28 TCU Presents . . . 01- New Comics Intro: Chennai Super Komics–Vol.1 :Paandi

Dear ComiRades,

Welcome Back. Thanks for the wonderful response for the last post in TCU (Comic Cuts 28), especially to the ComiRade who called all the way from Catalonia, Barcelona. It is your love and affection that ticks Yours Truly’s sagging sprits and makes sure that the posts are continued come what may. The hectic work schedule, Constant Travelling, added responsibility in the work place, Small health issues all these things melt like an ice in the Chennai Summer with the support and affection given to the postings in TCU. Thanks Guys, Thanks a Ton.

 2 Days ago, TCU received a call from Yuva Krishna about a new comics book being available in the shops. As usual, TCU thought it to be a Tamil Comics. Alas, the joy was short lived as the Comics in question was in English language. Anyhow, something new is always good. While discussing about this, Another ComiRade (Athisha) was so animated with the thought of new comics that he started discussing about the concept of introducing all the new comics to the Chennai/Tamil ComiRades. TCU was game for this idea and hence a new series is commencing in TCU that of introducing new comics books under the title “TCU Presents . . . .”. We will probably get Couple of TCU Presents post every month, Just like couple of Comic Cuts that we are going to have every month. At least from here-onwards.

Chennai Super Komics: The usage of K in Komics is very much similar to the ever popular Komics-Live site. It also gives a Gen Y feel to the title apart from a Brand new title. However, all this is only for the title. The book, as mentioned in the Official press release, is meant for children in the age group of 8-12 (only). This particular book is priced as INR 40/- with 32 Multi Colour Pages in high quality paper. A Staggering 40, 000 copies were printed and they are all distributed through India Book House across India. Here are the cover and credit pages of the book.

CSKomics Volume 01 – 1st Issue - Paandi Boy Of The Match – Issue Dated Apr 2011 Cover	CSKomics Volume 01 – 1st Issue - Paandi Boy Of The Match – Issue Dated Apr 2011 Credits Page	CSKomics Volume 01 – 1st Issue - Paandi Boy Of The Match – Issue Dated Apr 2011 – Story Map

Paandi – Boy of the Match: This particular book is all about an 8 Year old boy named Pandi (Spelled as Paandi in the story). He is an avid cricket fan and also that of MSD. He visualises himself to be an all rounder. However, his team mates consider him good for nothing as for as fielding is concerned and always place him at Long stop (a position beyond the wicket keeper). Pandi’s father Mr Sreenivasan ( is it a coincidence to name him so?) works in the same hotel where the Chennai Super Kings stay during the IPL Matches. Out of curiosity Pandi writes a letter to MSD and asks his father to deliver it & he does so. Dhoni also reads the letter and in that day’s crucial knock out match, he uses the idea put forward by the 8 year old boy and he wins the match on that inspirational bit of innovative plan. So overjoyed was he, that he visits the boy to thank him with his team. Here are some of the scans from the book.

CSKomics Volume 01 – 1st Issue - Paandi Boy Of The Match – Issue Dated Apr 2011 – Page 1	CSKomics Volume 01 – 1st Issue - Paandi Boy Of The Match – Issue Dated Apr 2011 – Page 2	CSKomics Volume 01 – 1st Issue - Paandi Boy Of The Match – Issue Dated Apr 2011 – Page 3

Though the story is ok, in hindsight TCU feels that it could have been better. Considering the reach and the popularity of CSK, One ought to merchandise in the same standard as that of the brand itself. This is where the 1st issue lags behind. Though we can always argue that it was meant for only 8 – 12 year olds, what stops us from having the best? The other factor that is alienating the flow of the story is the “Non-Tamilish” flow of the story line. Though the author and the artist try in vain to look normal for a Chennai based story, it is very much obvious that something is missing and TCU feels it is the local flavour and the local touch is what missing from this book. Right from the Title where unless and until somebody is obsessed with nameology, none of the Chennaittes will spell their names with double a’s.Most of them spell Pandi as “PANDI” unlike the title where they made it with 2 A’s.

CSKomics Volume 01 – 1st Issue - Paandi Boy Of The Match – Issue Dated Apr 2011 – Page 17	CSKomics Volume 01 – 1st Issue - Paandi Boy Of The Match – Issue Dated Apr 2011 – Page 30	CSKomics Volume 01 – 1st Issue - Paandi Boy Of The Match – Issue Dated Apr 2011 – Page 31

The artwork, lettering style and colouring is OK and the only thing TCU hopes is that from the next book onwards, they come out with much better storyline and overall planning. There is always a thinking that a children’s story has to be within certain parameters and most of the present day authors tend fall within the same limits. One question that needs to be raised is, who draws the lime for the limit and who we are to decide that Children will like only this kind of stories. Their thinking line is broadening and so is their grasping limit in a tender age.

We, The Team TCU, are not trying to find fault with this book. What we are trying to say is that, we have a very good opportunity and we must use it to the optimum level instead of the maximum level. The story line is very much simple and we want much better things from the creative team from the next issue onwards. Way to go guys, Cheers for that. The book also consists of a CSK poster and a Dhoni face mask. Here are they for your view:

CSKomics Volume 01 – 1st Issue - Paandi Boy Of The Match – Issue Dated Apr 2011 – Page 32 – Team Profile & Poster Image – Poster Included in Book	CSKomics Volume 01 – 1st Issue - Paandi Boy Of The Match – Issue Dated Apr 2011 – Back Cover – MS Dhoni Face mask Image

Couple of ComiRades pointed out that the news about CSK in the form of a Comics is already a news in the online and daily news papers. here are couple of the news articles about the Chennai Super Kings.

Mint NewsPaper Article About the Forthcoming CSKomics ePaper Dated 11022011 Available Online at http://epaper.livemint.com/ArticleImage.aspx?article=11_02_2011_007_004&mode=1

AdGully Media Online Report on Chennai Super Komics Launch – Report Dated 18042011 – Available Online at http://www.adgully.com/media/print/csk-animated-cartwheel-creative-creates-comic-series-for-the-ipl-team.html

It is not the 1st time that Dhoni has appeared in a Comics. He was the hero in the Tamil Children’s Magazine Chutti Vikatan where they serialised his adventures for over a year. Here is one sample example where Dhoni exemplifies the usage of GPRS to the young readers. Though there is not much he can do in this story, there are other episodes where his quick thinking and innovative ideas help him to over come many a tricky situations.

Chutti Vikatan–Anantha Vikatan’ s Sister Publication–Dhoni Comics Series–31-05-2009-Pg 1	Chutti Vikatan–Anantha Vikatan’ s Sister Publication–Dhoni Comics Series–31-05-2009-Pg 2
Chutti Vikatan–Anantha Vikatan’ s Sister Publication–Dhoni Comics Series–31-05-2009-Pg 3	Chutti Vikatan–Anantha Vikatan’ s Sister Publication–Dhoni Comics Series–31-05-2009-Pg 4

Now,then; The next post will be on the year end review post for the year ended 2010. Most probably that will be done by Saturday and from next month onwards, ComiRades will see a radical change in the number of posts in TCU. There is also a post waiting on the wings and the speciality of the post is about the comics by the present Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

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.