Fantomen, the Swedish incarnation of Lee Falk’s the Phantom, has been a cornerstone of Swedish comic culture since its debut in 1950. As of 2025, it proudly celebrates 75 years of continuous publication, making it one of the longest-running comic book series in Sweden.

Origins and Early Years (1950-1962)

Fantomen was first published in October 1950 by Serieförlaget, a division of Åhlén & Åkerlunds. The inaugural issue featured ‘The Maharajah’s Daughter’, a Lee Falk and Wilson McCoy classic story which was printed in full color with 36 pages. This first edition can be seen below.

During this period, the magazine was published fortnightly and included a mix of Phantom comic strip stories alongside other adventure comics such as Hopalong Cassidy, Nancy, Curly Kayoe and King of the Royal Mounted, just to name a few. The early years also saw the introduction of Fantomenklubben (The Phantom Club) in 1950, fostering a community of dedicated readers.

Transition to Semic Press (1963-1997)

In 1963, Åhlén & Åkerlunds rebranded its comics division as Semic Press. This era marked a significant evolution for Fantomen with the introduction of original stories produced specifically for the Swedish audience. The first of these, drawn by Bertil Wilhelmsson, appeared in edition number 8, published in 1963 titled ‘Skatten i dödskallegrottan’ (which translates to ‘The Treasure In The Skull Cave). This initiative, led by editor Ebbe Zetterstad, aimed to rejuvenate the magazine by offering fresh content beyond the reprints of American strips. This edition can be seen on the right.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Fantomen expanded its content, introducing various secondary comics and increasing its publication frequency. By 1968, the magazine transitioned to a weekly publication schedule, releasing 26 issues annually. This period also saw the rise of ‘Team Fantomen‘, a group of writers and artists dedicated to creating original Phantom stories, enriching the lore and depth of the character.

Egmont Acquisition and Modern Developments (1997-2025)

In 1997, Semic Press was acquired by the Danish media company Egmont, which took over the publication of Fantomen, with the first edition to be released under their owners with number 23 in the same year, which can be seen on the left. Under Egmont’s stewardship, the magazine continued its legacy, albeit with some changes. In 2007, Egmont introduced ‘double issues’, combining two issues into one, gradually reducing the number of issues published annually from 26 to the current number of 19. This strategy aimed to extend the shelf life of each issue in stores, allowing for a longer sales period.

As of the end of 2024, Fantomen had released its 1,754th issue, with the series continuing to thrive as it approached its 75th anniversary in October 2025. The magazine’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to adapt and evolve with changing times while maintaining the core essence of the Phantom that resonates with readers.

Milestones and Special Editions

Over the decades, Fantomen has celebrated numerous milestones with special editions and events:

• 50th Anniversary (2000): In October 2000, Fantomen commemorated its 50th anniversary with a special 204-page issue (No. 21/2000), the largest in its history. This edition featured a reprint of the first published story from 1950, The Maharajah’s Daughter, and included a futuristic tale set in the year 2050.
• 60th Anniversary (2010): The 60th anniversary was marked by special retrospectives and the inclusion of classic stories, celebrating the rich history of the magazine and its impact on Swedish pop culture.
• 70th Anniversary (2020): To celebrate seven decades, Fantomen released a series of collector’s editions featuring iconic stories and artwork, along with articles reflecting on the magazine’s journey and its significance in the comic world.
• 1000th Original Story (2021): A significant achievement was reached in 2021 with the publication of the 1000th original Team Fantomen story, highlighting the magazine’s commitment to producing unique content for its readers.

Fantomen stands as a monumental figure in Swedish comic history, reflecting the enduring appeal of the Phantom and the dedication of its publishers and creative teams. From its inception in 1950 under Serieförlaget to its current publication by Egmont, the magazine has continually evolved, introducing original content and adapting to the changing landscape of comic readership.

To commemorate the significant 75th anniversary in 2025, Egmont are featuring a special anniversary logo on the front covers of their comic books. This is exemplified below by the cover of edition number 1 from this year, illustrated by Henrik Sahlström. The logo displays the inscription ‘Fantomentidningen 75 År 1950-2025’, which translates to ‘The Phantom Magazine 75 Years 1950-2025’.

As the Fantomen comic book series celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, it not only honors its rich past but also looks forward to continuing its legacy for future generations of readers.

Happy 75th Anniversary!!!

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