The Fantasma Figure was produced by Glasslite S.A. Indústria de Plásticos LTDA in Sao Paulo, Brazil in 1997. The figure measures 15cm in height and 7cm wide, with 2 varying colors released, purple and red, licensed by King Features Syndicate. The arms on the figure are the only sections which are movable, from the shoulder.
The company, originally named Glasslite S.A. Indústria de Plásticos LTDA, was established on December 27, 1968, with its headquarters located in the Mooca neighborhood of São Paulo. Founded by Japanese entrepreneur Yasuo Yamaguchi, the company’s nomenclature derived from its unique approach of incorporating a minimal amount of glass in its products (where “glass” in English refers to “glass” and “lite” signifies “light”). This distinctive combination gave rise to the name “Glasslite.”
During the late 1960s and early 1970s, although not engaged in toy manufacturing at that point, Glasslite had already solidified its presence as a well-established entity within the plastics industry, boasting an extensive catalog of household items.
In 1980, Glasslite transitioned into a publicly traded company after opening up its capital to external investors. Additionally, the company forged strategic partnerships with entities such as Kenner and Galoob.
At its zenith, Glasslite operated branches in four other cities, namely Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Curitiba, and Recife.
During the early 1980s, Glasslite encountered its inaugural financial crisis. To navigate this challenge, the company shifted its focus towards licensed products based on popular television series, including “The Super Machine,” “Buck Rogers,” “CHiPs,” and “Class A Squadron.”(Glasslite produced (2) figure variations one in Purple the other in Red) Stay tuned for Red version.
Glasslite experienced success with its line of dolls and accessories featuring tokusatsu characters like Jiban, Jiraiya, Changeman, among others. It introduced a plethora of themed toys inspired by various series, films, cartoons, and even products associated with public figures such as Eliana, Gugu Liberato, and Carla Perez.
Subsequently, in the following decade, with the Brazilian toy market opening to foreign competition, Glasslite faced exacerbated financial difficulties, leading to its second bankruptcy filing in 1992. The company managed to rebound through the production of licensed merchandise, including items based on the Rambo series.
Nevertheless, confronted with fresh challenges, Glasslite ultimately declared bankruptcy for the final time in 2005.
The Fantasma Figure measures 15cm in height and 7cm wide, with 2 varying colors released, purple and red, licensed by King Features Syndicate. The arms on the figure are the only sections which are movable, from the shoulder.
The figure comes housed in a clear molded plastic holder, glued to a backing card with a punch hole at the top. The title at the top of the card reads ‘Fantasma – O Espirito que anda’, which translates to ‘Phantom – The Ghost Who Walks’. The card illustration remains the same for both color versions released.
The rear of the card is the same on both versions, with the text reading:
‘He has been a symbol of justice for centuries, but he is as mortal as any human being. Despite being descended from the legend that has lasted for 20 generations, his identity remains secret. In the jungle, where he lives with his wolf Devil and his pygmy friends, he is known as the Ghost Who Walks, the Guardian of Shadows, or simply The Phantom’.
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