King Features Syndicate Press Kits

Over the years, King Features Syndicate has created a variety of press kits (sometimes also referred to as ‘information packs’ or ‘media kits’), to either distribute amongst it’s existing network of print media distributors, or to market their offerings to potential new partners.

Press kits allowed King Features Syndicate to promote their various comic book characters directly to existing and protentional license holders, presenting a clear and direct message in a professional package.

Press kits are commonly seen in digital form nowadays, however before the dawn of the digital age, press kits were a great form of communication, allowing a company to easily distribute information worldwide and would commonly contain print material such as fact sheets, brochures, sample comic strips, content creator biographies, photographs, company information, sales results data and much more, all bundled in a presentation folder.

Following you’ll see a sample of press kits produced by King Features Syndicate over several years, varying in style and content. Please note that the kits may be incomplete.

Released in 1966, this brochure/information kit was posted to newspaper publishers promoting Phantom comic strips, both domestically in the USA and internationally. When fully unfolded, we see 12 Phantom comic strips plus King Features Syndicate advertising the various benefits of publishing the comic strip.

Released in 1985, this press kit was mailed to select newspaper companies and included character information plus a section on writer Lee Falk and artist Sy Barry. The cardboard folder which measures 18” x 12” houses:

A gloss double sided mini poster measuring 8.5” x 11” (or 17” x 11” unfolded).

Released in 1988, this press kit was mailed to select newspaper companies and included character information plus history on writer Lee Falk. The cardboard folder which measures 18” x 12” houses:

A hand typed letter detailing history on Lee Falk,
A 4 page Philadelphia News gloss foldout brochure,
A 4 page hand typed Phantom history article. Interestingly, this article which appears to have been written in 1979 mentions the Phantoms and Diana’s wedding a year prior and notes news of her having children.