19 Apr 22-World Earth Day-National Arbor Day-Honouring the Nature

Dear ComiRades,

Welcome to Another TCU Special Post. Today is World Earth Day & Many of us May Not be even aware of such a Day. It is a Pity that we are living in such a Marketed World where only the commercial aspects are promoted well (And Hence, we celebrate Valentine’s Day, Friendship Day etc – Which are Marketable Commodities). Earth Day is celebrated to create awareness and appreciation for the earth’s environment and also for being a Cornucopia of Energy Source.

In Many parts of the World, Earth day is often confused with Arbour day, even though in Principle they are one. Earth Day concept was started by Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1969 and it was on the premise of the rising environmental crisis. On April 22, 1970, the 1st ever Earth Day was celebrated with More than 20 million people actively participating in the event whose goal was to form a Healthy and sustainable environment for the next generation. The active participation was such a success that from then, it was a force to reckon with and they formed a community for Earth Day and even you can be a member of this. Any act towards the sustainability of the environment is welcomed and Even yours truly also planted a sapling just behind the home.

Be the change that you want to see – is the much often used phrase and on this World Earth Day, TCU also requests all of the ComiRades to indulge in such activities which makes our future better for the next tomorrow. One Man who lived upto the phrase of Be The Change is J Sterling Morton who single handedly took the initiative to change the environment and succeeded to a level that his Birthday is a State Holiday for Arbor Day celebrations. It is a Day celebrated to Mark the importance of Trees to human life.

We all read that Emperor Ashoka Planted trees on both sides of the Road in History (And this is often portrayed in a Lighter tone in Tamil Movies) and have we ever thought why no other King was given such note in the entire Indian History? Where are we Heading to? What will happen to the next generation? Will they visit some remote place to see Trees and Plants as we do now by visiting Zoological Parks? Will trees become extinct? Are they Expendable or Are we Making the trees Expendable?

J Sterling Morton – Founder of Arbor Day	Senator Gaylord Nelson-Earth Day Founder	World Earth Day – Official Logo

For Someone who has grown with Lots of Trees in the Living  Area, the City life is Often Maddening, to say the least. Scientists have proved that even tress have sense and they can feel. Before this post gets into more serious tone, let us get into a Comics Short Story emphasizing that plants, after all, have sense.

Bangladesh. Circa 1971. The story starts with Col. Hasan taking over a Wonderful Garden and destroying it In spite of the requests by the Care Taker of the Garden. In a Moment of Madness, The Caretaker Lal is killed and as he dies, So are the plants over there in the Garden. Amazed by the happenings, Hasan goes for a Walk and Deservedly Shot by a Bangladeshi Fighter. As the Night Falls, Hasan wakes up what happens next truly amazes.Kindly read yourself and be the Judge.

Thigil Comics Issue No 53 – Chedigalukkum Uyirundu – செடிகளுக்கும் உயிருண்டு – Page 1 – Hasan Taking Over

Thigil Comics Issue No 53 – Chedigalukkum Uyirundu – செடிகளுக்கும் உயிருண்டு – Page 6 – Hasan’s Death

This Particular Story was published in 1975 in DC Ghosts Magazine and here is the full story to make sure that Everyone of the readers Understand that Plants do have sense. Click on the page to make it larger for convenient reading and move over the mouse on top of any picture to know the details of the publication.

Well, Well. The Above story was to emphasize the fact that Plants do have sense. However, of late the new school of thinking on fiction is, Earth has always been giving to Us. What if it starts to take it back? Just Like M Night Shyamalan’s Plot in The Happening, Huh? Even though it was panned by the Critics and Movie Goers, Notable Film Personalities such as Roger Ebert, Stephen King and Yours Truly liked the Film’s Central Plot. Now, let us get deviated from here. Another story for World earth Day Highlights How Oxygen is important and we are not making sure that we preserve the environment by planting enough trees.

Muthu 215-Mar 93–Kolaikara Kabalam- Cover	Muthu 215-Mar 93–Nadakum Marangal-1st Page	Muthu 215-Mar 93–Nadakum Marangal-2ndPage
Muthu 215-Mar 93–Nadakum Marangal-3rd Page	Muthu 215-Mar 93–Nadakum Marangal-4th Page	Muthu 215-Mar 93–Nadakum Marangal-Page 75
Muthu 215-Mar 93–Nadakum Marangal-Page 96	Muthu 215-Mar 93–Nadakum Marangal-Page 98	Story Synopsis for Nadakkum Marangal
		Oxygen Shortage causes Alien Hybrids to land in Earth and they start to take over Planet Earth by Destroying everthing. Scientist Adam and His Friend’s Son Ricky accidentally find out that they can be eliminated by Pesticides and Then, Everything ends Happily. This is a Sci-Fi Story with a Messge – Respect What You Have. If They Decide to Take it Back, We are gone.

This Particular Story was Published in Hawk Comics (Re-Prints Of IPC/Fleetway’s Earlier Stories) in 1989 in their Giant Holiday Super Special Album which also Contains Steel Claw’s Wonderful Story: The Return of the Steel Claw in a Complete Volume.

Hawk Comics-1989 Giant HoliDay Special Cover	Hawk Comics-Marching Trees-1st Page	Hawk Comics-Marching Trees-Last Page

Here is an Update on the Latest (Updated) Happenings of Tamil Comics Publication (Who else? M/s Prakash Publishers and other Local Publishers).

(1) Comics Classics:  The Next issue to be Released from Prakash Publishers will be “விண்வெளி கொள்ளையர்” featuring The Steel Claw இரும்புக்கை மாயாவி. The other surprise element is that it will be published in The original Size A - 4. Those who want to know more on this, Kindly visit Comics Doctor’s Blog for a Complete review of the same. The news is that, Comics classics may hit the stands in Mid of May 2009, followed by Lion and Muthu Comics respectively.

(2) Lion Comics: The Next Issue of Lion Comics is almost ready and will be available on stands in two weeks time after Comics Classics. The story is மாண்டவன் மீண்டான் featuring Agent X-9 / Phil Corrigan. The Curtain raiser for this book will be posted in TCU in the 1st week of May 2009.

(3) Muthu Comics: In the Month of June, we will receive the Next issue Of Muthu Comics featuring Mandrake. Get ready for Preview of the same in the 2nd week of May Exclusively in TCU, Where else?

(4) XIII Special: The Final Word is Out and this time it is from the Horse’s Mouth Itself. Dec 2009 will be the time when we all will receive The XIII Jumbo Special. Those who want to own a piece of Comics History, Call 04562 – 272649 and Order a copy. For the Un-Initiated, Know about this special Edition by Reading this post.

(5) Couple of Local Publishers are in full swing for the summer vacations and they are going to hit the stands with their own brand of Comics and this will happen in May 2009. Last Year, Siv Has done a Wonderful post on such a Summer Release.

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.

Note: The Blossoms in Blood © Dell Comics, செடிகளுக்கும் உயிருண்டு © Prakash Publishers.

Note: Marching Trees © IPC Media, நடக்கும் மரங்கள் © Prakash Publishers.

22 TCU Special - Post 1– Series Entries 1 & 2:

Dear ComiRades,

First of All Let Me Wish Every One Of You A Happy New Year. Even though the Present Government Has changed the Tamil New Year to Jan 14th ( Pongal - Another Special Day For Tamilians), Majority of them still celebrate today as the First day of the New Year. Even though, there should be no space for Personal things, Yours Truly Thanks all those ComiRades who called / Mailed / SMS'ed / Blog Posted the Birthday Wishes. Personally Speaking, This is the Worst Ever Year in terms of Everything. Well, let us Not dwell on those.

To Mark the Special Day, TCU is Herewith starting a Brand New Series in This Blog. A Series which will be part of the Tamil Comics History in the Years to come (Hopefully, As per the Publishers Plan-Wise). We have come across 50 Movies to See before you Die, 50 Books to Read Before You Die etc and many other on the series as collectors edition. some of them are Good and some of them are, Well, Pretty Good.

So, Here is what we are starting today: 50 Greatest Moments in Tamil Comics History. Yes, and the ComiRades could be part of the History as the Publisher plans to include the Comments as well as it will add to the story strength. From Today, TCU Will post 50 Greatest Moments in the History of Tamil Comics and at the end of the series, they will be Ranked by The ComiRades and then Published. We all May Have a piece of History (in Tamil As well - Publisher Rules).

There are Certain things that TCU Proposes here:

• There are No Hard and Fast Rules in selecting the Books/Stories/Scenes.
• Books/Scenes are selected based on the Impact they had on the readers than the impact on the Sellers.(No Spider/Archie?)
• Absolutely No Favouritism.
• The order of the Posting is not the final order.
• Sentimental Scenes may not be the only ones that will be polled. Even Comedy scenes and Fights can also be ranked.
• The Final order will be done on ranking of a Poll.
• The ComiRades can also suggest some of the Top Rated Scenes and if they are in the same league by the selection panel, they will also be selected and Reviewed.
• One Scene Per Book Only.
• Even though there may be Multiple scenes, they all will be reviewed and the best one will be posted.
• Parts of the Same Book will be considered as Single Story (Tex Willer 1-2-3 Will be 1 Story).
• Exception is XIII Which Will be 10 Different Story Entries.
• The Publisher and Not TCU will Have the Final Say (After all, His Money).

Now, Let Us Get into Tamil Comics' first Entry of the 50 Greatest Moments in Tamil Comics History without any further delay.

………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………

Muthu Comics Issue 230–Dec 94–Agent John Steel Mandu Pona Nagaram

Entry 1

Muthu Comics – Issue No 230 – Dec 1994 மாண்டு போன நகரம்

Editor = S. Vijayan

Translation = S. Vijayan

Language = English to Tamil – Direct.

Comics Magazine Background: The Year Was 1994 and that Marked the Revamp of Muthu Comics and what Comics Historians Mark it as Stage 8. Here, The Editor Brought Back the Trusted 2nd Rung Heroes like Spy 13 (Agent John Steel), Wes Slade, Mandrake, Roger & Bill etc. This Period was Marked with the Return of The Greatest Ever Tamil Comics Artist Chellam to Main Line Comics with Brand New Stories of His Magic.

Cometh The Man and Cometh the Changes. Two Colour Stories were back and so was Serial Stories (தொடர் கதைகள்) and fillers and also the Wrapper Style so closer to the Commando Covers.

Now, Enough on the background of this book and lets get on with the Character. Agent John Steel Was a Spy in Second world War and his stories can be categorised into two: Before and during the 2nd World War and After second world war where he Dons the role of a Detective.

John Steel Made his Debut in Tamil in Thigil Comics with Origins Dating Back to Various IPC/Fleetway series like Thriller Picture Library, Suspense Picture Library (Mostly Reprints) and others. TCU Has got the 17 Books of John Steel Case Book Series in English and Very Soon a Complete Intro Post will be done on this wonderful Character on acquiring the remaining ones prior to the War. 

Muthu Comics 230–Dec 94–Mandu Pona Nagaram–Scene 1

 The Opening Scene of the Story itself Breath Taking in terms of Mastery of Language. The Debate of Who is the Best Editor (In Terms of Translation and Mastery of Language with relevant Local touch) will Most probably settled at the end of this Series.

Comics Historians and Old ComiRades still Swear by Mullai Thangarasan and the New Generation of ComiRades who were born and brought up with S. Vijayan’s Works Just say that He is the Best of the Best and they will leave no stone unturned to make sure.

Somewhere along the Line are Mr S RamaJayam, Vandu Mama, Anil Anna – Puvi Vendhan, etc. Well, that discussion is for some other time.

The words “வெறித்தனமாக சுட்டெரித்த கதிரவனை எதிர்த்து குளிர்க்காற்று போராடிப் பார்த்து தோற்றுக்கொண்டு இருந்தது” should be taken in the syllabus if at all there is a teaching school for translation. Many may argue with the fact that the original work could be So Good that the mere translation is So Good.

Well, Not really. Check out any of the Rani Comics (Including when Mr S Ramajayam Was the Editor) and their original work and you will understand.

The story line goes something like this: During the 2nd World war, John Steel Visits a Small Village in Italy for Espionage and is Badly wounded By the Germans. When he is about to be captured, A Hugely Built Figure Not only saves him from the Germans by shooting them but also carries him like a Baby in His Hands and Makes Sure that he is taken to the correct place for Medical treatment.

Muthu Comics 230–Dec 94–Mandu Pona Nagaram–Scene 2	Muthu Comics 230–Dec 94–Mandu Pona Nagaram–Scene 3

Expecting Nothing Back, Alberto Lighatti walks back to his regular Work – Fighting Germans. John gets well and Completes His official work and then goes back to his Hometown. Now, He is Back to Pay his tribute to the Man who saved his life.

When he visited the Akino Village about 10 Years Back, Alberto Lighatti was a Hero to his Homefolk and Hence John Expects little difficulty in finding him in the Village. However, he is astonished when he sees that the beautiful village of Akino is completely destroyed and lay in ashes. He visits the Nearby village and the moment he mentions the name of Alberto, he is savagely attacked by the villagers before being saved by the Inspector, who was sent by the mayor Don Edwardo.

The inspector then tells the story of Akino’s destruction in Mayor’s office. Alberto, becomes a Looter turned by the greed and while acquiring the Stolen Goods of a Nazi General, he also destroys His own village. The Words of a person while laying in the shambles and fumes is very clearly heard by the Inspector who remembers it till date. And those who read the story can also remember the Epic sentence: நெருப்பின் தகிப்பை விட அந்த குரலில் அதிக வெப்பம் இருந்தது, meaning that the words contained more heat than the fire on the entire city.

Muthu Comics 230–Dec 94–Mandu Pona Nagaram–Scene 4	Muthu Comics 230–Dec 94–Mandu Pona Nagaram–Scene 5

The rest of the story is how John removes the Stigma from the name of Alberto and how he restores the Heroic Status that was prevailing about ten years back. And when it happens, Just read the sentence. Maestro. Hats of to Mr S.Vijayan for such a mastery over language and giving us pleasure over a period of time.

 Those who Have the Book, Kindly read the story back and enjoy the poetry which is masked as translation in this piece of work. And finally, when John gets back, he makes sure that he does not turn back to have a look at all the eyes which were staring at him. Somehow the other, this has gone down well with Yours Truly and ever since reading the sentence, Has never looked back (in all contexts) in Life. The Entry for the 50 Greatest Moments in Tamil Comics History from this story is Scene 3 where the person curses Alberto. 

Well, then. This concludes the 1st entry of the 50 Greatest Moments in Tamil Comics History. Remember this is the Entry from the Story:

Winning Entry From the Story மாண்டு போன நகரம் – Muthu Comics – War Based – Sentimental – S.Vijayan

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திகில் காமிக்ஸ் 36 நதியில் ஒரு நாடகம் Dec 89

Entry 2

Thigil Comics – Issue No 36 – Dec 89 - நதியில் ஒரு நாடகம்

Editor = S. Vijayan

Translation = S. Vijayan

Language = French – English – Tamil.

Comics Magazine Background: This Particular Year was the most turbulent year in the annals of Tamil Comics Publications and Thigil Comics Was in Yet another Revamp Mode and this Was Thigil Comics Mark 5. This season was Marked By Crime Novel Size Comics Not Only in Thigil Comics, But also in Lion Comics (As a Trial Case).However the Size remained same with Thigil Comics for a Considerable Run.

This Stage 5 of Thigil Comics was Marked for not only the size, but also for the Supplements that was given (Not in this book’s case, though). Well, TCU Has all the supplements and that will be done as a Special Post sometime in the future as they are part of Tamil Comics History.

Character Background: Bernard Prince needs no Introduction to Tamil ComiRades now as he has become a Household Name and this is something that has to be amazed at for Only a Single 8 Page small story of Bernard Prince is Officially translated into English. Imagine that with no stories to fall back at (Like in the case of Lucky Luke where the ComiRade can always buy the English Version), Tamil Comics fans are starved with stories of Bernard Prince and still there are stories to be published in Tamil.

This series saw an avalanche of Bernard Prince stories with Rich Hochet (Reporter Johnny).Captain Bernard Prince is An Ex InterPol Officer and left his Position to venture into the Sea with Barney as his Partner in Crime and Jin as the third Member. The Gang is Completed with the Little Bear that is being taken care off by Jin. They have a penchant to get into trouble and save others life by risking their own. The Best part of Prince’s Stories is the Background of the stories being realistic situations.

This particular Story also Happens in and Around Sea / Jungle. To save a President, Our Team is marching towards the Army Training Base and the rest is self Explanatory. I Have give the full 4 pages to make your life easy.

Thigil Comics Issue 36 – Dec 89 – Barney is in Danger and Prince Understanding the Situation & Stops Jin from Going To Help

Thigil Comics Issue 36–Dec 89–Barney is in Danger & Prince is Helpless as He Has Another Task and is Takes Sensible Decision

Thigil Comics Issue 36 – Dec 89 – Prince Defies Common Sense and Goes to Help Barney Individually By Leaving the Crew

Thigil Comics Issue 36 – Dec 89 – Barney is in About to be Roasted and Prince is Help Less and is Watching the Events

 

Here Comes the Most Unbelievable Situation.

 

Prince Decides to Leave Barney and Leaves The Scene

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As Barney is in Danger,

Prince Understands the situation and he cannot risk mission of the rest of the team (Which is on the verge of Completing their mission) and hence tries to salvage the situation on his own. Once he realises the foolishness in going for the broke single handed, he leaves Barney and Goes Back. Yes Sir, Captain Bernard Prince leaves his Best Friend all set to die.

 Now, Would you believe that? How Can it Happen? Heroes are always supposed to be, Well, HERO’s. Will that happen in any case? Or Lets go the other way around. Has any one of the Heroes left their best friends to Die, without even trying? Will Tex Willer leave Kit Carson? Will Jess Long Leave Slim Sullivan? Will Modesty leave Garvin to Die without even trying? How can this Be? Come on Mr Greg, What happened to you? Could this be True? Isn’t it Cowardness to leave your partner to die? Thousands of such questions rang in My mind the moment i read this Page and was fuming at Prince.

ComiRades can always question yours truly for arriving at such a conclusion. Well, what to do? Barney is among the top 3 of the Most loved Supporting Characters who have appeared in Tamil Comics. All he says is “என்னை மன்னித்து விடு” which can be translated as “Forgive Me”. Utter Non sense. Where will Barney Forgive Him? In Heaven? And in the next panel, Captain Bernard Prince is REALLY walking leaving his Best friend all set to die in 10 Minutes.

He also rues at his own Helplessness. Yours truly was on the verge of Crying and look at this Panel. Prince is Turned Back (In reality as well – Turned his back to his friend) and the scream of Barney is heard throughout. What a Scenario. If yours truly has to make a Film in the near future, He will make sure that such a scene is (Even forcibly also) shot in the film, irrespective of the story line.

Barney’s Death Cry Makes Prince to Turn Back and Against All Odds Comes Back with a Vengeance

Voila, What happened next will remain in the Heart of Yours Truly forever. The way Prince runs back once he hears the Death cry of Barney and his words, his facial reaction etc etc. Well, My Limited lexicon prevents Myself from describing it here. Have a Look.

Prince Fighting Individually & Barney Watching it Upside Down	Prince is Caught & Facing Death for Friendship

Now, That is Why Captain Bernard Prince will be my Favourite Comics Hero (And Also Share Hunter’s As well). He is Intellectual, Calculative and Full of Innovative ideas. But first and Foremost, he is down to earth and is the Most believable Comics Book Hero whose adventures i can always relate.

This concludes the 2nd entry of the 50 Greatest Moments in Tamil Comics History. Remember this is the Entry from the Story:

Winning Entry from the Story நதியில் ஒரு நாடகம்–Thigil Comics –Adventure Based–Sentimental – S.Vijayan

Hopefully the publisher will allow the remaining entries to be made in the Blog Post as Well without any Constraint.

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.

Note: John Steel © IPC Media, ஜான் ஸ்டீல் © Prakash Publishers.

Note: Bernard Prince © Daragud, கேப்டன் பிரின்ஸ் © Prakash Publishers.

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.