Mustanaamio Erikoisjulkaisu: Kari Leppänen – Extra! is a comic book mini-series published by Kustannus Oy Semic (commonly known simply as Semic) in Finland in 1991. It stands as a unique, short-run collector’s focus series within the broader Finnish publishing history of the Phantom, designed specifically to showcase the work of the premier local creator Kari Leppänen.

This publication is a special two-issue mini-series that highlights the illustrative career of Kari Leppänen, one of the most prolific and celebrated Nordic artists to draw for Team Fantomen. Known for his meticulous line art, detailed sci-fi backgrounds, and distinct rendering of the Phantom, Leppänen’s contributions were highly popular across Scandinavia.

Mustanaamio: Kari Leppänen – Extra! comprises softcover editions with black and white pages, each measuring 18cm x 27cm. The initial edition consists of 84 pages, whereas the subsequent edition encompasses 91 pages. Two full Phantom comic strip adventure stories are published per edition, all illustrated by Kari Leppänen, with his art also featured on the front cover of both editions. The front and back covers of these editions can be seen below.

The text found on the lower left of each edition highlights the unique content found inside each respective volume. On edition number one, the text translates to offering “Tips for young artists!” alongside a promise of “Two handsome Mustanaamio adventures!”. For edition number two, the text shifts to highlight the specific stories included, stating “Kari Leppänen tells and draws!”, teasing an robust space adventure (GENESIS jämäkkä avaruusseikkailu!), and offering “Two splendid MUSTANAAMIO adventures!”. Additionally, edition number one features the Phantoms Good Marks in a circular stamp marking a 20-year milestone (Mustanaamio ja Semic – 20 yhteistä vuotta!), while the bottom right of edition number two distinctly displays the Semic publisher logo accompanied by a small “Huvin vuoksi” (Just for fun) stamp.

The top left margin features a distinct vertical yellow strip containing the series classification, “Erikoisjulkaisu” (Special Edition), the publication year of 1991, a classic Phantom Skull Mark icon, and the pricing, which subtly changes from Hinta 21 mk on the first issue to Hinta 24 mk on the second.

A sample of an internal page can be seen below.

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