15 Lion Comics # 210–Lion Comeback Special Jan 2012 லயன் காமிக்ஸ் கம்பேக் ஸ்பெஷல்

Dear ComiRades,

என்று தமிழில் அழைக்க முடியாதமையை பற்றி சென்ற பதிவில் கூறி இருந்தது நினைவிருக்கலாம். ஆகையால் மிகவும் ஆக இந்த முறை ஆங்கிலத்தில் ஆரம்பித்து விட்டு பதிவில் நுழைகிறேன். ஜெஹாங்கிர் அவர்கள் If there is heaven on earth, it’s here; it’s here; it’s here என்று கூறியது உங்களுக்கு நினைவிருக்கலாம். அந்த புகழ்பெற்ற வசனத்தை நான் மறுபடியும் ஒரு முறை, ஆனால் காமிக்ஸ் கண்ணோட்டத்தில், கூறுகிறேன்:  சொர்க்கம் என்று ஒன்று பூமியில் இருந்தால், அது இங்கேதான் இருக்கிறது, இங்கேதான் இருக்கிறது, இங்கேதான் இருக்கிறது. ஏனெனில் இன்றுதான் சொர்க்கம் என்றால் என்ன என்பதையும் கண்ணால் கண்டேன் - லயன் காமிக்ஸ் கம்பேக் ஸ்பெஷல் வழியாகவும், கணக்கிலடங்கா ரசிகர்களின் அன்பு மழையிலும்.

இந்த பதிவில் செல்லும் முன், இந்த புத்தகத்தை பற்றிய நம்முடைய முன்னோட்ட பதிவினை ஒருமுறை பார்த்துவிட்டால், இந்த புத்தகத்தை பற்றிய பின்னணி விவரங்கள் சுலபமாக புரியும். ஏனெனில் இந்த முறை பதிவினில் நான் ஒன்றுமே கூறப்போவதில்லை. சினிமா மற்றும் காமிக்ஸ் - இவை இரண்டுமே விஷூவல் மீடியா என்பது நண்பர் மிஷ்கின் அவர்களின் கருத்து. இந்த ஒரு முறையாவது அந்த கருத்திற்கிணங்க இந்த பதிவினை ஒரு விஷூவல் டிரீட் ஆக அளிக்க முயன்றுள்ளேன். ஆகையால் நோ மொக்கை இன் திஸ் போஸ்ட்.

Lion Comics Issue No 210 CBS Front Cover – Jan 2012	Lion Comics Issue No 210 CBS Back Cover – Jan 2012

லயன் காமிக்ஸ் வாங்கும் ரசிகர்கள் உடனயாக படிப்பது நம்ம எடிட்டர் சாரின் ஹாட் லைன் பக்கங்களைத்தான். நம்முடைய நெடுநாள் தோழனொருவன் தோளில் கை போட்டுக்கொண்டு ஆற அமர ஒரு சங்கதியை கூறுவது போன்ற மாயையை எடிட்டர் அவரது ஹாட் லைன் மூலமாக உருவாக்கிக்கொண்டு இருக்கிறார் என்பது நிதர்சன உண்மை. ஆகையால் மற்றவர்களைப்போல நானும் இந்த இதழின் ஹாட் லைனை தான் முதலில் படித்தேன். அதுவும், ட்ராபிக் காரணமாக பைக்கில் பின் சீட்டில் உட்கார்ந்துக்கொண்டு படித்தேன். நீங்களும் படியுங்கள் (பின் சீட்டில் அல்ல).

Lion Comics Issue No 210 – Jan 2012 ome Back Special CBS Pg No 003 Editor SV's Hotline 01

அண்ணன் லக்கியாரை பிடிக்காதவர்கள் யாருமே இருக்க முடியாது (ஹல்லோ, அந்த லக்கி இல்லீங்க, இது காமிக்ஸ் லக்கி லுக்).ஆகையால் இந்த இதழின் முதல் கதையாக லக்கியாரின் கதையையே பிரசுரித்து இருப்பது சிறப்பு. அந்த கதையின் முதல் பக்கம், பளிச்சிடும் சுப்பர் ரின் வெண்மையில், ச்சே, பளிச்சிடும் சூப்பர் ஆர்ட் பேப்பரில்.

Lion Comics Issue No 210 – Jan 2012 – Come Back Special - CBS Pg No 004 Lucky Lukes Otrargal Orayiram Page 01

தமிழில் கேப்டன் பிரின்ஸ் கதையை முழு வண்ணத்தில் படிக்கவேண்டும் என்கின்ற காமிக்ஸ் ரசிகனின் ஆசையை இந்த இதழில் எடிட்டர் பூர்த்தி செய்துள்ளார். அட்டகாசமான வேகத்தில் நகரும் இந்த கதையின் முதல் பக்கம்:

Lion Comics Issue No 210 – Jan 2012 – Come Back Special - CBS Pg No 048 Bernard Prince Kaanagathil Kalebaram

லைப் பிகின்ஸ் அட் பார்ட்டி (40) என்று அல்டிமேட் ஸ்டார் அஜித் மங்காத்தா படத்தில் கூறினாலும் கூறினார், இந்த நாப்பது வயசுக்காரங்களின் தொந்தரவு தாங்கமுடியாத அளவுக்கு போய் விட்டது. இப்போது தன்னுடைய நாற்பதாவது பிறந்த நாளை கொண்டாடுபவர் நம்ம தமிழ் காமிக்ஸ் உலகின் தலையாய சாகசவீரர் இரும்புக்கை மாயாவி. அவரது டாக்டர் மேக்னோ என்ற இதுவரை தமிழில் பிரசுரிக்கப்படாத கதை தான் மூன்றாவது கதை.

Lion Comics Issue No 210 – Jan 2012 – Come Back Special - CBS Pg No 099 Steel Claw Dr Magno 01st Page

ஒரு காமிக்ஸ் ஸ்டிரிப்பின் அழகே அது வெளிவந்த அதே சைசில் படிப்பதுதான். ரொம்ப நாளாக ஆங்கில டைட்டன் புக்ஸ் போல தமிழில் இல்லையே என்று நினைத்துக்கொண்டு இருந்த எனக்கு வந்த தங்க சுரங்கம் இந்த கதை. எடிட்டர் சார், உங்களுக்கு ஒரு தாழ்வான வேண்டுகோள்:தயவு செய்து இனிமேல் காமிக்ஸ் ஸ்ட்ரிப் கதைகளை பிரசுரிப்பதாக இருந்தால் (ரிப் கிர்பி, மாடஸ்டி, ஜேம்ஸ் பாண்ட் etc), அவற்றையும் இதே முறையில் வெளியிடவும்.

Lion Comics Issue No 210 – Jan 2012 – Come Back Special - CBS Pg No 153 Agent X 9 Phil Corrigan Siraiyil oru Seematti

இந்த இதழின் ஹைலைட்டே இரும்புக்கை மாயாவியின் சாகசங்கள். அவற்றையும் நம்ம எடிட்டர் அவை வெளிவந்த அதே பார்மட்டில் வெளியிட்டு இன்பக்கடலில் மூழ்கடிக்க செய்து விட்டார். இதோ இரும்புக்கை மாயாவியின் இரண்டாவது கதை: கண்ணாமூச்சி ரே ரே

Lion Comics Issue No 210 – Jan 202 – Come Back Special - CBS Pg No 169 Steel Claw Kannamoochi Re Re 01st Page

கண்ணா, ரெண்டு லட்டு திங்க ஆசையா என்பது போல நம்ம எடிட்டர் சார் இந்த புக்கில் இரண்டாவது முறையாக மற்றுமொரு ஹாட்லைனை எழுதி பலரின் மாற்றுக்கருத்துக்களை நீக்கியுள்ளார். See him in action:

Lion Comics Issue No 210 – Jan 2012 – Come Back Special - CBS Pg No 193 Editor SV's Hotline 02

லயன் காமிக்ஸில் நான் முதல் படிப்பது ஹாட் லைனைத்தான் என்று நான் கூறியது உண்மைதான், ஆனால் அது பதினேழு புத்தகங்களுக்கு முன்பாக. எப்போதிலிருந்து சிங்கத்தின் சிறு வயது சாகசங்களை படிக்க ஆரம்பித்தேனோ, அதன் மீதிருந்து கவனத்தை அகற்றவே இயலவில்லை.

Lion Comics Issue No 210 – Jan 2012 – Come Back Special - CBS Pg No 194 Singathin Siruvayadhil Part 17 Page 01 & 02

ஒரு காலத்தில் நம்ம காமிக்ஸ் புத்தகங்களில் மிகவும் சுவாரஸ்யமான விஷயமாக இருந்தவை இந்த அடுத்து வரவிருக்கு கதைகளுக்கான விளம்பரங்கள். ரொம்ப மாதங்களுக்கு பிறகு நிறைய, நிறைய விளம்பரங்கள். வெல்கம் பேக், The real king of entertainment.

Lion Comics Issue No 210 CBS Front Inner Cover Advt for Forthcoming Issues & Other Advertisements in the sequential order

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

9 Preview of Lion Comics Issue No 210–Lion Come Back Special 2012

Dear ComiRades,

Welcome back to TCU. Let me wish you a wonderful and happy 2012, which is to be spent joyfully by reading a lot of Tamil comics books. The previous post (which was supposed to be a special post on account of it being in the number of 100) kindled a lot of sagging sprits and the response that yours truly received (from a humble 17 year old school boy to the editor of No 1 selling Tamil weekly) was remarkable considering that it was a post well after a gap of more than 6 months. Contrastingly, during the last 6 months, this particular site has received a lot of hits with couple of months topping more than 50k visits (courtesy Vikatan.com & Times of India). The indirect reading from the above stats can be inferred as “if I don’t write, I shall get a lot more visits”, is that so? How misleading these readings can be.

However, the claim for the Numero Uno position for the Tamil comics blogs is slowly shifting from Muthu Fan to Editor S.Vijayan Sir’s own blog (http://lion-muthucomics.blogspot.com/). Of course we all know that Muthu Fan is not actively engaging in the blogosphere and he himself would love to see Editor’s blog getting the coveted mark. We wish and request MF to post more and more informative and useful posts in the near future. Actually, it was very nice of MF to post about the Cisco Kid collectors edition book (http://muthufanblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/come-back.html) in his blog. My new year wish list begins with the request that MF should post at least 2 posts per month in this year.

Moving on, here is the preview post on the forthcoming “Come back special” of Lion Comics. The very first thing that strikes me the most is the aptly titled title itself.How else can you explain the audacity of the Editor to camouflage his weakness into a title itself thereby moving it to his strength side. Hats off to him. Now, then; As someone who has seen how the book will look like, here are the updates on the stories and the details about the book.

• Size of the book is like the previous special editions – A4.
• No of pages in this book is – 200 Pages.
• No of Multi Colour pages in this book – 100 Pages
• Quality of the Paper used for the Coloured Pages – Very High Quality Art Paper (100 GSM)
• No of Pages in B & W – 100 Pages
• Quality of the paper used in B & W Pages – Definitely not the regular News print papers,Better.
• Cover design – Thick, Laminated cover with artwork generated by graphical interpretation.
• Book package – Weighs as much as the 400 page Mega Dream Special.
• Cost of Buying – Priceless for ComiRades, for others, INR 100/- Only

With all these info, here is how the cover image looks like (Courtesy:Editor S.Vijayan)

Lion Comics Issue No 210-Come Back Special Jan 2012 Front Cover	Lion Comics Issue No 210-Come Back Special Jan 2012 Back Cover

Though the design may look anachronated, The cover looks stunning to say the least. Even the staunch Anti-Prakash publishers gang member will vouch for that, and there are so many of them masquerading as connoisseurs. TCU always felt that the colour combination of our books,though they may be re-productions of the origin source, much better than their source material themselves. Hats of to the designer and the man who got the job done from them.

The stories which are going to appear in the book are as follows:

1. Bernard Prince 18 – Danger on the River (கானகத்தில் களேபரம்) Multi Colour
2. Lucky Luke 76 (Cine Book 31) – Lucky Luke Vs The Pinkertons (ஒற்றர்கள் ஓராயிரம்) Multi Colour
3. Steel Claw adventure – The Wraith – Valiant 1970 – B & W Story in 24 Pages
4. Steel Claw Adventure – Dr Magno – Valiant 1974/5 – B & W Story in 54 Pages.
5. Agent X-9 Adventure – Phil Corrigan – B & W Story

Here is the most awaited story in the come back special – Bernard Prince Story no 18: Menas Sor Le Fleuve (Loosely translated as Danger on the river). This one is amongst the latest in the story arch which was published only couple of years back and hence the storyline boasts scenarios where Prince no longer uses the old boat, but uses Gadgets and stuff like MMS, Video transfer are all used in the following storyline. Hermann is at his very best with the kind of artwork which many will believe done by painted artwork. Editor himself has written a lot about this story in the hotline and read it from the lion’s writing itself.

Language of Origin: French

Story Series: Bernard Prince (Wikipedia Link)

French Title: Menas Sor Le Fleuve (bedetheque link)

English Translation: Not yet translated

Author: Yves H. (bedetheque Link)

Artist: Hermann (bedetheque Link, Wikipedia Link, Official Site, Fan site)

Official Album Released on: September 2010.

Bernard Prince Story No 18-Danger on the River (Menace Sor Le Fleuve)	Captain Prince - Bernard Prince Kaanagathil Kalebaram Ad
Bernard Prince Story No 18-Danger on the River: Story 1st Page	Bernard Prince Story No 18-Danger on the River: Story Sample Page

Thanks to publishers such as Tara Press, Cine Book, Euro Books etc, Lucky Luke is a well known name amongst the Indian Comic book readers. It is altogether a different scenario for the Tamil ComiRades who have tasted this nectar long before the English speaking Indian populace can catch it up in the new millennium. Over a period of time, this particular character has grown so much that people have started to use Lucky’s name as pseudonym. In fact, the most popular pseudonym in Tamil Nadu happens to be that of Lucky. In fact, many of bloggers have also registered their pseudonym as that of lucky (http://www.luckylookonline.com/). It is great to know that we are going to get the best of this series in Tamil.

Language of Origin: Belgian (Obviously Franco-Belgian category)

Story Series: Lucky Luke (Wikipedia Link), Official Website in French

French Title:  Lucky Luke Contre Pinkerton

English Translation: Translated & Published in Cine book title No 31 (Cine Book Link)

Author: Daniel Pennac and Tonino Benacquista

Artist: Achdé

Official Album Released on: 2010. English Version Released on: Oct 2011

Lucky Luke Story No 76 – Lucky Luke Contre Pinkerton (2010) Cover	Lucky Luke Otrargal Orayiram Advertisement Page
Cine book No 31 - Lucky Luke Vs The Pinkertons 01st Page	Otrargal Orayiram 1st Page Proof Reading Copy

Here comes the King of Tamil Comics Ulagam – The Steel Claw, immortalised in Tamil as இரும்புக்கை மாயாவி. It’s been a while since we read a complete, unpublished story in Tamil and here we have, not one but two complete stories of Steel Claw.It is as if the Editor is asking:”கண்ணா,ரெண்டு லட்டு திங்க ஆசையா?”. Enjoy the nostalgia. Have a strong cup of tea and enjoy the evening with your old pal – Steel Claw.

Story Series: Steel Claw (Wikipedia Link, International Hero link)

Story Title: The Wraith

Author: Carlos Cruz

Artist: Jesus Blasco (Wikipedia Link, Lambiek Link, Dan dare link)

Story Appeared in: Valiant Weekly as a series with 2 Pages per week (07-02-1970 to 25-04-1970)

No Of weeks: 12 Weeks, 24 pages

2nd Story Title: Dr Magno

Author: Tom Tully (Wikipedia Link)

Artist: Jesus Blasco (Wikipedia Link, Lambiek Link, Dan dare link)

Story Appeared in: Valiant Weekly as a series with 2 Pages per week (26-09-1964 to 27-03-1965)

No Of weeks: 27 Weeks, 54 pages

Both the above stories are yet to be serialised and published as a single volume collection and Lion Comics is the proud publisher to do so. In fact, most of the stories deserve that respect.

The Steel Claw Adventure – The Wraith – Story 01st Page	The Steel Claw Adventure – Dr Magno– Story 01st Page

As previously reported in this blog, the Agent X-9 story is not சாத்தானின் தூதன் டாக்டர் செவன், but an altogether different story. We wont be complaining as a rose by any other name smells the same, right? As usual, This story is also an offering from the unmatchable duo of Al Williamson & Archie Godwin. There is an interesting story behind this particular story and that one will be shared by MF in this blog in the review section. For that reason, that story will now remain anonymous.

Moving on, Here is the cover image. Kindly note that the spelling errors being corrected and changed in this cover. Have a closer look at the 1st photo.Can you identify couple of fingers holding the sheet in the top right corner? With regards to the rightful owner of those fingers, Your guess is obviously as good as mine.

Lion Comics Come Back Special Cover Image Sheet	Lion Comics Come Back Special Cover Image Sheet 2
Lion Comics Come Back Special Front Cover – The 01st Book	Lion Comics Come Back Special Back Cover - The 01st Book

Here is the 1st copy of the book and let me tell you something, This book weighs the same as that of the 400 page Mega Dream Special. Other fortunate members can lay hands on this beauty from the 2nd week on Jan 2012.

Lion Comics Come Back Special Front Cover – The 01st Book	Lion Comics Come Back Special Front Cover – The 01st Book

For those who want it to be delivered to their home, kindly take a DD or Cheque favouring “M/s Prakash Publishers” payable at sivakasi and immediately send it to the following address:

Prakash Publishers,

No 8-D/5, Chairman P.K.S.A.A Road,

Amman Kovil Patti, Sivakasi 626 109.

Phone Number: 04562 – 262749 (Weekdays, Morning 10 AM – 5 PM, IST).

In the pink of their health, both Lion comics and Muthu comics used to boast a huge number of advertisements about the forthcoming issues. Here are some of the coming soon advertisements from the book.

Lion Comics Come Back Special – Coming Soon Ad – Green Poison	Come Back Special – Coming Soon Ad – Code Name Barracuda

Come Back Special – Coming Soon Ad – Lucky Luke Stories: No 18 In the Shadow of The Derricks + No 29-Barbed Wire on the Prairie

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.

16 Lion Comics 100 Rs Special Edition: Lion Come-Back Special: லயன் கம்-பேக் ஸ்பெஷல் 2012

Dear ComiRades,

Welcome back to TCU. It’s been a long and lengthy break for all (The Publishers, The readers and the real well wishers) related to Tamil Comics Ulagam. However, the break was a good one for all concerned as it helped to recharge and gave time to take stock of the current scenario. Hence this post.

For long, breaks was a complaint that was held against the Editor of the Lion Comics and he has come back and came back how. Here is the news that is real good news for the ComiRades: Lion Comics is making a come back in a grand scale. Yes, The next book from the publishing house is going to be a100 Rs special edition, Just like the previous special editions Mega Dream Special மெகா டிரீம் ஸ்பெஷல் in May 2004, Lion Jolly Special லயன் ஜாலி ஸ்பெஷல் in May 2006 & Lion Cow Boy Special கௌ-பாய் ஸ்பெஷல் in July 2007. The new special edition is aptly titled as “Lion Come-Back special” and here are the story details of this book:

1. Lucky Luke Adventure: லக்கி லுக் சாகசம் ஒற்றர்கள் ஓராயிரம் (48 Pages in Full Colour)

2. Bernard Prince Adventure: கேப்டன் பிரின்ஸ் சாகசம் கானகத்தில் களேபரம் (48 Pages in Full Colour)

3. Steel Claw Adventure: இரும்புக்கை மாயாவி - தமிழில் இதுவரை வெளிவராத சாகசம்

4. Agent X-9 Phil Corrigan Adventure: பிலிப் காரிகன் சாகசம் சாத்தானின் தூதன் டாக்டர் செவன்

5. Steel Claw Adventure: இரும்புக்கை மாயாவி - தமிழில் இதுவரை வெளிவராத சாகசம்

All these titles will be part of the Lion Come-Back special and this book is priced at INR 100/-. This book will be available for sales from 10th Jan 2012 and it will be the real Pongal for the ComiRades. Apart from that, there is also the good news of Lion Comics books being available in the Chennai Book Fair 2012 (CBF12). More on this little bit later. Stay tuned.

Lion Comics Editor S Vijayan’s Blog: For long, It was longed by the ComiRades that there wasn’t much interaction amongst the readers and the editor. Now that will remain as a thing of the past with the entry of Our beloved editor into the blogging world. Here is the link to his own blog where he promises that the interaction through his posts will continue regularly:

http://lion-muthucomics.blogspot.com/

TCU requests all the readers to visit the above mentioned blog and record their views on the new boo and the changes happening into our comics world. It will be the numero uno blog as for as Tamil Comics is concerned and TCU is much happy on this regard.

P.S: TCU’s 100th post was planned for Jan 1st and this news was much more important than that and hence the special post is now postponed as the 101st Post.

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.

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