11 Review O2: Iceberg Comics-2nd Issue-XIII

Dear ComiRades,

This is the 2nd Post on Iceberg Comics (A Handsome Comics From a Handsome Country - Comments inspired By Actual Saying of Mike Coward) about the 2nd issue of Iceberg. For the Un-Initiated, Kindly Click Here.

After the Successful debut of Iceberg Comics, Many ComiRades were wondering how good will be the second issue? Can it topple the First one? Both in terms of Quality and Quantity? I remember taking part in Animated Discussions with Many a ComiRade that they cannot Best the First issue. However, the Delay-Syndrome which has affected Tamil Comics Got to Sri Lanka As well. We were waiting for more than 5 Months to get the second issue. Was the waiting worth? You bet it was. Have a Look into the cover of the 2nd issue.

The Size and correspondingly the price both were compromised to accommodate the sales issues of the first book. From A4 to the size become a Normal sized one thus ending the great debate on whether Issue no 2 can best the previous one.

And have a Look at the Cover & 1st Page of the same in French Version. Very Nice to know that people follow the international standards. Hats off To Nisha Haran for producing the original at its absolute best. Even though the same story was published in India in Tamil Language in Lion Comics (Yes, Lion Comics as part of the Unforgettable Diwali Super Special), the cover of the same used only in promo & not as the main cover. Many ComiRades will remember the Back wrapper of the Thihil Comics Sirithu Kolla Vendum in which the same was advertised.

As per the Standard followed By Spirou, Daragaud & Thihil/Lion, Iceberg also gave the Synopsis of the Previous issue in a single page. Have a look into the content. This is an Absolute Lesson for the Students of the art of Making comics on How to fit the entire story into one single page. Have a Look in to this.

 
The Editor's page was Branded as "Hi Readers" where Mr NishaHaran penned his thoughts along with the apologies for the delay, which was perfectly acceptable considering the Political situation which was/is prevailing over there. Have look on to the part how the Editor introduces Mike Blueberry and the anticipated questions on the storylines that will be featured. He very clearly says that they will be fresh as for as Tamil language is considered (For those who came in Late, Muthu Comics - Tamil Nadu based Comic from India- has already published the stories of Blueberry under different name). This raised the expectations on the 3rd issue. The reason for not publishing the 3rd part of XIII as the 3rd issue was mentioned as giving a break for him.
 

Now, Look at the 1st page of the story: This is where i have a problem with the Books in B & W as compared to Colour (Even though, As somebody who has experienced the Difficulties in Launching a New Comics & Promoting it, I knew that it is a Himalayan task to get a Comics in Tamil in Colour with Quality at affordable price). Let me put this question to all readers. Kindly look into the 1st page of Iceberg & Lion Comics and the same page in French version in colour. This is where the content strength of XIII lies. Even in this kind of printing, it has become a huge success.

Now, Have a Look at this particular page whereby XIII shows his shocking reaction on knowing that his wife Kim is alive in his face. This is where colour comes in Handy. Comparative pictures will help you to be a Judge by yourself. As for as Yours truly is concerned, Judgement is Reserved.

Now, the final page where part 2 ends. Imagine the situation in 1987, when there was no internet, Phone etc and the situation of the ComiRades when they realise that XIII has to be in Jail for the Crimes that He Didn't commit. They had to wait awfully long to know what exactly happened to him (3rd part was the memorable 50th issue of Thihil Comics).

Apart from these, the second issue of Iceberg had Letters from the fans, articles on Bio Technology, I.T, Artificial Intelligence etc. I do believe that the background of the Publishing house was the reason behind this. The back wrapper of issue no 2 was so good looking. Have a look at this. can you see the strips in colour gives a wonderful picture than the ones in B&W?


Brand: Iceberg Comics (Iceberg Comics, Galle, Sri Lanka).

Title: Sevvindhiya Kudiyiruppu

Cover Design: Hard Cover, Laminated.

Serial Number: No. 2, Part 2 of XIII's 19 Part Saga.

On Sale: 14th April 2006 Onwards

Price: Priceless for Comic Fans; For others, SLR 50/-

Continuity: Part 3 To Be Available Two months later (?)

Scan Courtesy: Avadi Venkateshwaran.

Well, that's all for now guys. Feel free to post your comments and suggestions in this blog using the Comments link below my sign or send mail to tamilcomicsulagam@gmail.com.

Thanks & Regards,
King Viswa.