Wikimedia Commons/The Phantom TV series Celebrity The Phantom, the legendary superhero who predates Batman, returns in a new live-action TV series. Discover the legacy reborn. April 18, 2026 AceShowbiz - The iconic 90-year-old comic strip The Phantom is set to make its return in a brand-new live-action television adaptation. Originally created by Lee Falk and first published in February 1936, The Phantom holds the distinction of being one of the earliest costumed superheroes, predating even Batman and Iron Man.