It's been a long time since I saw this, so I apologize if my questions are answered in the film. I've never been clear on just how he died and how he was able to come back from the dead. Was it all medical science or was there a supernatural aspect? And who/what was Vulnavia?
"Draw from your past, but do not let your past draw from you" -Master Bra'tac, Stargate: SG-1
if i correctly remember the novelization of the film, Phibes wasn't killed, but very badly burned in a car wreck while racing to be with his wife in the hospital. he recovered, horribly disfigured; she died and he vowed revenge.
i don't recall any information about Vulnavia; i wonder if it's possible to still find the book...
Jetfire59, on this stormy, stormy day (thunderstorms), I'm safely inside the library, here, on the campus of Ocean County College (Toms River, NJ), and I'm wasting precious time/studying (take your pick) by reading-up on "Dr. Phibes."
For example, I just found the most interesting news on the true identity of Vulnavia, by clicking-on to Wikipedia ("Dr. Phibes Rises Again"). According to Wikipedia (I know, they HAVE a little trouble with facts), in a future sequel (entitled, "The Seven Fates of Dr. Phibes"), Vulnavia was to be revealed as being the Greek Goddess, Athena. Goddess of Wisdom. Vincent Price agreed to once again portray "Dr. Phibes," but the project fell apart. I hope THIS answers your question better than that clod who said "all will be revealed on April Fool's Day." God, how I hate TROLLS!!
"You can't HANDLE the truth!" Jack Nicholson, "A Few Good Men."