57 Mirage - No Comments Part 2: A TCU Special Post

Dear ComiRades,

Welcome back. Straightaway TCU’s got 2 things to inform. Lets get to the point:

1. There won’t be much of travelling from now onwards (at least fro the next 4 months) and hence ComiRades can expect much more postings in TCU Regularly, a minimum of 3 to 4 posts in a month.

2. The health issues of my parents are under control now and TCU can breath easily, now that the situation is under control.

When Yours truly was looking into the blog, this MIRAGE post which was there on the side bar was irritating, because it was there for more than a year, Just after the No comments post was done in TCU. To read about that post, Click HERE. So, lets clear all of them now and that process starts with the mirage post itself. This particular post is all about the RAREST of the covers of Tamil comics, especially from our Prakash publishers. Yes, TCU proudly presents the Covers which are not used, or used as alternatively.

NOTE: The idea of this post is to Appreciate the Editorial skills of Our Beloved Editor Mr S.Vijayan and no way it is to be taken the other way around. We have to understand the fact that, most of these stories are daily strips and they are not made as a single book when these stories were published in Tamil. Hence, the Editor has to come up with certain Ideas for the cover design. The most important factor here is, Not the maximum utilisation of the available resources, but The Optimum utilisation of the available resources. Right?

1: Irumbu Manidhan – Iron Man – Robot Archie – 1st ever Special from Editor S Vijayan

Before getting into the cover, kindly read what our Editor has to say on this. Because of such incidents only, we have chances to make posts like this:)

Singathin Siru Vayadhil Part 3: Page 1	Singathin Siru Vayadhil Part 3: Page 2	Singathin Siru Vayadhil Part 3: Page  3

Here is the cover which was actually designed by the Artist. As there was a communication and time frame issue, Our editor has to go with the other cover. The actual cover was a combination of Steel claw (You can obviously see it), Spider (The Heli-Car) and Robot Archie (making his debut in Tamil). Later on, the cover which was not used for this issue, was used in another one of the Robot Archie’s stories. Now, this Book (Puratchi thalaivan Archie - புரட்சி தலைவன் ஆர்ச்சி) is believed to be one of the highest sold Comics books by Prakash publishers.

Lion Comics 004 - Irumbu Manidhan - Alternate Cover	Lion Comics 004 - Irumbu Manidhan – Actual Cover	Lion Comics 034 - Puratchi Thalaivan Archie Cover

2. Pizhaithu Vandha Pinam – Johnny Hazard – Muthu Comics

Now, the second such cover to be discussed over here is that of Johnny Hazard. The first cover, for some reasons well known to the editor himself, was not used and another cover was used instead. The cover which was designed for this story was later on used in another one of the Johnny Hazard adventure, couple of months later.

Muthu Comics 187 Pizhaithu Vandha Pinam Alternative	Muthu Comics 187 Pizhaithu Vandha Pinam Actual	Muthu Comics Issue No 189 Marana MACHCHAM

Here are the actual covers from which these covers are inspired on. Both the Johnny Hazard stories were daily strips and hence there will be no covers and hence Editor has to come up with something else. We have to understand that.

Bernard Prince the Oasis in Flames Cover -பற்றி எறியும் பாலைவனம்	Nick Raider – Muthu Comics C.I.D Robin - பிழைத்து வந்த பிணம்

3: The Hunters from S.I.6 – Irattai Vettaiyargal – Thikku Theriyadha Theevil

The Hunters were one of the most famous heroes in the 80’s in Lion Comics and this particular story was advertised much earlier than it was published. Initially it was advertised as “Kollaiyar theevu” and later on changed into thikku theriyadha theevil. Here is the unpublished cover. Have a look into the Left corner and you will find that “The Speed Kings / The Stuntmen Brothers” without their Helmet initials being there. To know more on the Speed kings, Click here. And Kindly wait for one more month as TCU will come up with a comprehensive post on the Hunters.

Lion Comics Issue No ? Kollaiyar Theevu Never Published	Lion Comics 68 Dated May 1990  Thikku Theriyaadha Theevil Same Story

4. Thigil Library – Thevai oru Dhevadhai – Alternative Cover – Unused

Kindly click THIS link and read more about Thigil Library and come back again to this post. Thigil library was advertised much and suddenly it landed up for sales. Have a look into the cover which was unused. It should have been made in the late 80’s or early 90’s as the Price was only Rs 5.00 and when it was actually published the price ofthe book was doubled.

Thigil Library Issue No 1 Dated 1st March 1993 Alternative Wrapper-Unused	Thigil Library Issue No 1 Dated 1st March 1993 Front & Back Wrapper

Here are the covers which are quite related to these covers. The Kelly green cover is just an inspiration to the above cover and to know more on the inspiration, kindly click THIS link and read more.

Unknown World June 1952 Volume 1 Issue 1	Kelly Green 1 Cover Scan for Thigil Library Cover Reference

5. James Bond 007 – Muthu Comics – Dr No – Casino Royale

Here is the Entry of the ever green spy 007. The advertised story (Dr No) was already published in another Tamil comics (Rani Comics) and once our Editor realised that, he changed the story and published Casino Royale. To have a look into another No Comments post on 007, Click HERE.

Muthu Comics – James Bond 007 - Dr No Un Published Cover	Muthu Comics Issue No 235 –James Bond 007 - Soothadum Sooravali

6. Bernard Prince – Lion Comics – Annual Special Issue

This is one such cover which was not used just because of the time delay in publishing. The original cover has Muthu comics Mega special as the next publication issue which was published in April 1998, indicating that the cover was to be published in march 1998. However, the delay in the publishing of the book, made way for another cover with design. The only question that is ringing in the mind is, the lower part artwork in the unpublished cover. What story is that? Can anyone help on that?

Lion Comics – 14th Annual - Ulagam Sutrum Kazhugu – Alternative Cover	Lion Comics – 14th Annual - Ulagam Sutrum Kazhugu – Actual Cover

Here are the covers from which these Bernard Prince stories were drawn. Kindly have a look into the structural difference between Barney of Lion comics and that of the Herman artwork. You can see that he has a four-pack in Lion comics artwork.

7: Lucky Luke – Boom Boom Padalam – Lion Comics Annual – Cover Design – Variance in Colour

Well, nothing much but the difference in colour of the cover design which was designed and the cover designed which was printed in the books. Lucky Limat has done a post on the story & read it HERE.

Lion Comics Issue No 114 - Boom Boom Padalam Cover with Light Colour	Lion Comics Issue No 114 - Boom Boom Padalam Actual Cover

The Books which May – May includes May Not – Never be Published:

TCU Brings some of the covers which were originally planned and never to be used again in the future, for reasons valid to Tamil comics. Thanks to Ayyampalayam Sir, for providing the covers here.

1. The Insiders – Code Name Minnal – Lion Comics

The Insiders was one such series which was promoted as a competition to Modesty Blaise and many of us were eagerly waiting for the storyline and this story was about to replace MB as the regular story in the Lion Comics Annual. Later on, when the Editor explained the reasons for not publishing the story, TCU has to agree upon the decision making process of the Editor. Kanavugalin Kadhalan has covered this book in one of his posts & you can read that HERE.

Lion Comics – 21st Annual Cover – Code Name Minnal – The Insiders Part 1	Lion Comics – 21st Annual Cover – Code Name Minnal – The Insiders Part 2

2. Detective Jerome – Muthu Comics – Sivappu Kanni Marmam Part 1 & Part 2

Detective Jerome was another character which was advertised amidst much fanfare and TCU & Dr 7 even saw the printed pages of the book on a visit to the publisher in June 2007. They were the pages of Part 1 of the 2 part story and unfortunately none of them saw daylight. 

The reasons for not carrying on as planned also revealed the societal responsibility of the Editor and, lets put it this way, It is better that these stories are not being published in Tamil, rather than publishing them and regretting them. Here are the covers of both the books which may not see the bookstore at all. Yes, there is a possibility that even the Insiders may be published again, But as for as Jerome is concerned, a strict NO is the answer.

Muthu Comics – New Hero Introduction – Detective Jerome - Sigappukanni Marmam UnPublished Cover + Tharcheyalai Oru Tharkolai UnPublished Cover

3. C.I.D Robin – Nick Raider – Muthu Comics – Ratha Rajiyam

Another one of those books which were made available but were not published due to reasons better known. This book was to be published among the 260-270 series in Muthu comics and unfortunately never got published. TCU Believes there are bunch of other stories which were also ready, but yet to be published.

Muthu Comics – C.I.D Robin - Ratha Rajyam – UnPublished Cover

4 & 5. Jess Long & Bob Morane – Lion Comics & Muthu Comics – Unpublished Covers

TCU has already covered about the appearances of these 2 characters in Tamil. Here are the covers which were printed and the stories are also believed to be translated and made available to publish, But, yet to be published. 

Muthu Comics-Jess Long– Nandu Kugai Marmam– UnPublished Cover	Muthu Comics-Roger – Bob Morane – Marana Yaathirai – UnPublished Cover

To know more about Jess Long, Read TCU’s post HERE.

To know more about Bob Morane, Read TCU’s post HERE.

The cover inspirations of these books are here. Already these covers were made available in TCU during the above mentioned earlier posts.

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 section or Click Here.

Thanks & Regards,
King Viswa.

Suggested Reading: Muthu Fan’s No Comments Post Dr. 7’s No Comments Post TCU’S Own No Comments Post Part 1

29 Jess Long ஜெஸ் லாங் – Forgotten Hero Of Muthu Comics – TCU Special Post

Dear ComiRades,

This Post was Fast forwarded because of the wonderful review made By Our Comics Doctor in THIS Particular Post. Otherwise, the plan was another Intro Post of one of the Greatest Ever Hero’s (?!?) of Tamil Comics. Anyway, Let’s Get on with this intro Post.

For the present day ComiRades, The Name Jess Long my be Very Odd as the Last Story featuring him was Published About 14 years Back when Yours Truly was Still in School. Now, The Theme Music of James Bond is Quite Famous, Isn’t it? It creates a Sense of Remembrance with the audience and thus the phenomena of Brand Recall Happens.

Logically, When you put one particular Photo / Music just before any Event, it gets registered after some time and for this, Ivan Pavlov Got Nobel Prize.  Very Similar to that, in every issue Of Tex Willer Story, Page 3 Will remain the same (Even Lion Comics Used that Concept for the Promotion of Pavala Silai Marmam - பவள சிலை மர்மம்) and discontinued for reasons known to them. However, As for as Jess Long is Concerned, His ID Card with his Gun Holder are the symbols that makes people to remember him instantly (Well Not in India though, As this was NEVER used for any of the stories).

Usual Image Of Jess’s ID in the Books	Profile Photo Of FBI Agent Jess Long	Street Named After the Artist Piroton

Jess Long was among the Dozen's of heroes who were planned to be launched in the summer of 1986 during the launch of Thigil Comics. However, he was Never given a chance in Thigil Comics and had to wait for  for exactly 2 years to make his Debut in India, albeit in Muthu Comics just when Mr Vijayan was about to take charge for the Muthu Comics Brand. Here is the Ad for the launch of the same in Muthu Comics:

Now, then. Jess Long is a No Nonsense kind of a Character and he had a Partner Slim Sullivan (His character looks very similar to that of Kit Carson and the similarity extends in various patterns). Just Like The Tex-Kit pair is a Middle Aged-Old Combo, This one is also the same. And the characterisation of Slim seems to be modeled on Kit’s Sense of Humor. They are a Team in FBI Unit and this pair reminds you of Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman in The Mercurial David Fincher’s Se7en Movie.Here are the stories to appear in Tamil and their corresponding Original versions:

Muthu Special – May 88 – No 167	Jess Long’s 1st Ever Story In Tamil – Page 1	Jess Long’s 1st Ever Story In Tamil – Page 2
		This was the first ever special issue of Muthu Comics After the Revamp. Even though Mr Vijayan’s Name is Not in Limelight, One can see his hand in everything.The Best Muthu Special? May Be Dr 7 Will argue. Jess Appears almost in the 2nd Half of the Story which boasts some trademark Chasing scenes of Maurice. Typical Mafia Gang Busting Story.
Muthu Comics –Oct 88 – Issue 171	First Ever Independent Story – Iratha Iravugal	Page 2 – Iratha Iravugal – Pocket Size
		First ever individual Story to appear to gauge the sales pattern of the New Hero in the Market. Test Marketing Mr Vijayan? Storyline is very much similar to that of a Tamil Cinema. Son wants to revenge Father who is Hiding all his Smuggled Ammunition in His Mother’s Grave. Son kills all his fathers partners One By one in Order.
Muthu Comics – Nov 88 – Issue 172	Marana Nagaram–The Best Ever Story?	Marana Nagaram Page 2
		Well, The Best Sold Muthu Comics Special Books and the reason is Obvious – Steel Claw. This Happens to Top TCU’s List Of Jess’s Story among all the Stories. Interesting plot based on the Vietnam War’s Scar’s and the Intriguing tale of Twins who move away to a new city every year. Reason? Just read the Story.
Muthu Comics – May 89 – Issue 179	Great Plot – Spontaneous Story –TCU’s Favourite	Formula Kadathal – Page 2
		Well, well Well. TCU’s Favourite story.Again another special and another Jess Long story. Those were the days in which Jess Long appeared only in Specials. Very Casual Incident of Colliding with another person forms the base line of this wonderful story and the climax part where the Girl supports one of the Kidnappers is part of Childhood innocence.
Muthu Comics – Sep 89 – Issue 178	Neruppin Nizhalil Story – Advertised Earlier	Page 2 of Neruppin Nizhalil
		The main Story is a Touching tale where the Villain is Among the Best (Dr 7 is Discussing the other one in His Post Now). Jess Long is Now Moved to Second hero as he No Longer appears in the cover (When he appeared apart from 2nd story?). Plot is based on Blackmailing a Person on His Guilty Consciousness and looting him, Until Jess & Slim appears.
Muthu Comics – Dec 89-Issue 180	Christmas Special – Jess Long Story	Iravu Manidhan – Page 2
		The Usual Thing: Another Special Issue, Another one of Jess Long Story (Although it was the previous story which was advertised in the books and As usual, got changed). Sentimental Story and the climax dialogue will make everyone to feel sorry and empathise with the character. A Killer in the streets and Killing Spree on the Run? Read it.
Muthu Comics – Jun 94–Issue 225	Commando Style Back Wrapper - Cover	Pachai Nari Padalam 1st Page
		I Was Wondering on How the Title can make sense? when this was advertised. How can it be? Well the puzzle got solved very easily and the title in fact holds a Key moment in the story giving it a twist and gives a clue to the FBI to start a Chase which they discontinued long back. Jess Long’s Single Story and He’s Back after 5 Year Gap.
Muthu Comics –Nov 94-Issue 229	Commando Style Packaging Again	Maranaththin Mugam 1st Page -
		This was part of Revamped Muthu Comics with Lots of Changes in this period. And Look at the Back Cover and the the close resemblance with Commando Covers. Amazing story of Blackmailing and a Disease that is Not Known to many others. Dr 7 Can you comment and clarify about the Disease? Nice Twist makes this an Interesting Read,
Muthu Comics-Sep 95-Issue 237	Last Jess Long Story In Tamil Comics	Kallaraiyil Oru Kavignan – 1st Page
		The Last Jess Long Story to Appear till Now in Muthu Comics and this is about 14 Years Back. The Story Reflect on those who were in Limelight and what happens to them once they are No Longer in Stardom. This is a Case of a Pop Singer Who is No Longer in Demand and what he does to Solve the Problems? Plan His Murder.

 

Well, Not that Mr Vijayan Has Forgotten Jess Long Entirely. About 12 Years Back, Jess Long Was announced As the Next Issue in Muthu Comics and During one of the Personal Conversation with the Publishers in Sivakasi, TCU Received this Cover which Got Printed in the Summer of 1997 and Never saw the daylight.I Believe, May Be with 40+ Stories to Choose and Only 9 Got Printed in Tamil, he can Widen his hero Base Now that Martin Mystery is a Case Lost, For Obvious Reasons. Dear Mr Editor, Are You Reading?

 

 

Nandu Kugai Marmam – Album 10 Cover – Book?	Original Cover Version – Jess Long 4	2nd Story – Page 19-Nandu Kugai Marmam

 

The Usual question that may arise on the Minds of the ComiRades after this post will be, Why did NOT The Editor Used the Original Cover reference for those books in Which Jess Long was the Solo Hero? The Answer is, It is used Once for a Thigil Comics Cover (Where he was Originally Planned to Debut) in Issue No 34 and Have a close Look at the Lion Comics Ad, Thigil Comics Cover and the Original Jess Long Album Cover and take Note of the Hair Colour. And Also there was an Advertisement of a Story where the Hero Looks very similar to Jess Long and the Title of the Story is “Formula Kadathal” (Already Jess Long appeared in this Title – See Summer Special Review).

 

 

Lion Comics 55 Oct 1988 – Thigil Comics Ad With Jess Cover Reference	Thigil Comics 34 Oct 88–Reporter Johnny Replaces Jess-Hair Colour Change
Original Cover Reference Of Jess Long Album No 9	Muthu Comics 226 Dated Aug 94 Next Issue Ad Reference Jess Album 3

Now, Lets Get Into the Men who were always in the Background and brought Joy to millions of ComiRades by these wonderful stories.

Author: Maurice would Have been a Lost case for the Comics World if not for a Scuba Dive-Bomber who attacked the ship in which he was all set to move to America. Maurice is a Multi Faceted Personality and would you believe he started his career into literature by writing Novels? Later on He Moved on to Illustrating. Yes, He was a comics artist to start with. The Best Part is that, He used to Sign with different English Names.

Even though Tamil ComiRades were treated with Only Jess Long Stories, Maurice is known for his Humour Based Comics worldwide and Along with Goscinny and Franquin he is among the pillars of Post War Belgian  Comics. And a True Legend Of His Own Works for he is the One who Started the Legacy of Crime Reporters of News Papers who Spend most of his time fighting crooks and spies rather than simply reporting about them most of his time fighting crooks and spies rather than simply reporting about them Via Gil Jourdan. TCU’s Favourite among these series is Surboum pour 4 roues. Kanavugallin Kadhalan Will tell the Meaning of this title, for those who do Not Understand the exact meaning of it.

Those ComiRades who read each and every one of the Story of Jess Long would find that every one of the story had a Car Chase for for he Loved Car Racing and FATE had it’s Own script for this Master Script Writer. Yes, On 30th Jan 1978, Maurice’s Car was crashed in an accident and he died on account of that. May His Soul Rest in Piece.

Maurice Wrote Jess Long in Spirou Magazine Starting from 1969 and till the Tragic Accident, his Partnership with Pirotan was amongst the best Creative Pairs when it came to Comics.These Jess Long Albums Were Re-Printed again in 1984-85 and that is what collected by TCU. After the Tragic Demise Of Maurice, Pirotan Combined with Various authors such as Jean-Claude Smit-le-Bénédicte, Dom Domi, Dorao or Raes to create Jess Long Stories. Notes on Pirotan are Wonderful to read as he is One of those Who Drunk Life to the Last Drop. Have a Read in the Links provided in the Table and you will never ever forget him.

Description	Author Of Jess Long Detective Stories	Artist Of Jess Long Detective Stories
Pseudonym	Various English Names,Used Only When He Was Artist	None
Full Name	Maurice Tillieux	Arthur Piroton
Nationality	Belgian	Belgian
Age	56 (7th Aug, 1921 – 2nd Feb 1978)	64 (14th June 1931 – 22nd Jan 1996)
Info Links	Home Page, Lambiek, Wiki Pedia	All 21 Books, Biography, Notes
Works	Félix, Gil Jourdan, Marc Lebut, Tif et Tondu	Les Crostons, Les Casseurs de Bois
Famous For	Writer for Yoko Tsuno, Felix, Gil Jourdan	Creator of Michel et Thierry, Artist of Jess Long

Piroton is a Man of Interesting Thought Process. Well, what can you say about a Person who says “I Spent My Honey Moon to illustrate a Novel”?. Now then, Piroton was forced to get into furniture business by his parents when they came to know about his interest in Creative arts. They made sure that he chose “Serious” business. And later On when he wrote a Letter to Herge asking advice, the reply opened the gates of immortality in Comics World for Piroton.

The best part is, he is someone who’s art resembles the real life. Check out THIS Page where you can find that almost all the scenario that existed in his artwork was pretty similar to the real life images that he saw and gone through. There Are Plenty on Such Pictures with Comparison and it would be great if you can send a Thanks Message to My Friend Vincent to this id: Guest Book Of Vincent

Artist Piroton’s Home in Belgiam	Church in Arthur Piroton’s HomeTown	Ouhar Castle in Arthur’s Home Town
Jess’s Home-Album 20–Who Killed Jess Long	Old Farm in Album 11-The Christmas Wolves	Castle in Piroton’s Comic - Tolumont

Before we close this Post, Has anyone noticed the fact that almost all the major characters that we discussed in this Post were either smoking or Holding Pipe in their Hands. Yes, Maurice is Known to be a Smoker and Except for Gil Jourdan, Most of his characters Smoke and so do their Sidekicks.

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 sidebar or Click Here. And always remember that Your Relevant Comments will not be Moderated here or for that matter, altered.

Thanks & Regards,
King Viswa.

Note: Jess Long © Dupuis, ஜெஸ் லாங் © Prakash Publishers.