12 TCU Presents . . . 04: New Comics Intro - Chennai Super Komics Volume 2: Chennai Super Kids

Dear ComiRades,

Welcome back to TCU. Surprised, eh? Yes, it was even surprising to me to get back to the good old days when Yours Truly started blogging with posts on alternative days was the norm. Gone are the days when TCU used to post more than 10 posts in a month. Now, it is a tad difficult to get even 5 Posts (With lots of news posts thrown in between). Review posts and Old book reviews and character indices are what TCU is interested in. Slowly but surely, within this year end TCU will try to complete the Character indices of major Comics stars in Tamil Comics History. Surely, we are going to burn the midnight oil a lot. Which in turn results in a lot of posts for the comirades.

Our 1st ever TCU Presents . . . was a run-away success with lots of hits (it is among TCU’s top 5 posts with maximum hits). Here is the volume 2 of the same series. The other entries in the TCU Presents . . . (Euro Books – Phantom Series & Indya Comics – Illustrated Classics) were also met with favourable reviews and response. Hence we are going to continue with the new comics intro series, but with only those which have a chance of being made available in Tamil language in the near future. In the press statement made during the book launch of the 1st issue of Chennai Super Komics, it was clearly stated that from next year onwards, these books will be available in Tamil language as well.

Chennai Super Komics Volume II - Chennai Super Kids: This particular book reached TCU on Saturday and since there were couple of posts waiting in the wings, we had to wait for more than 3/4 days to post this. Apologies for that and we shall try to make these posts without any delay in the future. Like the previous issue, this one was also a multi coloured A-4 Size book of 32 pages priced at INR 40/-. The packaging was neat as usual and to enthuse the children, there were lots of Note book labels inside the book as a gift. Here the the images (for the 1st time in online as a scanned image):

Chennai Super Komics Volume 2 Chennai Super Kids Cover	Chennai Super Komics Volume 2 Chennai Super Kids Credits	Chennai Super Komics Vol 2 Chennai Super Kids Raina Mask

Story of Chennai Super Kids: The storyline and the presentation are better than the 1st issue and let us congratulate the team for that. TCU strongly advises that the story for children need not be childish. At the same time with a TG of 12 Years, you needn’t to bring your mature adventures either. This time, the creative team has tried to improve and that can be very easily felt in this book. If the 1st book was all about Paandi, this issue is about Manivannan. It was tragic that he couldn’t get into his school team (Chennai Dragons) and feeling the pain of rejection, he starts his own team with girls being equal players in the squad. And he receives a timely helping hand from a mysterious person who calls himself as Mr Flames and helps these kids to gain confidence as a team and prepare for the important match.

Chennai Super Komics Volume 2 Chennai Super Kids Map	CS Komics Vol 2 Chennai Super Kids Story 1st Page	CS Komics Vol 2 Chennai Super Kids Story 2nd Page

• Who is the myesterious coach?
• Why he couldn’t make it to the start of the match?
• Without the coach being available for the all important match, how the team fared?
• Can the team defend the low score against the Chennai dragons?
• who came to cheer for the boys?

There are some interesting questions like this need to be answered and for that one must grab the book from the nearest book stand. Since this series is distributed by India Book House (IBH), availability is not at all an issue. All you need to do is go to your nearest Landmark book store/Higginbotham's Book store/ Connexions Stores etc. If not so, just mail to “cskomics@gmail.com” & Your requirement will be taken care.

Chennai Super Komics Volume 2 Chennai Super Kids Story 3rd Page Mani's Entry	Chennai Super Komics Volume 2 Chennai Super Kids Story 2nd Last Page	Chennai Super Komics Volume 2 Chennai Super Kids Story Last Page

 Happy Birthday To Cibi அண்ணன்: Our dear friend & avid ComiRade Mr Cibi Celebrates his Birthday today (1st June). TCU wishes him all the very best and may God give him more than he deserves. Happy Birthday, Sir.

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.

19 Comic Cuts 29-News 29: New Age Graphic Novels, The Return of Mythology in Graphic Form & Other Latest Comics News from The Hindu, Deccan Chronicle & Times of India

Dear ComiRades,

Welcome back to TCU. The frequency with which the number of posts keep on appearing over here would have surprised many of the old friends of this page. However, this new trend of increased number of posts in TCU will continue till July, at least. The secret behind this is, we have a lot of back log to publish and they will find their way sooner than later. Apart from that, the number of News posts (Comic Cuts) and the new book intro’s (TCU Presents) will also keep us on the run. Speaking about the new releases, TCU got hold off couple of new comics and one of them is a fantastic concept which will spread its wings to Tamil very, very soon. Not only Tamil, but 7 other regional languages as well. What is that? well, that’s for me to know and you to find out & you have couple of days to do so. Yes, that particular post will be done next week.

The Hindu–Sarnath Banerjee–The Harappa Files: Coming back to this post, here is our weekly dose of Comic cuts from the pages of Chennai editions of Dailies. the 1st one is the most interesting and also most astonishing story about the man who gives the credit that is bestowed to him by the national media to someone else. Yes, When media hails him as the author of India’s 1st Graphic Novel, he is very quick to point out the fact that he is not. And he himself reveals who it is. Such a man is hard to find and so is his writing. Post modern readers will find this as a treat par excellence.

The Hindu National Daily News Paper - Chennai Edition – Supplement Metro Plus – Issue Dated 25042011 - Harappa Files Graphic Novel by Sarnath Banerjee

Deccan Chronicle-Sarnath Banerjee–The Harappa Files: It is not often that you get news about the comics/graphic novels in news papers. Certainly not often that you find the same news is being covered by 2 different media. well, hats off to Blaft publications for arranging this media meeting for the author and here is the content in DC’s point of view.

Deccan Chronicle Daily News Paper Chennai Edition – Chennai Chronicle – Issue Dated 25042011 Page 20 - Harappa People Graphic Novel By Sarnath Banerjee

The Hindu-Mythology Based Comics/Graphic Novels:  This is a self explanatory article on the mythology based comics / graphic novels in India. Hats off to Ms Anusha for such a lovely piece of writing and such understanding of the medium. Have a blast guys, read on.

The Hindu National Daily News Paper – Supplement Metro Plus - Chennai Edition – Issue Dated 20th April 2011 Wednesday - Mythological Comics – Anusha’s Story

Times Of India-Uncle Pai’s Demise: It was a nice article in respect to Uncle Pai’s passing away and though there was the usual media faux pas on the numbering of the ACK’s and even a reason for him doing so. This is not the time to find faults, still even in obituary articles, if there are errors, no one can save the editors. He was their own employee for some time and still they do the same error. Come on people, show some maturity and not make stories of your own. This is not about the “Man who shot liberty valance” but about a man who has lighted up many a childhoods in India and his story requires “No Making Up”.

The other story is all about re-inventing the Spiderman franchise and also couple of Photo’s of the Chennai Super Komics 1st issue launch. This particular book is available in all Landmark book stores.

Times Of India Chennai Edition Dated 25022011 Page No 09 Uncle Pai Demise	The Times of India Dated 23042011 Chennai Edition Spiderman News
	Chennai Super Komics – 1st issue – Paandi – Boy of the Match – Book Launch Chennai Super Komics – 1st issue – Paandi – Boy of the Match – Book Launch

Now,then; 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 & That will be done in Tamil Language (As requested by Yuva Krishna).

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.

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.