2. The Phantom
The Phantom is considered the very first hero to don the tights. Though many wore masks before him, no other had the skin tight type costume he displays, which became standard for all comic book heroes from the late 1930s into the present. Kit Walker is the 21st in a long line of Phantoms who came before him, started by his ancestor Christopher Walker in 1536. Because the Walker sons inherit the family tradition the Phantom also has a reputation of being a ghost who never dies. Aided by his trusty animal sidekicks Devil the wolf and Hero the horse, the Phantom dishes out justice to all who threaten a peaceful way of life. Not only was he one of the first superheroes to inspire others to wear tights but the hero's lair also began here with his skull themed cave. What's also unique about the character is his location. He allows readers and audiences some exposure to superheroes working in other parts of the world. Since most are based out of major U.S. cities, the Phantom gives the struggling people of Africa a champion to cheer for. Though the 1996 film starring Billy Zane offers up nostalgic fun, it saw very little success in cinemas and plans for a sequel were scrapped. Talk of a franchise reboot now stretches back as far as 2008, with a potential title being The Phantom: Legacy. Locations have been rumored as well as actors such as Sam Worthington possibly appearing in the title role, but no substantial news about the project has ever really existed.