There was a Swedish comic like this, "Bamse". Probably the most popular comic for children in the 70s-80s. It's creator had socialist leanings and had no interest in licensing the IP. He passed a way quite a while back, and suffice to say, his children did not see it the same way. Now there are plenty of opportunities to buy Bamse merchandise, meet him in special parks or buy his meal at the burger chain.