30 News 16: The Hindu (Disney’s Back), Deccan Chronicle (Gen X) & TOI (Graphic Pick)

Dear ComiRades,

In the Last Blog Post, TCU has forgotten to Give due credits for Muthu Fan for providing the Physical Scans of the Fleetway Group Publications. It was a Mere Oversight and As usual, TCU acknowledges the Help from the Pioneer of Comics Blogging in Tamil Comics Ulagam and also takes this opportunity for acquiring the Official Site.

TCU is Back with yet another Comics News Post. Of Late, TCU has not compiled one such and hence is the need for this post. Starting with The Times Of India Article on the Graphic Pick section which they Update once in a Month. This time it featured Our Beloved Steve Holland. Now, As mentioned in his latest mail to TCU, Steve is quite busy in his Latest Work (Which will be Updated in TCU) and hence was Spared for Comments on this Post.

Times Of India – Chennai Times – Dated 17th April 2009 – Page No 6 : Graphic Pick – Rick Random – Edited By Steve Holland – Prion Books

Instead of TCU Commenting on this,Let us get someone from the UK Comics Domain itself.  This is What Renowned Comics Creator Lew Stringer has to say on this wonderful collection:

Lew Stringer: “With all the many books on classic UK comics appearing these days (from Commando to Modesty Blaise) people can't afford to buy everything. However, if you're trying to choose between Rick Random and the other Fleetway library reprints I'd suggest this is the best one to get.

Over 600 pages of artwork by Ron Turner makes it well worth the price. He proves here to be a master of black and white composition and his retro-future designs are fantastic. The stories are solidly crafted well-told tales and are more sophisticated than those of the Fleetway weeklies of the period.

The only faults are that, because the pages are scanned from the old comics and not the long-lost original art, some of the finer lines in some pages have "dropped out". (Everything is still legible though.) On the whole reproduction is very good and the best one can expect. Try this book, - it's a British classic”.

This Digest Consists of 10 Wonderful Stories from the 1950’s. Here is the List:

No	Story Title	1st Appeared	Author	Artist
1	Kidnappers from Mars	Super Detective Library 44, Dec 1954	Edward Homes	Bill Lacey
2	Emperor of the Moon	Super Detective Library 49, Mar 1955	Unknown	Ron Turner
3	Planet of Terror	Super Detective Library 123, Mar 1958	Bob Kesten	Ron Turner
4	Space Pirates	Super Detective Library 127, May 1958	Harry Harrison	Ron Turner
5	Perilous Mission	Super Detective Library 129, Jun 1958	Harry Harrison	Ron Turner
6	Mystery of the Frozen World	Super Detective Library 133, Aug 1958	Bob Kesten	Ron Turner
7	Mystery of the Robot World	Super Detective Library 137, Oct 1958	Barry Coker	Ron Turner
8	Killer in Space	Super Detective Library 37, Sep 1954	Edward Homes	Ron Turner
9	Threat from Space	Super Detective Library 153, Jun 1959	Bob Kesten	Ron Turner
10	Kidnapped Planet	Super Detective Library 163, Dec 1959	Bob Kesten	Ron Turner

Now, When Lew Comments like that, it has to be Bought and it is Available in Chennai Landmark for the Last 3 Months. Apart from the Fact that the General Editor is Steve Holland, what forced Yours Truly to buy this wonderful edition was the Artists Involved in the Stories. 1st Story Features Bill Lacey about whom Tamil ComiRades need no introduction as they have tasted his Trademark Artwork in series such as John Steel (Muthu Comics) ஜான் ஸ்டீல் (முத்து காமிக்ஸ்), No 13 Marvel Street (Lion / Mini Lion) துப்பறியும் கம்ப்யுட்டர் (லயன் காமிக்ஸ், மினி லயன்), Rat Pack (Lion Comics) பெருச்சாளிப் பட்டாளம் லயன் காமிக்ஸ், Man Who Searched for Fear (Thigil Comics) ஆபத்தை தேடி (திகில் காமிக்ஸ்) etc. Another Wonderful News is TCU is on the Verge of Completing the full collection of all the above mentioned series of UK Golden Oldies.

And the 2nd Artist who is predominant over the rest of the 9 stories is None other than Ron Turner, Who unfortunately has made limited appearance in Tamil Comics. Old Timers may recall The Formative issues of Thigil Comics in which Jet Ace Logan ஜெட் வீரர் லோகன் (திகில் காமிக்ஸ்) featured in a Single story. However, This is a chance for all those ComiRades to Own a Piece of Collectors Edition from the maestro who is known for his Unique Artwork. Yes, Turner is the one who made the style of Chiaroscuro his own. Not only in Black and White, But also in Colour (See, THIS Example).

Rick Random Space Detective Digest Cover	Ron Turner–Example for Chiaroscuro	Cover & Back Wrapper Of Rick Random

Amazon Link (For those Who Want to Buy Online): Rick Random

Steve Holland’s Blog Post: Rick Random Digest

Artist Ron Turner Details: Home Page Link

Artist Bill Lacey Details: Lambiek Link

Now, What are you waiting for? Go Grab it before it is too late. Remember, Steve Lays his Hands only on Quality Compilation and hence this one is a Masterpiece not to be missed.……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

The Second Article to be discussed was about the growing interest of Youngsters on Graphic Novels and this fact is confirmed by the Number of copies sold over the last 6 months across various Book Shops. And, Madhurima Chatterjee (Whom i believe is covering this segment for the 1st time) has done a wonderful Article on Graphic novels. Hopefully we can expect many more such articles from madhurima in future.

Deccan Chronicle – Chennai Chronicle – Dated 24th April 2009 – Page No 25 – Growing Awareness About Graphic Novels Among Youth & Gen X

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Last week TCU received a Surprise mail which contained links to a Forum in which ComiRade Rathnagiri of Sivakasi ரத்தினகிரி (சிவகாசி) has done a wonderful job of Translating 1941 Comic Series into Tamil in such a Professional manner that Kanavugalin Kathalan has admired this Piece of Work. Hopefully this will be loved by ComiRades such as Hollywood Bala, Sureஷ், Pula Sulaki etc.

Now, Some ComiRades may question the Legality of such Translation. Kindly read what Rathnagiri has to say on this. There are 5 Stories translated by him and the good news is, all of them are available for Download. Have a Look at the Quality work.

Here is the Link: Kazhugu Veeran - கழுகு வீரன்

Enjoy this stuff and write in a Word of appreciation for such dedicated work to satisfy our hunger for Quality Tamil Comics. Strangely, this kind of translation was the Bone of Contention in a Lengthy Conversation TCU Had with MuthuFan couple of weeks ago. Well, Muthu Fan, what do you say?

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Another Piece of Comic News that is Making waves across India is the return of Walt Disney to India Through the Distribution of Diamond Group. When the News Broke about the Launch of Disney in India in the 2nd week of April, TCU had a Lengthy Chat about the Characters and the Copyright with Doctor 7 & Muthu Fan. The Bone of Contention was the 6 Stories that Fleetway has published somewhere in their publications. More on that in a Later post. The same is Updated by ComiRade Rafiq and hence TCU will not get into much into this, as of right now.

The Hindu – Metro Plus – Chennai Edition – Dated 23rd April 2009 – Page 1 – Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse & Donald Duck Back

Well, After the Conversation TCU Had with the Senior Management official with the Diamond Group, TCU has got updated on many issues and they will be discussed in detail in the remaining posts in future.……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

It is to be noted that From now onwards TCU will update on News Articles only once in a Month.TCU, Of Late, has been criticised for posting Comic-Related Posts such as This Post and This Post. Hence, when there was another such thing happened, TCU, As usual was waiting to post this at the end of the month with a Dilemma. Voila, another Blogger (Shiva from Madippakkam, Chennai – Artist By Profession and ComiRade By Nature) has updated about this in his own Blog over here: கே.வி.ஆனந்த் காமிக்ஸ் படித்தார்.

On Personal account, TCU has not met him for the last six or seven years. He happens to be a Family associate of TCU’s Ex Colleague and TCU has followed him right from the days of his association with Super Novel of Mr Ramu (Another Publisher friend of TCU). Old ComiRades may remember them as the Father of Mr Ramu Was the man behind many a Comics Book in Tamil and the Elder Brother is the Publisher of James Bond Comics.

Well, enough of this now and TCU Will be Back with a May Day Special Post which will be in Contrast with the Blog Post to be Crafted by Doctor 7.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.

Thanks & Regards,
King Viswa.

28 Review O-11: David ‘Davy’ Crockett – Always Be Sure You’re Right;Then Go Ahead – A March 6th Special Posting.

Dear ComiRades,

TCU is Back After the Professional Break that TCU had in the end of January. After that, Yours Truly undertook a personal tour to various places and will be writing about that sometime in the near future on those wonderful tour and the funny experiences encountered and the comics collection made in that process. One thing i must tell the ComiRades is that, TCU Has collected almost 90% of the original stories for all the Prakash Publishers (Lion, Muthu, Mini Lion and Thigil Comics), Rani (Rani Comics), Metha Group (Ashok / Metha Comics), Filmalaya (Megala Comics) etc. So, From Now Onwards, ComiRades can expect frequent posts with background data. Happy Times Are Ahead of Us.

In the previous post (News 14), TCU has informed about the Wild West Collection book Edited By Steve Holland (High Noon) and asked a question on the hero who has appeared on Rani Comics and featured in this collection and to my utter disappointment, No one has answered this. The Answer for that is David “Davy” Crockett who is often referred as the “King of the Wild Frontier” and who has appeared in Rani Comics issue No 50: Poonai Theevu (The Cat Island – பூனைத்தீவு).

Born	Aug 17, 1786, Tennessee
Died	March 6 1836, Alomo - Texas
Political Life First Phase	Member of US House of Representatives (1827-1831)
Political Life Second Phase	Member of US House of Representatives (1833-1835)
Political Side	Anti Jacksonian (Indian Removal Act)
Known For	Pioneer, Soldier, Politician, Explorer, Frontiersman, American Folk Hero, Martyr

Most of the information pertaining to David Crockett is often Disputed, Right from the fact that where he was born.Historians Inform us that He was born Greene County, Tennessee. Disputers claim that he was born in Hawkins County, Tennessee. A Recreation of the Birthplace Cabin stands in Limestone, Tennessee. Crockett, fifth among 9 children in his family, was Named after his Paternal Grandfather.David’s Childhood stories are interesting, to say the least.

Fearing the backlash of the School teacher for the fight he had with the Bully in the school, David used to leave home every Morning and used to wander here and there without attending the school. (Something very similar happened to Yours Truly as well. After coming back from Punjab, Yours Truly was forced to join the second standard in a Tamil Nadu. Angered with the change in the surroundings and missing friends, Yours truly used to skip the school and come back to home and used to sit in the back door of the home till he was found out).

After several weeks, The school teacher wrote to David’s father asking why his son is not attending school. Fearing his Father’s beating, David ran away from home and spent the next 3 years roaming town to town learning his skills as Backwoodsman, Hunter and trapper.

During those years, Crockett Senior has opened a Tavern and around his 15th birthday, David was seen eating there by his sister and the Family happily took him back. After 4 Years, Crocket got engaged to Margaret and on the day he was supposed to get married, His Bride to be married someone else (Just like இளையதளபதி விஜய் in the film யூத்). At the age of 19, David decided that he was “Only born for Hardships, Misery & Disappointment”.

At the age of 27, he served Tennessee Militia for about 6 months and later on involved actively in politics. Even though he lost his first run for congress, he won the second election later. during the early part of 1830, he very famously said that “I told the people of my district that I would serve them as faithfully as I had done; but if not ... you may all go to hell, and I will go to Texas”. And, as he lost, Texas welcomed him where he served his second term.

The Fall of the Alamo by Robert Jenkins depicts Davy Crockett in a charge at the Mexican troops.March 6, 1836.

On Feb 8th, David arrived to Alomo with his soldiers and captured it. As they were stationed in, several hundreds of Mexicans were entering into Alomo and engaging in Battle. In between, Several messengers were sent to James Fannin, who was commanding the other official group of Texian soldiers. As History tells, Fannin refused and this resulted in a Handful of Brave men with shortage of ammunition fighting Hundreds of Well equipped soldiers.

The siege ended on March 6 when the Mexican army attacked the sleeping Soldiers in Alomo which last for almost 90 minutes and David’s body was found in the barracks surrounded by "no less than sixteen Mexican corpses", with Crockett's knife buried in one of them. On this day (March 6) A Great warrior entered through the gates of Valhalla, If Norse Mythology is to be believed.

As there was a dispute in his birth, there was another dispute in his death as well. some Historians claim that David surrendered himself to the Mexican Army and was executed. This was also depicted in the Latest (Among Many) films on Alomo in 2004. The 2004 Film was the only one among many films on Alomo and Not Surprisingly, The Only Failure film among many.

There are Hundreds of Comics Based on Davy Crockett and TCU acquired about ten of them very recently. Here is the Only story ever to feature David Crockett in Tamil Comics: பூனைத்தீவு. It featured in the 50th issue of Rani Comics and unlike other publications (Lion / Muthu etc) which used to bring out Special issues on Landmark Issues like this, Rani Syndicate never came out with Special Issues (Apart from mentioning special issue in the cover and additional 16 pages from the regular issues).

Cover and 1st Page of Rani Comics No: 50 பூனைத்தீவு Dated July 15, 1986 Featuring Davy Crockett - வேட்டை வீரர் டேவிட்

As a Policy, TCU used to put forward the salient features of a Comics in the earlier reviews assuming that the story is read and was concentrating more on other details which an Average comics reader might miss.

However, after going through The Great Muthufan’s Reviews (Such As This), TCU’s Reviews will also have a strong storyline part along with the Original story details (If retrieved) and other details of interest.

The Story Starts with Charles Bradley, Son of the Business Tycoon Mr Bradley from Batten, Visiting New Orleans to get the Family jewels Polished so that they can be given to His Sister Mary on her forthcoming Birthday. Charles Meets Jeweller Louis and Louis shows the secret safe of his to Charles. Sensing this, Winston,The Best Gambler in the City, Makes a Plan to Rob Those jewels from Louis.

As Per Winston’s Plan, His Henchman (அல்லக்கை) tries to rob Charles and Winston Saves Charles (So To say) by shooting his own Henchman and invites him to the Gambling Place. Unable to turn down the invitation of someone who has saved his life, Charles Obliges and within Hours loses Money To Winston. No wonder, as Winston is the best when it comes to gambling and he makes sure that Charles plays on and on, in-spite of losing. Winston makes sure that Charles writes Pro-Note in Lieu of Hot Cash and still gambles on.

On realising that his plan has worked, Winston comes out of the Gambling House and informs that Mr Bradley will be mad with anger if he comes to know about Charles’ Debt and makes sure that His mind is confused. Finally he reveals his plan and asks for the location of the secret safe of Louis in Lieu of the Pro-Note written by Charles.

Charles, Being the Honest One, refuses this offer and gets beaten by Winston to remain unconscious. On Regaining sense, Charles Rushes to Louis’s Place only to Find The dead body Louis and being witnessed By The Watchman (Not Alan Moore’s Watchmen, which gets released tomorrow) and runs away to escape from the clutches of Law. One Logical Question that arises is how come the night watchman identifies Charles Immediately as Charles is not the Resident of New Orleans and visiting For the 1st Time?

However, What needs to be Appreciated is the Language used by Mr S.Ramajayam (Then editor of Rani Comics). Although not in the same league of Mullai Thangarasan and S.Vijayan, He also needs to be mentioned Just behind these two when it comes to the rating of Editors of Tamil Comics Magazines. The Words used over here ஓடுகிறான், ஓடுகிறான் drawing parallels towards the Epic Courtroom Dialogues Penned by the Present Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in the Film Parasakthi பராசக்தி mouthed by Thespian Sivaji Ganesan which propelled him to Super Stardom: ஓடினாள், ஓடினாள் வாழ்க்கையின் எல்லைக்கே ஓடினாள்.

Meanwhile, Bradley Senior Who is seen hunting with David (Without Any Sur Names in Rani Comics) on the Cover scan, returns to batten on receiving a message that his Son is wanted By Law. David is always referred in Comics and Films as Davy Crockett and not as David Crockett.

However, David Shuns the Davy Part of his Name and always preferred to be called as David only and not as Davy. In-Spite of this, Most of the American Wild west Comics and those which found their way to U.K also uses the Name Davy only. Hats off to Mr RamaJayam for Using the Hero’s Name in the way he would have loved to be used and not as marketed by publishers.

David Fulfills his promise by thrashing the Paddle boat Pirates and then returns to Batten to meet Bradley. Meanwhile Bradley’s Business Partner Antony Visits him and proposes to Buy off all that is remaining with Bradley to make sure that he recovers. Bradley refuses his offer and David senses that Antony’s proposal are not in Helping motive.

David returns to New Orleans to gather a team to protect Bradley’s Ships and there he notices Winston and his henchman (அல்லக்கை) going to EllJee River Freight Company and suspects them and follows them to overhear their Conversation with the Mysterious Boss. Later on, He rushes to the Jungle Out-House where Charles is Hiding and with the help of Bill, saves Charles and captures Winston and his henchman (அல்லக்கை).

Knowing that Charles has escaped from Him, The Mysterious Boss makes sure he holds the upper hand in the game by Kidnapping Mary, Bradley’s Daughter. ComiRades may Recall that Rani Comics used to Run a Contest in those days when Mr Ramajayam used to be the Editor.

The contest was to Choose a Moment in the Story which appealed us the most and explain why you choose that as the most significant Moment in that Story. Rs 50 (Big Money considering the fact that the Annual Subscription for 24 issues used to be Rs 36 Only) was the prize money and the winner for this story choose this moment as the most significant part of the story.

The scene is something like this: A Stranger visits Bradley’s House and asks Mary to comedown without informing anyone as Her Brother Charles is waiting outside. Fooled by the Love towards Her Brother, Mary gets kidnapped by the henchman of the Mysterious Boss who demands a huge amount as Ransom, Indirectly forcing Bradley to sell off his lands and Ships to get his Girl Back.

David, On Hearing that Bradley is planning to sell his land, stops him from doing so and with the help of Bill and Annie, saves Mary from the Kidnappers. Here, the Simple-Logical thinking of David has impressed me a Lot in those days. Mary is captured in a Hotel and David’s Logic is that, there will be a door-keeper in front of her room and it proves to be perfectly right. Sometimes, the simple way of thinking helps.

Finally David, Bill and a Reformed Charles Combine together and attack the hidden Head-Quarters of the Mysterious Boss: The Cat Island. After a Long Duel, David finds out that the Mysterious Boss is none other than Mr Antony Himself. To Make sure he confesses the facts so as to make Charles free from the Long Hands Of Law, David brings Winston and his henchman (அல்லக்கை). Winston Shoots Antony and goes to Jail along with his henchman (அல்லக்கை) who we come to know in the end, Has a Name: Turner. The Story ends with David Continuing his Adventurous Journey.

TCU Will be back in two days time with another Date Based Post and on other updates happening in Comics Field. 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.

Thanks & Regards,
King Viswa.

38 News 14: Tin Tin, Commando Comics, Wild West Digest – Times Of India , The Indian Express & Deccan Chronicle

Dear ComiRades,

TCU is back with (Yet) another News Post over Here.  On Jan 13th TCU has done a coverage Post on this Tin Tin Controversy (Read that Here) which marred the 80th anniversary of Tin Tin on Jan 10. Another Article related to that appeared in Times Of India on 19th Jan 2009 and here is that complete article for the TCU ComiRades. Ritanshu Bhattacharya has done a nice coverage of the news and this article is by far the best of the other articles on the Tin Tin Controversy. 

Times Of India – Chennai Times Supplementary – Page 1 – Dated 19-01-2009 – Tin Tin Controversy – Tin Tin Gay? No Way

Another article related to Tin Tin and No, this is no way related to the Gay Controversy which was the theme of almost all the articles in the news category last month. This was about the “Local Version” of the Tin Tin VCD’s and DVD’s available. Zee Cafe of late is doing a Re-Run of the Tin Tin animated tales and the same is shown on Zee TV in Hindi Language. ComiRades may recall that sometime back Lucky Luke was available in Star One Channel in Hindi Language as well. Another Birdie reminds TCU that Martin Mystery is shown in Chutti TV in Tamil Language. Happy watching ComiRades.

Deccan Chronicle – Chennai Chronicle Page 30 – Dated 31-01-2009 – Tin Tin in Local Languages (Hindi) Article By Preeti Maheshwari

The Graphic Pick section in Times of India has now become the most awaited segment for TCU as it is doing a good review of some of the good collections. Here is one which, to say the truth, is not that much liked by TCU. However, this one, edited by George Low is been rated highly by some of the ComiRades and Ayyampalayam Venki Sir has this book in his home (Hey,Am not giving any unwanted info). By the way, Ayyampalayam Sir is living alone as of right now and From 8 AM till 5 PM he will not be available in his home (Again TCU is not giving any Un-Wanted Info over here).

Times Of India – Chennai Times – Supplementary Page 10 – Dated 23-01-2009 – Commando Digest – Editor George Low – Westland Books

The Indian Express regularly does cover the Comics segment. Here is one such article that is written by renowned Blogger Nithin Koshy on Conan The Barbarian. This character has always been my favourite one ever since Arnold took this Character one to Hollywood.Here is an review of one of Conan’s Stories.

Conan The Barbarian – When a God Lives Review – The Indian Express – Zeitgeist Page 3 – Dated 24-01-2009

Finally, here is one book that is worth the cost. Those who can buy this, go grab it.

Times Of India–Chennai Times–Page 10–Dated 23-01-2009–Wild West Digest – Editor Steve Holland

Three reasons for the recommendation:

(1) Edited by The Great Steve Holland (No more reasons required apart from this).

(2) Has a good collection of Stories such as Kit Carson, Buck Jones, etc who are already known to Tamil Comics Ulagam by virtue of Rani Comics, Sasi Comics etc.

(3) There is one character who has appeared in one of the special issues of Rani Comics and and particular hero is featured in this book as well. Those ComiRades who can recollect that Rani Comics Hero and comment the answer correctly will stand to get a special prize from TCU.

Happy reading season for the ComiRades.A  Humble request to all the ComiRades who visit and Comment in TCU: Kindly do visit all the Blogs in the side bar and Do post your views over there as well. it REALLY means a Lot to all of these Bloggers.

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.

Thanks & Regards,
King Viswa.