The first Phantom PVC Rubber Figure Set was produced by Comics Figuras SL in Spain in 1990.
Cómics Figuras SL was founded in Granollers, Barcelona, Spain, 1982. Cómics Figuras SL more commonly referred as ‘Comics Spain’ manufactured plastic plates, sheets, tubes and textiles. In the collecting arena it produced a wide range of comic, film and television PVC non poseable action and predominantly unlicensed figures.
Sometime between 1983 and 1985, ‘Yolanda’ (see below second figure set) having the sole official rights to produce various PVC action figure lines, sued Comic Figuras SL and won the case. Comic Figuras SL did thereafter acquire some licensing and produced its first catalog in 1985. The first known catalogues and promotional posters of the company appeared in 1985.
By 1992, the business was in financial hardship and was forced to file for bankruptcy. The company still continued to produce figures after 1992 for which they had already lost licenses to produce. In 1997, the operation was shut down. Today, these “unbranded” figures are highly sought after particularly the Smurf and Superhero lines. Although the Phantom color schemes were Purple and Blue, the shades often differed as each figure was hand painted.
The second Phantom PVC Rubber Figure Set was produced by Yolanda/Comansi in Spain in 1993.
Yolanda is a Spanish Toy Company that specializes in hard and soft, non poseable rubber figures. During the mid 1980’s Yolanda was acquired by Comansi, (Comansi was also a toy company founded in Barcelona, Spain in 1959). Yolanda, now a subsidiary of Comansi has produced dozens of comic, film and television figure lines over the year. Comansi continued to use the Yolanda brand name with its production of PVC figures throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s, while using their own brand names with other toy products.
Still popular today, these 4” – 4.5” PVC figures were marketed and sold in large department stores, toy stores and newsagents.
Thank you Christopher Smith for assisting with images and information.
The Phantom 