The Fantasma Playset was produced by Glasslite S.A. Indústria de Plásticos LTDA in Sao Paulo, Brazil in 1996. The Playset falls under Gasslite’s ‘Magic Fix’ set of products, with sticker style vinyl figures found within the box which can be placed on smooth surfaces, then removed and reapplied as many times as you wish. The Playset is licensed by King Features Syndicate.
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 Playset was sold in a shrink-wrapped board game style box measuring 12.5” x 8” x 1.5”, with graphics only present on the outside of the lift off lid.
Within the box, we find an instructions manual, a gloss finish cardboard mat measuring 12.5” x 8” depicting an image of the Skull Cave and a sheet of vinyl figures containing 9 images from the Phantom storyline. The figures are designed to be placed on the mat to create a Phantom adventure scene, which can then be removed and rearranged as required.
On the side of the Fantasma Playset box, Glasslite give us a brief description of the ‘Magic Fix’ figures:
‘Magic Fix adheres to smooth and clean surfaces and can be attached to glass, mirrors, refrigerator doors, etc. When removed, it does not leave any residue, as its adherence in the result of the vacuum between the plastic film and the smooth surface’.
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