33 CBF 2011 – Chennai Book Fair Part 2: Update On 14th Jan 2011 – ComiRade’s View

Dear ComiRades,

Welcome back to TCU. Happy Pongal & Sankranthi wishes to one and all. Though there are people who wish TCU “Happy Tamil New Year”, Yours truly being a friend of ALV, still cannot accept the fact that Jan 15 is Tamil New Year, Which actually falls on April 14th. In the previous post on Chennai Book Fair (CBF) in TCU (CBF 2011-Part 1), certain stalls were missed out on account of being the first day. Yes, on the first day of the CBF many stalls were yet to shelve their books and hence some of the stalls were not covered properly in TCU. Apologies for that and though TCU was present on most of the days (Except today), another post was made possible only today. And what a day it turned out to be.

Payani Publications (பயணி பதிப்பகம்) Yes, another new publisher has ventured into Tamil Comics Ulagam and Thanks to Vidiyal Pathipagam, TCU was kept in the loop of the book launch and though it was not a launch per se, Yours truly received the 1st set of books from the publisher himself and listen to what he says on this:

A Detailed review along with the interview of the translator and editor will follow in TCU very soon (Before Jan 26th) and TCU recommends this as a must read for the Comics lovers and also a must buy for the connoisseurs of art and history.

TCU Info: Stall No 124                                                            

Books of Interest for ComiRades: 2 Wonderful books and both of them are a must to buy. Forget about the price for quality comes at a cost and here are the details:

• சே வாழ்க்கை வரலாறு - படக்கதை வடிவில் - ஸ்பெயின் ரோட்ரிக்ஸ் - தமிழில் இரா.செந்தில் (Published on Jan 2011, INR 130/-, 100 Pages, Big Size, Black & White, Soft Cover).
• அமெரிக்க பேரரசின் மக்கள் வரலாறு – படக்கதை - ஹோவார்ட் ஜின் - மைக் கோனோபாகி - பால் பூலே - தமிழில் இரா.செந்தில் (Published on Jan 2011, INR 225/-, 272 Pages, Big Size, Black & White, Soft Cover).

Mr Vijay Anand (The Gentleman with Spectacles in the 3rd photo in the 1st row) promises to bring on another Wonderful graphic novel before April and that will be based on the life and history of Malcolm X. It seems that 2011 is going to be a great year for ComiRades in terms of new publishers and new titles. Happy times, indeed.

The 2nd book has impressed TCU very much in the first reading and TCU is now getting more into the Zinnformation and will be reviewing these two books with complete details and newer interpretations. For the reference of readers, here are 3 pages and they are so touching and emotive that the reader will go for another reading, just like TCU has done it. Kindly buy these 2 books and support such initiatives by the lesser known publishers in order to reinstate some faith for them in such works. Within minutes of TCU getting these books, another 4 sets of books were bought by friends of TCU.

These books can be ordered either through Phone (+91 9445124576) or By mail (payanibooks@gmail.com) or by a visit to their office (Payani, No 332/216, Triplicane High Road, Triplicane, Chennai 600005). Their official site (www.redbooks.in) is still not completely ready.

Vidiyal Publications (விடியல் பதிப்பகம்) Circa 2008. Some time in Mid October Kanavugalin Kadhalan informed about Vidiyal Pathipagam and their foray into Graphic Novel through a series of books on Marjane satrapi’s much acclaimed Persepolis Books. TCU was further inspired to watch the movie when it was advertised that the Animated version of the film’s ticket gets you a DVD of the same in Chennai City Centre INOX. Though that was more than 2 years ago, those books still strike a chord with TCU for the simple reason that the basic plot was so strong. TCU later visited the publisher in Coimbatore in their office and had a lengthy chat about the books. Here is what Mr Prasanna (Translator in Vidiyal) has to say about the books:

TCU Info: Stall No 242                                          

Books of Interest for ComiRades: 2 Wonderful books and both of them are a must to buy. Forget about the price for quality comes at a cost and here are the details:

• ஈரான் - ஒரு குழந்தை பருவத்தின் கதை – படக்கதை - மர்ஜானே சத்ராபி - தமிழில் பாலச்சந்திரன் (Published in Dec 2005, INR 100/-, 154 Pages, Black & White, Soft Cover).
• ஈரான் - திரும்பும் காலம் - படக்கதை - மர்ஜானே சத்ராபி - தமிழில் பாலச்சந்திரன் - (Published in Feb 2007, INR 100/-, 188 Pages, Black & White, Soft Cover).

There were couple of very good reviews about this book and one of them featured in the early issues of Puthiya Thalaimurai and another one in the wonderful site கீற்று. Kindly click on the links to read them.

 Here are some of the snaps from TCU. Some of them were taken in the publishers Coimbatore office along with யாழ் நூலகம் Mr Durai. The person sitting in the chair with the books in the 3rd photo in the 1st row is the publisher of these lovely books. The Gentleman in the full sleeves in the 1st photo of the 2nd row is Mr Durai. Of course, people know Mr Prasanna in the 3rd photo, 2nd row.

Narmadha Publications (நர்மதா பதிப்பகம்) Creator Simbu Devan started his media career as a journalist in Anandha Vikatan where he carved a niche for himself by writing and drawing for the wonderful series named as “கி மு வில் சோமு". Later on, he made a name for himself as a Director. Still his love for Tamil comics is well known and he still happens to read them.

TCU Info: Stall No F25.                                                         

Books of Interest for ComiRades: Though there are some lovely books, when it comes to comics, only this title is available in Narmada.

• கி.மு.வில் சோமு- படக்கதை – சிம்புதேவன் - (Published on Aug 1999, INR 40/-,108 Pages, Black & White, Soft Cover).
• To Purchase this book online, Click this link: New Book Lands.

Vanathi Publications (வானதி பதிப்பகம்) The publishers of Vandumama. Thus they became THE Publishers when it comes to Children's (of all ages) literature. Though they are covered well in the previous post itself, this post is to make sure that lots of books are available in their showroom in T.Nagar and ComiRades who feel that not all the books are available in the CBF, Can visit the Showroom in T.Nagar and purchase all the wonderful books by Vandumama. The address of their show room is their in the last photograph.

TCU Info: Stall No 13 & 14.                                                                 

Books of Interest for ComiRades: Anything and everything by Vandumama. Here is the complete list of Books (Books Available).Specifically (Comics stories)

• Marma Maligaiyil Bale Balu (மர்ம மாளிகையில் பலே பாலு) - (Published on Dec 2009, INR 150/-, 380 Pages, Black & White and some in double colour, Soft Cover).

• Chithirak Kadhaigal 1 (சித்திரக் கதைகள் 1) - (Published on Feb 1998, INR 40/-, 160 Pages, Black & White, Soft Cover).

• Chithirak Kadhaigal 2 (சித்திரக் கதைகள் 2) - (Published on Mar 1998, INR 30/-, 124 Pages, Black & White, Soft Cover).

• Puli Valartha Pillai (புலி வளர்த்த பிள்ளை) -(Published on Aug 1991, INR 20/-, 132 Pages, Black & White, Soft Cover).

• Bale Baluvum Parakkum drayarum (பலே பாலுவும் பறக்கும் டிராயரும்) etc.

Non-Comic stories include the following: They are also amongst the must-have’s for the ComiRades.

• C.I.D Singaram (C.I.D சிங்காரம்) - (Published on Dec 1990, INR 18/-, 200 Pages, Black & White, Soft Cover).

• Maaya Modhiram (மாய மோதிரம்) - (Published on July 1987, INR 15/-, 144 Pages, Black & White, Soft Cover).

• Kannadi Manidhan (கண்ணாடி மனிதன்) - (Published on Dec 1991, INR 25/-, 196 Pages, Black & White, Soft Cover).

• Marma Manidhan (மர்ம மனிதன்) - (Published on Dec 1998, INR 16/-, 164 Pages, Black & White, Soft Cover).

• Pulik Kugai புலிக் குகை - (Published on Aug 1986, INR 15/-, 236 Pages, Black & White, Soft Cover).

• Nilaak Kudhirai (நிலாக்குதிரை) - (Published on Dec 1992, INR 32/-, 200 Pages, Black & White, Soft Cover).

Apart from Vandumama, they also published some of the other well known children’s stories such as Mayavi Ilavarasan (மாயாவி இளவரசன்) written by Visagan. Old timers may recall that this story was part of the Dina Malar Siruvar Malar in the Late 80’s.

Palaniappa Brothers (பழனியப்பா பிரதர்ஸ்): Once they were the celebrated publication for children’s literature for the simple reason that they published the books of Vandumama. Later on, Once Vanathi got back on track, they went back to their old trusted alleys like Thumilan, Azha. Valliyappa, Revathy etc.However, certain books that they published in those period were yet to see the day light again in Vanathi’s publication. Books such as “Azindha Ulagam-அழிந்த உலகம்” By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (In Tamil by Vandumama), Moonru Viralgal etc are very rare for the simple reason that they were not reprinted since the 80’s.

TCU Info: Stall No 301.                                                             

Books of Interest for ComiRades: Many children's books at very nominal price. C.I.D Siruvargal is a must buy.Apart from that, most of the books by Revathy (Remember him? The Asst Editor to Vandumama in Poonthalir?) and by Thumilan are worth buying. Some of the books analysing the Children’s literature of the yesteryear giants such as R.V, Ki.Va.Ja and Akilan are worth their weight in gold for ComiRades who want to have some knowledge on the history and the progress of Children's literature in Tamil.

Non-Comic stories include the following: They are also amongst the must-have’s for the ComiRades.

• C.I.D Siruvargal by Thumilan - துமிலனின் சி.ஐ.டி சிறுவர்கள் - Re-Printed in 1985, INR 13.80/-, 96 Pages, Black & White, Soft Cover.

• Ram Razzaq - ரேவதியின் ராம் ரெசாக் - Published on Nov 1991, INR 13.50/-, 84 Pages, Black & White, Soft Cover.

• Minkala Madhavan ரேவதியின் மின்கல மாதவன் - Published on Nov 1999, INR 15/-, 60 Pages, Black & White, Soft Cover.

• கி.வ.ஜா படைத்த சிறுவர் இலக்கியம் - Published on Nov 2004, INR 30/-, 120 Pages, Black & White, Soft Cover.

• சிறுவர் இலக்கியத்தில் அகிலனின் படைப்புகள் - Published on Nov 2003,  INR 25/-, 95 Pages, Black & White, Soft Cover.

• சிறுவர் இலக்கியத்தில் ஆர்வியின் கண்ணன் படைப்புகள்- Published on 2007, INR 55/-, 172 Pages, Black & White, Soft Cover.

New Horizon Media (கிழக்கு பதிப்பகம்): Kizhakku is the most happening stall in the entire book exhibition with lots of variety and content scoring over with others. Apart from the Comics, they have some of the most interesting titles for the comirades.

TCU Info: Stall No 13, 14 & 15.                                                                 

Books of Interest for ComiRades: Comics

• 24 Titles of Amar Chitra Katha’s in Tamil (Excellent Translation, INR 35/- each)

• 03 Titles of Graphic novels on Tamil Literature (Excellent narration, INR 25/- each)

Other books of interest for the ComiRades: 09 Books on Feluda Series (Sathyajith Ray) & 1 Book on Holmes.

• 01: டார்ஜிலிங்கில் ஓர் அபாயம் – Translation by V.B.Ganesan - May 2007, INR 30/-, 48 Pages.

• 02: மகாராஜாவின் மோதிரம் - Translation by V.B.Ganesan – June 2008, INR 60/-, 144 Pages.

• 03: கைலாஷ் சவுதுரியின் இரத்தினக்கல் - Translation by V.B.Ganesan – June 2008, INR 30/-, 56 Pages.

• 04: அனுபிஸ் மர்மம் - Translation by V.B.Ganesan – June 2008, INR 30/-, 48 Pages.

• 05: கேங்டாக்கில் வந்த கஷ்டம் - Translation by V.B.Ganesan – June 2008, INR 60/-, 128 Pages.

• 06: தங்கக்கோட்டை - Translation by V.B.Ganesan – Aug 2008, INR 70/-, 152 Pages.

• 07: கல்கா மெயிலில் நடந்த சம்பவம் - Translation by V.B.Ganesan – Aug 2008, INR 60/-, 128 Pages.

• 08: கைலாஷில் ஒரு கொலையாளி - Translation by V.B.Ganesan – Aug 2008, INR 60/-, 136 Pages.

• 09: சாவி - Translation by V.B.Ganesan – Aug 2008, INR 30/-, 56 Pages.

• 01: ஷெர்லக் ஹோல்ம்ஸ் - ஒரு மோதிரம் இரு கொலைகள் - Translation by Badri – May 2009, INR 120/-, 184 Pages.

Manimegalai Publications (மணிமேகலை பிரசுரம்): Already covered in the previous post and hence nothing new to be added apart from some of the new images and scans.

TCU Info: Stall No F 30.                                                               

Books of Interest for ComiRades: Comics

• Thirumbi Varavillai - தமிழ் வாணனின் திரும்பி வரவில்லை (Siv’s Post) – Reprinted in 1986, INR 08/-, 72 Pages.

• Dharavum Kugai Manidhargalum தாராவும் குகை மனிதர்களும் (Siv’s Post) – Published in Oct 2009, INR 50/-, 72 Pages.

• Appusamiyum, Colour Teeviyum அப்புசாமியும் கலர் டிவியும் (Siv’s Post) – Reprinted in 1997, INR 10/-, 52 Pages.

Other books of interest for the ComiRades:

• Many books on the Sankar Lal Series

• Many Books on Tamil Vanan Detective stories (Where Tamil Vanan over took as the hero).

National Book Trust (நேஷனல் புக் டிரஸ்ட்): Kindly have a look into the last photo in this series. That was taken on the very 1st day and that was the status of this stall. Later on, when they shelved off their books, it became a nice place for buyers of Children's Books below 10 year old kids.

TCU Info: Stall No 466.                                                              

Books of Interest for ComiRades: Not much on the Comics front, Though. Some interesting titles like அலமேலுவின் அசுரப்பசி, கூண்டில் சிக்கிய கிளி invites a glance or two.

Tulika Publishers (தூளிகா பிரசுரம்): Another one for the Children below 10 years. They have some nice titles and they seem to be drawn well as well. The most important aspect for any Children’s literature is a catchy title. The title is half the battle towards sales and (This is Where Lion Comics Editor S.Vijayan Wins Hands down) even Tulika people seems to have mastered that art.

TCU Info: Stall No 127.

Books of Interest for ComiRades: Not Much. Some interesting titles for kids, though.

Now, then. By Monday 17th Jan 2011, the Book fair is getting over and Hurry up, ComiRades. Do not miss out on the new Comics like Che and American Empire. By Monday, TCU Will be back with the customary year end review for the year that got over – 2010. We have 33 titles to review that that needs some posting. 

Well, that's all for the time being. As usual, post your comments in the comments section. For those who want to Pen their thoughts in Tamil, Kindly Use the Option Provided in the Widget in the Blog.

Thanks & Regards,

King Viswa.