I know this is an endeavor in useless optimism, but I thought I would place it out there all the same.
The basic point of this forum is the simple enlightenment of phans. If something about the story or the time period it's set in confounds you, just leave a note on here and I will take care of all that tedious research for you. I understand that many of the people in this spot are young and may not have access to the resources required to obtain a full grasp on the subject matter. Phantom can be reduced to a fairly simplistic plot, but there are layers beneath this. You see...Phantom is like an onion. I'm even willing to go over concepts from the 04 movie, if that is what it takes to raise the intelligence level around here. I've recently been considering the possibility that Gerik may suffer from a case of body dismorphic disorder. This is an actual mental condition and can be quite dangerous. It's the kind of thing that drives women to bulimia. If this is the case I can actually kind of get behind Gerik a little bit, because in his mind he probably sees himself as a Living Corpse. I would also be willing to discuss famous cases of what would in modern day be considered pedophilia. I've mentioned Poe before as one. But there are many. The long and the short is that I am willing to extend the olive branch far enough that I will help you to justify the 2004 film, if only you will do so in a well-informed and thought out manner!
*Sits quietly and prays to the Angel of Music that someone will give a damn*
And what kind of a class would this be without homework? I promise you, this one is easy. I want everyone who wishes to participate to make a list of ten things that confuse them about the story or fandom. I will do my best to aid you.