. Thus we see that the ideals that have been grown into are not different from what they have been. The Phantom exists as a reflection and he remains an effective force. Through this it would seem that change is not as prevalent as some would presume. For all the advancements in society and technology humans are not perfect creatures and seem to be in no immediate danger of becoming such. There is still dark to oppose light and in this the continuation of The Phantom strives. Humans are very much what we have been for good and ill. If the nature of the beast was any different the function of its hunter would be invariably altered and that it is not. One might wonder what being an ideal would do to a mere mortal. The truth is that Kit is grounded in his work by being mortal. He knows that his father, his grandfather and so on would not have been called upon unless humanity was a limited creature. In this he is reminded while preserving life to enjoy his life, being on the personal level a very relaxed and easy going individual. Through being in the world Phantoms know what it is to be human and through family they learn what it is to be ideals. In short the existence of The Phantom is an icon of what every life should aspire to, inspiring good through example. Disagree? Bring it up on the forum. Suggestions? E mail me. But don’t write an essay. If I use who you suggest I’ll only say what I have to say Back to Rants