Phantom King Postcard

The Phantom King postcard was produced by King Features Syndicate in USA in 1967.

Founded in 1966 ‘King Comics’ was owned and operated by King Features Syndicate, who began publishing for the first time comic books of its own characters, rather than using other publishers. The range of comic book characters published in King Comics included the Phantom, Mandrake the Magician, Flash Gordon, Popeye, Jungle Jim, Blondie Comics and Beetle Bailey.

All seven comic book titles had distribution issues in its first months of publication, as its first issues lacked a ‘Comics Code Authority’ seal. King Features Syndicate thereafter obtained a CCA seal on all later King Comics issues. King quickly tried to compensate for its declining sales by offering retailers special ‘King Paks’ which were specially marked sealed bags with 3 different comic titles in each bag. King Paks were mailed to retailers in cardboard counter top store displays. Unfortunately the efforts were too late and the King Comics brand became defunct in 1967.

Despite Kings short run of comic publishing, the reader base for its titles was extensive and loyal.

King was always genuinely open to hear suggestions, to answer questions and give up-to-date news on future issues and content. As a part of Kings’ open dialogue with the reader base, several of its comic titles often included a single page of select fan letters and editor replies.

Phantom comic book issues contain ‘Phan Mail’, Mandrake the Magician comics contain ‘Mandrakes Mail’, and Flash Gordon comics contain ‘Flashes’.

As there was more fan mail than space on a single comic page, King diligently replied to its fans who did not see their name in print. King editors would mail an attractive postcard which contained a pre-printed note of explanation.

The message reads:

It isn’t possible to answer every letter personally. But we appreciate your ideas and suggestions. Look for answers to questions like yours in the letter pages of future issues.

The Editors, KING COMICS.