69 The Future Of Tamil Comics + 2009 Comics Review & 2010 Preview – A TCU Exclusive

Dear ComiRades,

Welcome Back to TCU. It was Actually six Months ago that the last Post was Made in TCU. Yours Truly is Really Humbled by the Love shown by Fellow ComiRades. The Number Of SMS’s, Phone Calls, Mails & Direct Visits By The Fellow ComiRades Highlighted the Love towards This Humble Blog. The Highlight was One Gentleman Who Called the Publisher to enquire about Yours Truly’s Mobile Number and Later On Called to get access. All i can say is, Thanks Guys. As Editor S Vijayan Said in Lion Issue No 206, WE ARE BACK IN BUSINESS.This particular Break will never be repeated in the near future, Hopefully.  So, TCU Wishes All The ComiRades a Happy New Year 2010.

Under Normal Circumstances, There wouldn’t be anymore Posting from TCU. However the Meeting yours Truly Had with the Editor of Lion Comics Mr S.Vijayan Last week and the Subsequent 200+ Minute Conversation we Had, resulted in this post. When the Editor Wants, Who are we to Say No? Yes, This post is completely for the ComiRades to Voice out their Opinion on How their Beloved Comics is to be Shaped in the Near Future.

Prakash Publishers – Version 2010

At a Time When We should Be Celebrating The Silver Jubilee of the Launch of Lion Comics, We are Struggling for Survival. Yes, The Year 2009 Was marked in the Tamil Comics History as one of the Toughest Years – Both in Terms of Production and Sales,  Sales Especially. Last year when Editor Questioned about the Possible change in the Book Format or Price Change, TCU Has Conducted a Poll and Presented the Voice of Tamil ComiRades. Now, Possibly The Toughest Time in terms of Decision Making Has arrived and TCU is Here to Perform it’s Duty for the Tamil Comics Industry. We are all, As one way the other.

The Pricing of Lion Comics / Muthu Comics & Comics Classics were kept at a Bare Minimum in order to Cater to a Larger Target Group of Varying Economic Proportions. However, the last one year has made The Editor to reconsider the decision. He Has Two Choices in front of Him.

1. Continue with the Same Price of INR 10.00 and cater to the Larger strata of the Society Hoping that by doing so, it will help the BPL People also to have easier access towards their beloved comics.

2. Change the Price, Increase The Book Quality (Completely Colour Pages, High Quality Paper, Hard Cover etc) and Make sure that it reaches the Specified Target Group.

The Editor Has been following the 1st Option whenever he comes across facing these tow options for the last 10-15 years. Now, the time has to come to try out the 2nd option as the 1st one is yet to yield results in-spite of the fact that it was continued for over 15 years.

Now, Our Beloved Editor Has made up His Mind and After the Publishing of the Current set of Books (See Below for a Complete List in the preview section), He is going to Change the Pattern of His Sales and Distribution. Here are the Highlights of His Plan.

1. There will Be a Packet of 4 Books available every quarter (3 Months).
2. Each Packet will contain 2 Lion + 1 Muthu + 1 Comics Classics or 1 Lion + 2 Muthu + 1 Classics
3. The Book Price will Be INR 25.00/ Book & for those Who Buy all four,it will be available at INR 85.00
4. Each and every book Will be Having Laminated Hard Cover so that we can preserve it for longer
5. Each and Every Book will be printed in High Quality Paper of Higher GSM & Hence it will Accentuate the Quality of the Artwork which in a way, make the reading a Pleasant Habit.
6. The Best Part of the Revised Version of Prakash Publishers will Be, that the books will be in Complete Colour, Unlike the Present Day Black & White Books. We can fulfill our wish of reading Chick Bill in Full Colour and all other European Stories.
7. Hence we can get a Maximum of 4 Packets every year – 16 Books in a Year @ INR 340.00
8. And to Top it all, We can Get the Books delivered to our Address instead of Searching for the Book Shop and Asking questions like, where it is available.

Now, This Plan has so many wonderful things like Preservation, Collectors Edition, Reading made easier, etc etc. For those who consider that INR 25.00 is quite a steep raise from INR 10.00, Consider That to read Largo Winch in English, we Have to Spend INR 200.00 Per Book; Whereas under this Scheme, we Will Get them @ INR 21.25, Almost 9 Times Cheaper and At the same quality in Multi Colour.

Now, we all know the Plus points of this wonderful initiative from the Editor. What he wants to know is, What will be the drawbacks of this Scheme. Like all good things in Life, this too may have some negative aspects. So, TCU Requests all ComiRades to Voice Out their Opinions in this Blog so that we can make a report and send that to the editor before Pongal. This Blog Post is designed to get ComiRades Opinion on this Plan and Hence i request all the Fellow ComiRades to Help our Beloved Editor.

2009 Comics Review:

Before Getting into the Post, Kindly Read the Year End Review of 2008. It was One of the 1st of It’s Kind in Tamil Comics And TCU is here to review the year Just Passed On. Compared to last year, This Year-2009- was a Average one with Only 5 Books from the Famed Prakash Publishers. However, There was a Spark in the Field as two Publications published their Graphic Novels in the later part of the year, promising to continue so in the near future as well. Here is the complete Index of the Comics Books published in Tamil in 2009:

No	Title (Click on the title to read the review)	Series	Issue	Date
1	Norungiya Naanal Marmam நொறுங்கிய நாணல் மர்மம்.	Muthu Comics முத்து காமிக்ஸ்	311	03rd Feb 2009
2	Maandavan Meendaan மாண்டவன் மீண்டான்	Lion Comics லயன் காமிக்ஸ்	206	11th July 2009
3	Vinveli Kollaiyar விண்வெளி கொள்ளையர்	Comics Classics காமிக்ஸ் கிளாசிக்ஸ்	24	20th July 2009
4	Nizhal Edhu? Nijam Edhu? நிழல் எது? நிஜம் எது?	Muthu Comics முத்து காமிக்ஸ்	312	6th Aug 2009
5	Kolai Seiyya Virumbu கொலை செய்ய விரும்பு	Lion Comics லயன் காமிக்ஸ்	207	6th Nov 2009
6	Motchathirku Appaal மோட்சத்திற்கு அப்பால்	Graphics Novel கிராபிக்ஸ் நாவல்	1	01st Aug 2009
7	Abdul Kalaam அப்துல் கலாம் - கிழக்கு பதிப்பகம்	Prodigy Comix  ப்ராடிஜி காமிக்ஸ்	1	01st Aug 2009
8	Thaaravum Kugai Manidhargalum தாராவும் குகை மனிதர்களும்	Manimegalai மணிமேகலை	1	01st Oct 2009

Note: The Title Raaja Gambeeran Was Published in Feb 2008 & Hence it was Not included in this Year’s Review.

1.Norungiya Naanal Marmam நொறுங்கிய நாணல் மர்மம்.

The Year Started with Detective Julian (AKA Buck Ryan) thriller Norungiya Naanal Marmam நொறுங்கிய நாணல் மர்மம். However, as his wont, Editor S.Vijayan stole the limelight from the story by announcing that Steel Claw’s vinveli kollaiyar விண்வெளி கொள்ளையர் will be the next Comics Classics issue. That was a Master stroke in Many ways as it was never been reprinted, yet. The second story was Roger Moore’s Paavamaai oru Puli பாவமாய் ஒரு புலி. The Second Surprise element was that of the next issue announcement. Yes, Mandrake the Magician was Making his comeback after a Hiatus and to top the trivia section, this particular story was Advertised as early as in Issue no 195 itself.

ComiRade’s Rating: 9/10

TCU Panel Rating: 8/10

2. Maandavan Meendaan மாண்டவன் மீண்டான்

After Muthu, There was a Big Gap in the release of the Next issue. And in the month of July (Celebrating the 25th Year of the Launch of the Lion Comics) The Next comics from Prakash Publications was released. In Reality, this particular issue was to be published somewhere in the month of March/April 2009 and As his custom, in July The Editor would Have Published Modesty Blaise as the 25th Year Celebrating Issue. However, Delays beyond His control took toll on his plan an by sheer coincidence, This book was published amidst chaos and the title proved to be a Sign of things to come. The Editor Himself Said “ We Are Back in Business”.

The editorial was as usual a Fantastic piece of Info for things to come. This book featured two stories from Agent X 9 – Phil corrigan. And to make it a memorable issue for the Strip Lovers, Both of them were from the famed Al-Archie Combo. What else can we say? The Next issue Advertisement was in the same page as that of the Hotline, as the stories were lengthier ones.

ComiRades Rating: ----------

TCU Panel Rating: 9/10

3. Vinveli Kollaiyar விண்வெளி கொள்ளையர் 

Even though it was mentioned in the previous Muthu Issue that the next Comics classics will be in a Bigger format, Doubts were lingering in the Minds of the ComiRades as what will be the size. There were stories circulating in the Field that the Issue will be in the size of CC No 9 (Which was also a Steel Claw Story – In the same size as that of the present Lion / Muthu) unlike the latest trend of being published in the Pocket size.

So, within 8 days of the release of the Lion comics, Comics classics was available and the size was as that of the original one – A4. The printing quality was also had a marked improvement from that of the previous CC’s. The only blemish was that, it was folded into two while sending it through Postal. Hence Most of the ComiRades were seen buying the same book in the shops as well. The Next issue of the classics was also a Steel Claw Story which was also Never been reprinted.

ComiRades Rating: ----------

TCU Panel Rating: 9/10

4. Nizhal Edhu? Nijam Edhu? நிழல் எது? நிஜம் எது? 

And Finally we have seen the story which was Advertised way back in Muthu Issue No 195. Yes, We are talking about Mandrake the Magician’s Mirror People Story. There were Many Curious Thoughts as this book is Not available Online (Then) and as the story appeared as a Daily strip in the Sixties, What will be the level of Readers interest in this. Personally speaking, The Panel of TCU Loved this Concept and were delighted to read this. However, Many of the Long time ComiRades felt Otherwise, Including Dr BalaSubramaniam of Sivakasi. His letter to the editor may be published in the forthcoming Muthu Comics and His thoughts were echoed by many. Robot Archie’s Filler was the second story in this book.

ComiRades Rating: ----------

TCU Panel Rating: 8.5/10

5.Kolai seiyya Virumbu கொலை செய்ய விரும்பு

The Queen is Back. Yes, The Favourite Comic Character for Many ComiRades made her comeback with this issue. There was One ComiRade whom i Don’t want to Name in Public who has announced that If he is Blessed with a Baby Girl, He will Name Her as Modesty. Such was The Fan Following MB Enjoys. The editorial had many hot topics and was spread over two pages. The second story was that of Zip Nolan’s. The story Line gelled with the theme of Cricket and The artwork of Neville Colvin was very different from what we usually get.

ComiRades Rating: ----------

TCU Panel Rating: 8/10

6. Motchathirkku Appaal மோட்சத்திற்கு அப்பால் கிராபிக்ஸ் நாவல்

With the Premier Publisher (Prakash Publishers) Limiting Himself to 5 Books this year, Others ought to step in. And They Did. They Did in some style. We always expected a Comics book from Editor G.Asokan. For those who came in Late, Mr GA was associated with comics once (Remember Shakthi Comics? if Not, Wait for some time) and Has Ambitions to launch His own comics Sometime in the Future. He is the Publisher of Crime Novel, India’s Largest Selling Monthly Novel. He is Now Venturing into Comics Field. With Dr Prakash being his Ace, He started Graphics Novel. In terms of Pricing and Distribution, GA Has advantage. Imagine 240 Pages of Book being sold at 30 Rs? Its a Steal. However, The Story and Artwork is Not up to the Standard and Both the Editor and the Author Promise a Better Work in the second edition.

Publisher: G. Asokan                            Editor: G. Asokan                                 Author: Dr L Prakash                           Artist: Dr L Prakash

ComiRades Rating: ----------

TCU Panel Rating: 3/10

7. Abdul Kalam  அப்துல் கலாம் ப்ராடிஜி காமிக்ஸ் 

We all Know that Mr Badri is a Comics Lover who grew Up with Muthu and Lion Comics. So, it was not a surprise that he has launched a Comics Named Prodigy Comix from the Kizhakku Publications. Under the Able Guidance of Pa.Ra, S. Sujatha is the Editor and Chokkalingam being the illustrator, Prodigy has launched Abdul Kalam’s Life History as a Comics. There is a Nice Story behind the making of the Book. The Illustrations were made in Black and White and then they were digitised for colouring. There are three more comics books from Prodigy waiting in the wings in the 1st quarter of 2010 and another half a dozen books in the near future. However, Almost all of them will be Non Fiction and Even then, it is a Good News. Isn’t it?

Publisher: Badri Sheshadri                    Chief Editor: Pa. Raghavan                        Author: S. Sujatha                          Artist: K.Chokkalingam

ComiRades Rating: ----------

TCU Panel Rating: 5/10

8. Thaaraavum Kugai Manidhargalum மாயாஜால் காமிக்ஸ் தாராவும் குகை மனிதர்களும்

Another Surprise was waiting in store for the ComiRades. Manimegalai Publishers, Known for the Tamil Vaanan Books and Self Help Books, Have already Launched Many Comics Books Including the Memorable “Thirumbi Varavillai - திரும்பி வரவில்லை”. However, This time they are settling for a Series of Stories Based on the 1957 Dell Series. Yes, Under the Able Guidance of Raja Thilagam, Who Not only chose the stories, but also translated them into Tamil. The second set of this series is expected in the early part of 2010. The beauty is that, All the books in Book exhibition were sold out on Saturday itself – Thereby reflecting the fact that there is a Opening and market for Tamil comics books. The detailed description of the series will be dealt in a exclusive post in the near future.

ComiRades Rating: ----------

TCU Panel Rating: 4.5/10

2010 – Tamil Comics Preview – A TCU Exclusive

This Particular Year, 2010, is going to be a marked year in Tamil Comics Ulagam. With the Launch of Lion Jumbo Special waiting in the Wings and the Re-launch of Prakash Publishers to happen in the later part of the year, surely this is going to be a Historical Year for ComiRades. Here is the List of Books to be launched in the Next Year:

No	Title	Series	Issue	Possible Date
1	Vinnil Oru Kullanari விண்ணில் ஒரு குள்ளநரி	Muthu Comics முத்து காமிக்ஸ்	313	Jan 2010
2	KaliMan Manidhargal களிமண் மனிதர்கள்	Comics Classics காமிக்ஸ் கிளாசிக்ஸ்	25	Jan 2010
3	Vellaiyai oru Vedhaalam வெள்ளையாய் ஒரு வேதாளம்	Lion Comics லயன் காமிக்ஸ்	208	Feb 2010
4	Maranathin Nisaptham மரணத்தின் நிசப்தம்	Muthu Comics முத்து காமிக்ஸ்	314	Mar 2010
5	Prodigy Non Fiction Series 2, 3 & 4	Prodigy Comix  ப்ராடிஜி காமிக்ஸ்	2,3,4	Apr 2010
6	Saathanin Thoodhan Dr 7 சாத்தானின் தூதன் டாக்டர் செவன்	Lion Comics லயன் காமிக்ஸ்	209	Apr 2010
7	Kodiya Pallathaakkil Thaara கொடிய பள்ளத்தாக்கில் தாரா	Manimegalai மணிமேகலை	2	Aprl 2010
8	XIII (Part 1-18) Lion Jumbo Special லயன் ஜம்போ ஸ்பெஷல்	லயன் ஜம்போ ஸ்பெஷல்	Spl	Apr 2010
9	Kaaval Kazhugu காவல் கழுகு	Lion Comics லயன் காமிக்ஸ்	210	May 2010

Here are the details of the Books – Sneak Preview Only for the Eyes of the TCU ComiRades.

1. Vinnil Oru Kullanari விண்ணில் ஒரு குள்ளநரி

One of the Most Exciting Daily Strips to be made ever, Johnny Hazard is set to return to Tamil Comics after a Year. This is Daily Strip No 58 (The Long Return, Running from 2nd Jan 1961 to 8th Apr 1961) and the Highlight of the Book is the Colourful cover Art By Artist Kannan. There are some stories which were made READABLE by the Translation and Editorial Skills of S.Vijayan. However, This Particular Story’s Natural flow itself so Good that TCU is Eagerly waiting to Have the Book in Hands. The Complete Review With Johnny Hazard Index will be done By Next week in a Separate Post in TCU.

2.  KaliMan Manidhargal களிமண் மனிதர்கள் 

Previously Published 26 Years Ago, This Particular Steel Claw Adventure was Never to be seen again. It has become a Collectors Edition and Been sold at Premium since then. Very few ComiRades Have this and Hence Editor Has made a Correct Decision to Print only those stories which were Published Only Once so far. This Particular Book Will be Published as a Collectors Edition with Hard Cover and Compact Size (Present Lion + Muthu Comics Size) and Not in Pocket Size. Those who Haven’t read this, Wait for 3 more weeks. Moreover, this is the 25th Book to be published in Comics Classics.

3. Vellaiyai oru Vedhaalam வெள்ளையாய் ஒரு வேதாளம்

The Goundamani-Senthil Combo is Back and they are at their Best in Chick Bill Adventure No 68. Yes, Vellaiyai oru vedhalam will showcase The amazing rapport that the Woodcity Sherif & His Deputy have. The General Comment that people make is that Off Late, The Series is Lacking in Fun. In Reality, The Editor’s ‘Translation is making it Much Better than What it appears to be. For the Doubting Thomas’, Kindly read the Lucky Luke Starrer “Puratchi Thee - மினி லயன் புரட்சி தீ” and Compare the Translation with that of the Latest Eurobooks Published “Daily Star” and you will know what TCU is talking about.

4. Saathanin Thoodhan Dr 7 சாத்தானின் தூதன் டாக்டர் செவன்

Agent Phil Corrigan – AKA Agent X-9 is a Character which gained Immortal status during the Golden run of Archie Godwin and Al Williamson. TCU is planning to Dedicate a Complete Post on the Golden Run and The respective Tamil Stories which were published in 6 Different Publications. Normally People Will Guess the 4 Publications easily and will blink when it comes to the remaining two. So wait till that post materializes.

5. Maranathin Nisaptham மரணத்தின் நிசப்தம் 

Reporter Johnny AKA Ric Hochet is definitely among the Best of the Characters introduced By Editor S.Vijayan. To Know the Background History of the Introduction of Many Characters Including that of the Ric Hochet, Kindly Read this Post by TCU – Editor S.Vijayan’s Tours.

Circa 1986. No Other Editor would have had the Guts to Publish such a Storyline in Tamil at a Time when Adventure and Sci-Fi Fantasy Genre was ruling the Tamil Comics Ulagam. Yes, that was the Time Period when Spider, Robot Archie & Steel Claw were at their Best and Realistic, Detective stories were comparatively not up to the notch as for as Sales is concerned. That was the Time when Reporter Johnny was Introduced to Tamil ComiRades. 

 

The Beauty of His Series was that of the Mysteries involved in the Lead up to the climax. Editor Typically Calls Them as Idiyaappa Chikkal Kadhaigal இடியாப்ப சிக்கல் கதைகள். What we are going to Read is the 70th Story in the series By Tibet. The Cover art is Stunning to say the least.

 

6. Kaaval Kazhugu காவல் கழுகு

Tex Willer is Back and does what he Does Best – Fighting for Justice. This particular Adventure, set in a Different Plane from that of the regular Tex Adventures, Will Charm even the Non-reader of Tex series into a Fan. Of Late, Most of the Tex stories were in a series of 2 or 3 Books. Unlike them, this is a One Off Story and hence we may not wait for the competition of the story from one book to another book. TCU is Planning a Special Intro Post on This as and when time permits.

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. Do Remember that it is Your Opinion that is Going to Help the Editor on The Future of Our Beloved Tamil Comics. Do You Have a Suggestion or Opinion On the Progressive Plan By Editor S Vijayan? If so, Why Hesitate – Pen Your Comments Now and all of these will be sent to the Editor Manually.

Thanks & Regards,

King Viswa.

Suggested Reading: 1.Norungiya Naanal Marmam நொறுங்கிய நாணல் மர்மம் http://tamilcomicsulagam.blogspot.com/2009/02/review-n5-muthu-comics-311-norungiya.html 2. Vinveli Kollaiyar காமிக்ஸ் கிளாசிக்ஸ் விண்வெளி கொள்ளையர் http://akotheeka.blogspot.com/2009/02/s.html http://skipcomics.blogspot.com/2009/08/revival.html http://www.comicology.in/2009/07/comics-classics-24-steel-claw-jul-09.html 3. Mandavan Meendaan லயன் காமிக்ஸ் மாண்டவன் மீண்டான் http://skipcomics.blogspot.com/2009/08/revival.html http://www.comicology.in/2009/07/lion-comics-206-phil-corrigan-jul-09.html 4. Nizhal Edhu? Nijam Edhu? முத்து காமிக்ஸ் நிழல் எது? நிஜம் எது? http://tamilcomic.blogspot.com/2009/07/1-312.html http://skipcomics.blogspot.com/2009/08/revival.html http://tamilcomic.blogspot.com/2009/08/312.html http://www.comicology.in/2009/08/muthu-comics-312-mandrake-aug-09.html 5. Kolai Seiyya Virumbu லயன் காமிக்ஸ் கொலை செய்ய விரும்பு http://tamilcomic.blogspot.com/2009/09/2-207.html http://tamilcomic.blogspot.com/2009/07/24.html http://akotheeka.blogspot.com/2009/11/blog-post.html 6. Graphics Novel எடிட்டர் ஜி.அசோகன் கிராபிக்ஸ் நாவல் மோட்சத்திற்கு அப்பால் http://tamilcomic.blogspot.com/2009/09/blog-post.html 7. Prodigy Comics – Abdul Kalam - கிழக்கு பதிப்பகம் ப்ராடிஜி காமிக்ஸ் அப்துல் கலாம் http://comicstamil.blogspot.com/2010/01/prodigy-comix.html http://nhm.in/shop/Comix/ 8. Manimegalai Publications – Thaaravum Kugai Manidhargalum மணிமேகலை பதிப்பகம் தாராவும் குகை மனிதர்களும் http://comicstamil.blogspot.com/2009/12/blog-post.html 9. Previews for Lion Muthu Issues 2010 லயன் குழும முன்னோட்டங்கள் http://akotheeka.blogspot.com/2009/11/blog-post_24.html