Tom Of Finlandboxed Set

"The Comic Collection" is the only compilation of Tom of Finland’s popular panel stories. Each of five 192-page volumes features eight or more complete stories, including all twenty-six episodes of Kake, Tom’s infamous ultimate leatherman. The stories are arranged chronologically in books sized to fit perfectly in one hand, with the whole set appropriately housed in a very handsome display box. For boys who like boys who like art, this attractive package is not to be missed.

Touko Laaksonen, the boy who would become Tom of Finland (1920-1991), began drawing cartoons at age five. His favorite subjects were the rough manly men of his native Finland, as Touko knew from an early age that men interested him more than women. His talents were further honed by art study in Helsinki. He found success in the Finnish advertising industry but secretly continued creating his increasingly erotic drawings of hyper-masculine men. In 1957 he submitted some drawings to the American magazine Physique Pictorial and the "Tom of Finland” legend was born. By the late sixties Tom's "dirty drawings" became the standard for gay art, and Tom’s Men a template for a new gay masculinity. Tom’s art continues to play an important role in promoting self-confidence, positive self-image and openness in the gay community.