Strip is a series of comic books published by Politika Zabavnik in Yugoslavia from the 27th of May 1981 thru till the 16th of March 1983. The comics were published on a weekly basis and included a mix of comic characters, including the Phantom.
Politikin Zabavnik, meaning “Politika’s Entertainer,” is a legendary Serbian weekly magazine that has captivated generations across the former Yugoslavia and beyond. Launched on February 28, 1939, by the prominent publishing house Politika, its original concept was a balanced blend of comics and textual content. It started as a bi-weekly publication, appearing on Tuesdays and Fridays, and quickly gained popularity. The magazine’s enduring slogan, “For everyone from 7 to 107,” perfectly encapsulates its broad appeal, aiming to entertain and educate readers of all ages with its diverse and engaging content.
A significant part of Politikin Zabavnik’s enduring legacy lies in its rich comic section. It was a primary source for introducing a vast array of international comics to Yugoslav readers, including beloved characters from Walt Disney, such as Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, as well as iconic heroes from DC Comics (like Batman) and Marvel Comics. Beyond American giants, the magazine also featured European comics, including Tintin and Asterix. Crucially, Politikin Zabavnik also championed domestic comic artists and series, such as the popular Dikan, which showcased unique Yugoslav storytelling and artistry, contributing significantly to the development of the local comic scene.
Beyond its famed comics, Politikin Zabavnik offered a veritable encyclopedia of knowledge and entertainment. Each issue was packed with engaging articles on a wide range of subjects, including science, nature, history, art, and music. Readers could delve into intriguing trivia, short stories, and even logical puzzles and personality tests. Popular recurring sections included “Ripley’s Believe It or Not!” and “Have you heard that…”, which captivated audiences with unusual facts and stories from around the world. This blend of edutainment, delivered in an accessible and entertaining style, made it an invaluable resource for learning and leisure for millions.
Politikin Zabavnik’s cultural impact in Yugoslavia was immense, solidifying its status as an iconic and beloved publication that transcended mere entertainment. It served as a common cultural touchstone for generations, fostering a shared experience among young and old across diverse regions. Despite the political changes and the eventual dissolution of Yugoslavia, Politikin Zabavnik has remarkably continued its publication, adapting to new realities while largely maintaining its core values and content formula. This longevity underscores its deep-seated place in Serbian and wider Balkan culture, remaining a testament to its quality and enduring appeal as a source of both amusement and enlightenment.
The Strip series contained 95 editions with Phantom comic strips published in 19 of these editions. The Phantom was featured on 6 of these front covers.
The title ‘Strip’ is seen on all comic covers, followed by the year of publication in large font. The comics were printed in an oblong format, measuring 30cm tall and 11cm wide. Internal pages are printed in black and white and each edition generally contains approximately 84 pages.
The Phantom appeared under his local title of ‘Fantom’. He appeared on the covers of editions 3 (in 1981), 27 (in 1981), 43 (in 1982), 64 (in 1982), 85 (in 1983) and 94 (in 1983). The front covers of these 6 editions can be seen below.
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