I'd seen photos and ads for the film before I got to see the movie itself, and the big, pre-viewing question for me was: how is that name pronounced? Of course, it's obvious to us now, but before learning for sure from the movie, my number one guess was "FEE-bus" or maybe "FEE-base."  Phibes as in 'vibes' just seemed too easy and too normal. I figured a psychopathic mad scientist would have a more elegant name. Oh, well...

And die of nothing but a rage to live.
Alexander Pope