T.O.T.S. (Tidskrift Om Tecknade Serier), specifically issue number 1 was published in Sweden in 1985. The magazine functioned as a fanzine or journal dedicated to the study and appreciation of comic strips and cartoons. The acronym, translated to English is “Magazine About Comic Series”, and it often featured a mix of historical articles, reviews, and original artwork.

The cover for this particular issue, labeled as the “Göteborgs-nummer” (Gothenburg issue), features a parody illustration of the Phantom. In a departure from his usual jungle setting, the Ghost Who Walks is shown as a speed skater on an ice track. The artwork is signed by “TOK”, a pseudonym for the Swedish artist and cartoonist Torsten Ohlsson. Ohlsson was well-known in the Swedish comic community for his humorous and satirical takes on established comic icons.

In the background of the illustration, you can see other characters observing the race, including what appears to be a caricature of a small, masked figure, likely nodding to the “Phantom parody” theme prevalent in underground or fan-produced Swedish publications of that era. The top right corner mentions “GP:s Serietävling anno 68”, referring to a comic competition held by the Göteborgs-Posten newspaper in 1968, indicating that the content inside likely delves into the history of that specific regional comic scene.

Sweden has a deep-rooted historical affinity for the Phantom (known locally as Fantomen), and T.O.T.S. served as a critical platform for enthusiasts to explore the medium beyond mainstream commercial releases. Collectors often seek out these mid-80s issues for their niche historical data and unique, artist-driven cover commissions that aren’t found in standard syndication.

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