Ulf Granberg, born on the 9th of May 1945, was a towering figure in the world of Scandinavian comics, best known for his decades-long tenure as the editor of the Swedish comic book Fantomen. He first took the helm as editor-in-chief in 1973, succeeding Per-Anders Jonsson, and remained in the role until 1987. After a period serving as editor-in-chief for the broader production, he returned to the editorial seat from 2003 until his retirement in 2012. Over his extensive career, he oversaw the publication of over 1,000 issues, earning the affectionate nickname “Gammelredax” (Old Editor) from the loyal Swedish fanbase.

His most significant contribution was the leadership of “Team Fantomen“, the creative group responsible for producing original Phantom stories for the publishers Semic and later Egmont. Under Granberg’s guidance, this production hub was truly established as a powerhouse of creative output. He moved the magazine away from a reliance on reprints and Italian-sourced stories, instead fostering a unique “Swedish” identity for the character. This era is often cited as a golden age for the series, as Granberg recruited and managed a vast array of international writers and artists to expand the Phantom’s world.

Granberg was instrumental in shifting the ideological tone of the stories produced by Team Fantomen. During his era, the scripts began to reflect contemporary Swedish values, moving away from older colonialist tropes. Under his editorial eye, the Phantom evolved into a figure more aligned with social justice, equality, and decolonization. This shift helped the character remain relevant and deeply beloved in Scandinavia, transforming a classic American hero into a symbol that resonated with the specific political and social landscape of the region.

Beyond his work as an editor, Granberg was a prolific writer, contributing nearly 40 scripts to the Fantomen magazine. His writing credits began in 1975 (with a story titled “Revenge of the Vultures“) and continued for decades, with the final story he contributed to titled “The Lady Luck” published in 2001. His ability to both edit the magazine and script the adventures themselves gave him a holistic understanding of the character’s mythos. He was deeply involved in plotting out the hero’s path, ensuring that the legacy of the Phantom remained consistent yet fresh for new generations.

One of Granberg’s most notable professional achievements was his role as a bridge between the European comic book production and the American newspaper strips. Following the death of the Phantom’s creator, Lee Falk, in 1999, King Features Syndicate relied heavily on Granberg’s expertise to maintain the character’s continuity. He effectively served as an advisor and “unpaid editor” for the newspaper strips during a critical transition period, helping to sort out the lore and ensuring that the two distinct “universes” of the character remained harmonized.

Granberg was also responsible for professionalizing the magazine’s presentation and engagement with its audience. He introduced the practice of providing formal credits to creators—writers and artists who had previously remained mostly anonymous—which fostered a sense of community and recognition within the industry. He also established lasting traditions such as annual polls for “Best Story” and “Best Cover“, as well as detailed editorial pages that connected readers directly with the production team, creating a dedicated and interactive fan culture.

His influence extended to other publications within the Phantom family, including serving as the editor for the first 16 issues of Fantomen Krönika, a series dedicated to the historical lore of the various Phantoms throughout history. His deep knowledge of the character made him a “treasure trove” of anecdotes, having personally interacted with legendary figures such as Lee Falk and Sy Barry. He was frequently interviewed by fans and historians, providing invaluable insights into the editorial decisions that shaped the character for nearly half a century.

An example is an interview featured on the SVT Nyheter news website, held on the 27th of March 1976, Ulf Granberg discusses the impact of advertising on young people, which can be viewed HERE.

Ulf Granberg passed away in January 2026 at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy that defined the Phantom for millions of readers across Europe and beyond. His retirement in 2012 marked the end of an era, but the structures he built—most notably the robust Team Fantomen production model, continue to influence how the character is handled today. Through his editorial vision and creative contributions, he ensured that a character created in the 1930s could thrive as a modern icon of Swedish popular culture.

The Fantomen Facebook page announced the passing of Ulf Granberg. A portion of the post notably highlights;

“Old editor Ulf Granberg has fallen asleep. His importance for Fantomen in Sweden and also the world was enormous. But his work consisted of much more than Fantomen and he was active until the very end with various book projects”.

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Thank you, Ulf Granberg, for your unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions you’ve made to the world of The Phantom, greatly appreciated by fans worldwide!!!

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