Dear ComiRades,
Welcome back. Many of you would have forgotten that we have actually started this series last year (and yet to continue because the publisher was hesitant to see his work online before being published as a book. Believe me, it took a lot of convincing to get his approval to post this here). Now that the idea is streamlined, you may see a lot of regular posts here with other new series also being introduced. For those who came in late, here is the synopsis: TCU is serialising the 50 Greatest moments in Tamil comics and they will be published once the series is completed. Here are the Certain things that TCU Proposes:
- 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' 3rd & 4th Entries of the 50 Greatest Moments in Tamil Comics History without any further delay.
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Entry 3: Ranuva Ragasiyam – Army Secret – Rani Comics Issue No 26 Dated 15th July 1985
Editor: S. Rama Jayam.
Publisher: C. Kalyana Sundharam.
Publishing House: Rani Syndicate.
Language: English to Tamil : Straight Translation.
Translator: S. Rama Jayam.
Book Size: B-5 Size
No Of Pages: 72 (64 Pages for the Story)
Price: INR 1.50
Reprints: None, So Far.
Publishing House: Existing,Publisher of Leading Tamil Daily.
Particular Magazine: Off Publication Since 16th Apr 2005.
Original Title: The War Game
Title No & Series: War Picture Library No 1183
Issue Dated: March 1976 Publisher: Fleetway Publications
Author: Unknown, Probably Alf Wallace. Artist: Castro
Background: This book happens to complete the 2nd year of Rani Comics in existence and they were going great guns under the able guidance of Editor S. Rama Jayam. Those were the days in which any regular fan can predict the style of Rani comics stories pretty easily. Every alternative issue will be off James Bond 007 and the 2nd issues will comprise of either western picture library or any picture library from UK (Such as Princess Picture Library, as reviewed in THIS Post)
However, The editor wanted to change the style and tried to bring in the War picture libraries to Tamil and alas, his efforts were not met with great sales returns (and reader reviews as well). Partly the reason lies within the syndicate themselves.
The publisher is known for making the storyline simple and presenting them in a format of their own and hence the readers did not expect to read HEAVY storylines from the publishers and they were forced to get back to the western / adventure style of stories again. In fact, in the entire history of Rani Comics, only 4 war picture libraries were published out of their 500 books. To know more on the war picture libraries in Tamil, Kindly click on the link to read a wonderful piece of Blog-posting from Dr 7. Take over Dr. (Akotheeka Blogpost On War Stories in Tamil.)
Here is the advertisement for the Rani Comics story Ranuva Ragasiyam. Now, we all know that Rani Comics is from the Rani Syndicate and Rani syndicate is the publisher of Various magazines in Tamil such as The Daily Thanthi News Paper, Rani Weekly, Rani Muthu Monthly Novel (Which is the 1st & longest running monthly Novel in Tamil) etc. TCU Has collected close to 75% of all the advertisements of the Tamil Comics’ and Rani comics is also no exception from that Advertisement collection. So, here is the Advertisement for the July 15th issue of Rani Comics. Now, Rani Muthu was a monthly novel and hence they used to put both the issues (Remember Rani Comics was a fortnightly) of that month in a single page. For a Majority of the initial 40 issues, they just used the title alone. Later on, they used a panel from the story to make the advertisement more attractive.
| Rani Comics Issue No 25 - Dated 1st July 1985 - Eri Natchathiram - Back Wrapper – Next Issue Ad for Ranuva Ragasiyam | Rani Monthly Novel – Issue Dated 01st July 1985 – Advertisement for Rani Comics 1st July 1985 & 15th July 1985 |
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There are 2 things that caught the attention of yours truly in the above advertisements (By the way, the Rani comics advertisements were designed by Mr Mali of Rani Syndicate). TCU Has no idea about the rest of the other ComiRades, but here are the 2 points which caught the eye:
1. As a policy, there was no price/ cost mentioning about the next issue.They had this policy for all their magazines. The Only exception was when they published some bigger stories at the same price (Rani Muthu Novels – Where they used to say This story is available at INR 4; Rani Muthu Presents at INR 1, Special Issues of Rani Comics – More pages, same price etc).
2. Usually, they have a 2 liner about the story (Ex: கோட்டைகள் கட்டி கொடுமைகள் செய்தவனை நேருக்கு நேராய் சந்தித்த, ஒற்றர் படை). However, in both the advertisements, there was such Tag lines. Hence we can safely assume that these advertisements were done some time earlier (Before the Tag Lines were coined for that story) to catch up for the regular Rani Monthly novel and hence they didn’t had the time to get the synopsis from the Rani Comics people.
The story begins in 1942 with a Bomber Flight attack claiming the life of Captain Mitchell and thus forever changing the destiny of another one. Read those lines again and at the end of the story, you will realise what they mean. During those days, The editors weren’t allowed to have much liberty (You would have never seen/heard of Mr Rama Jayam) and hence the translation was also, lets say, had minimal effect. In a Way, it was useful for the story narration to keep things simple. You can compare the 2 versions and you will find out that the Tamil version has a minimalistic approach.
| Rani Comics Issue No 26 Dated 15th July 1985 Ranuva Ragasiyam 1st Page | True War Picture Stories - Issue No 24 – The War Game - 1st Page |
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On the same day, We see Captain Martin Benoit fighting the Germans in France and after the mission is successful, he wants to destroy the remaining Nazi’s as well. When his team opposes this move, he moves alone knowing well that they will follow their captain. After the removal of the remaining Nazi’s, Sergeant Morin has a word with Martin on his hatred towards Germans for which he reasons the killing of his parents and his brother.After this ambush, Captain Martin is asked to fly to Cairo from where he is taken to London for a Top secret mission.
| Scene 1: Page 5, Panel 1 - Captain Courageous | Scene 2: Page 7, Panel 2 – Reason for Nazi Hatred | Scene 3: Page 9, Panel 1 – What is WAR? |
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In London, A Secret meeting is organised to between the French Colonel and Head of Intelligence. Where they discuss the strategy for “Operation Butcher”. That is about the capturing of German Commander Van Schodel, who is terrorising every allied movement in France thus nipping any French resistance in the bud itself. However, in truth, the original Van Schodell is killed and his place was taken by a brave allied agent. Thus, the allied forces are getting news about the secret attacks well in advance through him. He requires an operation and the allied forces fear that under anaesthetic, he may reveal the secret and hence they want to “Capture” Van Schodell and bring him to London where he will be operated and later on, once he is fit, will escape back to France.
| Scene 4: Page 13 Panel 1 – Attack on Van Schodell | Scene 5: Page15 Panel 2 – Killing of Van Schodell | Scene 6: Page 17 Panel 2 – Reason for the “Capture” |
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Captain Mitchell, who was to lead the Operation Butcher, was killed (in the beginning of the story) and he is being replaced by Captain Martin. The French Colonel has his own reservations about Martin’s ways of doing things and his Infamous hatred towards the Germans. However, the squad leaves to France and they also Capture Van Schodell as per their plan. In a Moment of Madness, Martin is almost tempted to finish up Van Schodell and is restrained by Joe Durham who reminds that their mission is to take him alive.
| Scene 7: Page 23 Panel 1–Why Martin to lead Squad? | Scene 8:Page 25 Panel 2–Mission Starting for Capture | Scene 9: Page 31 Panel 2 – Capturing Van Schodell |
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Everything seemed so Easy, or so they thought. Only when their flight to back home was shot down by the Germans and they were attacked in a “No-Hope” position, they realised that all it takes is two minutes to change the composition of some of the best laid plans. However, again it took just 2 minutes for the situation to change as a French resistance team attacked the Germans thus saving Martin’s squad. However, once the Leader of the French resistance identifies the prisoner, they were mad to kill him and ready to square up with Martin’s Squad. Martin leaves the prisoner to the French resistance guys against the likings of his team members, thus paving way for Colonel Deveraux to execute him.
| Scene 10: Page 35 Panel 1 – Unexpected Help | Scene 11: Page 37 Panel 2 – French Vendetta | Scene 12: Page 43 Panel 2 – Fighting for the Prisoner |
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The judgement against Van Schodell was in the expected lines only – He was to face the firing squad in the morning. And then, Martin sees the sameness of opinion with Colonel Deveraux and he makes up his mind to fight with him in the future. Only then, the prisoner speaks for the 1st time. And Boy, what a situation is that for Captain Martin when he identifies the voice of his brother in the body of the man whom every Frenchmen hates the most. As in his own word, “I Must be out of my Minds”. That is when the prisoner tells the greatest secret of the war and the importance of him being alive.
| Scene 13: Page 45 Panel 1 – Snap Judgement | Scene 14: Page 47 Panel 1 – Thus Spoke the Prisoner | Scene 15:Page 49 Panel 1 – importance of Being Alive |
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Captain Martin then decides to stick to the mission of getting back the prisoner to London. So he orchestras a situation whereby his team attacks the passing German troupe and they retaliate. Amidst this, his squad is free and he stays back with Colonel Deveraux to make sure they are free to get back. He also echoes what Sergeant Morin had spoken at the beginning of the story. Slowly Deveraux grudge turns into admiration towards Martin and they fight together against Germans for one last time. And what a Man he turns out to be. A Thoughtless killer sworn to vengeance against Nazi’s calming under the most straining of situations.
| Scene 16:Page 51 Panel 2–Plan B to get back to Plan A | Scene 17:Page 59 Panel 1–Martin Stays Back for Safety | Scene 18: Page 63 Panel 1 – Till death we Fight |
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Well, this is how it all ends, Not with a bang. But with death. The difference is the cause for which you fight. And that’s what sets Martin from the rest of them. He found a way to channelise his vengeance and still had done justice to his mission. At the end of the day, he has achieved what he was set for, although in a manner of his own. Here also one can see the minimalistic approach carried out by the editor in the translation part.
| Rani Comics 26 Dated 15th July 1985 Ranuva Ragasiyam Last Page | True War Picture Stories – The War Game - Issue No 24 - Last Page |
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Rani comics usually had a very organised way of reader reviews and also ran a contest for the readers to choose the best moment of the story. The same method was followed in Editor S. Rama Jayam ’s Secret Agent James Bond Comics as well. While reading the letters, kindly give proper importance to what Mr அந்தியூர் நந்தகோபால் has to say on this topic. The reason for such a view is quite understandable.
Many of us in the 80’s wouldn’t have understood the rivalry between the Germans and the Englishmen / French. So, in that sense many of us would have failed to connect with Captain Martin and empathise with him.
| Rani Comics No 28 -Pazhikku Pazhi Ranuva Ragasiyam Readers Letters | Rani Comics No 28 -Pazhikku Pazhi Ranuva Ragasiyam Readers Review |
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Here is the corresponding page of the English story which and TCU requests the readers to shut everything out of their mind for a second and have a careful view of this scan. The thinking goes in the minds of Captain Martin, the reaction when the prisoner speaks for the 1st time, His change when he recognises the prisoner etc. etc. Simply put, this story has to be converted as a script for a wonderful War based Drama. In the 80’s, TCU Would’ve cast Robert Di Nero as Captain Martin and Brando as that of the Nazi General. In the present scenario, only the readers has to say for who suits the character to the T.
| True War Pictire Stories - Issue No 24 -The War Game -Pages 46 47 the defining Moment of the Story – Captain Martin Benoit facing the true identity of Von Schodel |
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The Entry for the 50 Greatest Moments in Tamil Comics History from this story is Scene 14 where The Nazi general speaks for the 1st time and boy, what a situation that is for Captain Martin benoit. Well, then. This concludes the 3rd entry of the 50 Greatest Moments in Tamil Comics History. Remember this is the Winning Entry from the Story:
| Rani Comics Issue No 26 - Dated 15th July 1985 - Ranuva Ragasiyam The War Game - Page 47 Panel 1 – The Winning Entry for 50 Greatest Moments in TCU |
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Entry 4: Kolai Warrant – Death Warrant – Rani Comics – Issue No 18 Dated 15th March 1985
Editor: S. Rama Jayam.
Publisher: C. Kalyana Sundharam.
Publishing House: Rani Syndicate.
Language: English to Tamil : Straight Translation.
Translator: S. Rama Jayam.
Book Size: B-5 Size
No Of Pages: 72 (64 Pages for the Story)
Price: INR 1.50
Reprints: None, So Far.
Publishing House: Existing, Publisher of Leading Tamil Daily.
Particular Magazine: Off Publication Since 16th Apr 2005.
Original Title: Details Unknown (As of right now)
Title No & Series: TBA Issue Dated:
Publisher: Fleetway Publications
Author: Unknown. Artist: Unknown
Background: This book happens to be a refreshing change from the regular James Bond + Western Picture Library combo that was ruling the roost in the first 9 months of Rani Comics. And what a change it turned out to be. There were about 2103 titles to choose from the War picture library and Editor S. Rama Jayam chose this one and TCU Salutes the editorial talent of him. What a Story it turned out to be. Readers has to agree upon the point that these war picture libraries do not strike the same chord as that of with the readers from UK and other allied nations which were part of the War. hence the Editor has to choose stories with much care and effort. And, the advertisement for the story itself generated much curiosity amongst the regular readers.
| Rani Comics Issue No 17 Dated 1st Mar 1985 007 Kadal Kollai Back Cover Ad for Kolai Warrant – Designed By Lay Out Designer & Artist Mali | Rani Muthu Issue No 195 Dated March 1985 Rajesh Kumar oru Azhagana Aabathu Ad for Rani Comics Kolai Warrant (Ad for both the March issues) |
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As usual, Artist Mali has taken out a panel from the story and created a teaser ad with inputs from the Editor. Read those one liners on the story and you will feel enthused to read the story immediately.
- போர்க்களத்தில் விசித்திர வீரன்! (A Different Soldier in the field of War)
- தளபதியை பழிவாங்கும் சாபம்! (A Curse that haunts the Captain)
- விறுவிறுப்பு, மர்மம் நிறைந்த முழுநீள சித்திரக்கதை! (Suspense, Thrill filled Graphic novel)
Is this a war story or a story of Grimm’s Ghost story? Many would have wondered on those lines. However, the gap between the books were only 15 days and the waiting was worth when we received the book in our hands. Even today, this book happens to be a very rare book for the Comic Collectors. Those who have it, are worthy collectors.
| Rani Comics Issue No 18 Dated 15th Mar 1985 Kolai Warrant Page 01 | |
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The Story is like a Hollywood movie script happening in 1944. It begins with a Philosophical note on one persons desire to reach the top, AT ANY COST. Then it transcends into the realms of Flashback style of storytelling. It gets moving with Police inspectors arriving with arrest warrant on Colonel Wudrow. Surprisingly, he seems to be expecting that and he proceeds with 100% co-operation (Which surprised me in the beginning).
He then begins his story which starts with the year 1940 when he was a Lieutenant and was passing through the woods in France to warn the allied forces about the Nazi infiltration in their vicinity. However, when they reach a certain village, One of the soldiers in the Platoon, One certain Potter, refuses to move along stating horror is awaiting in the village and creating a panic amongst the others with his predictions.
| Scene 1: Police with Arrest Warrant On Wudrow | Scene 2: How it all Began–Starting of the Flashback | Scene 3:Potter sensing danger with his ESP–1st Time |
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Near the village, They find out that Potters fears are turning out to be real as there was a small army of German soldiers with 4 Tanks inside the village camp. And their stay is kept so secret that the allied forces have no idea about this and when they pass through this village on their way, they may be in danger of being wiped out by the German forces. There is actually no time for Wudrow’s team to retreat and inform the incoming Allied forces as well. The only option left is to fight them hoping that the allied forces turn on in the right time.
Sergeant Venurd has been with Wudrow for sometime and hence he happens to understand his characteristics much better than anyone else. He knows well that Wudrow fears to involve in any combat with the Nazi’s and hence he insists that let him stay back and he will get on with German forces. He also cautions about reporting this incident to the H.Q once this is over. Even though the brave soldier succeeds in his attempt, a passing bullet puts through his time in the world. Luckily for Wudrow, as his living would have been a nightmare for him.
| Scene 4: Sgt Venurd Sensing the Fear | Scene 5: Sgt Venurd Fighting & Warning to Notify | Scene 6: After War, Sgt Venurd Dies as a Brave Soldier |
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The Incoming Allied force General assumes that it was Wudrow who led the assault and hence he not only congratulates Wudrow, he also recommends him for promotion. Finally, Wudrow gets the credit for the brave efforts of Venurd (Just like the corporate world, where the Inefficient Heads taking the credit for all the work done by the others). Now Wudrow understands that Potter has some kind of weird power to foretell the future (some sort of ESP) and hence he tries to have him in his squad.
The Doctors also certify that he has the mental stability to get on with the War and hence they give the required No-Objection certificate as well. With that, Captain Wudrow leaves to fight the Italians in Libya.
| Scene 7:Arriving Major appraising Wudrow for the Effort | Scene 8: Wudrow Becoming Captain,(Venurd ’s help) | Scene 9: Wudrow wanting to Fight again |
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Knowing that Potter is with him, Captain Wudrow fights with a new found confidence and wins many a battles against the Italians in Libya. However the situation takes a complete U Turn when Hitler decides to help out the Italians with his forces and the allied forces are forced to take the back foot to retreat.
After the Libyan war, Wudrow requests to be posted in action front in the war zone and his request is fulfilled and he is only happy to be there. In the war front, Wudrow’s actions often raise the eyebrows of many and in the end, they feel that he is a genius who can predict the steps of his enemies. At one stage, Potter says that they may not live long enough to taste the success. Often, Potter feels guilty with his predictions as they result in death to the opposing soldiers.
| Scene 10:Wudrow Winning in Libya(With Potter’s ESP) | Scene 11: Wudrow Gunning for further Glory with Potter | Scene 12: Wudrow’s Winning March Continues |
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Sergeant Ruby from his squad has a keen eye for details and he confronts Wudrow on the point that Potter is a very tired man unfit to be in the service in war. Wudrow cautions him and orders him to mind his duty. On a night when Wudrow tries to cajole Potter on his ESP, Ruby over hears this conversation and he is flabbergasted, to say the least. Wudrow assures Ruby that this matter will be taken care of.
Not knowing how, Ruby goes away. the next day, Wudrow asks Ruby to get the direction right by asking him to use the compass from a particular position in a sand-Mount. Ruby does so, only realising that it was a trap to remove him from asking further questions about Potter. Before he can get away, he is gone. At the same time, Wudrow receives a Radio message which makes him so happy. Yes, he is elevated to a Major from Captain. So, he is posted in London itself and he takes Potter with him.
| Scene 13: Sgt Ruby Finding out About Potter’s ESP | Scene 14: Hurdle Ruby removed from Path-Landmine | Scene 15: Potter refusing to read the future |
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Once back in London, Wudrow is back to his way. Yes, he is not merely satisfied with where he is reached now. He wants further glory and he tries to get moving again with Potters predictions. Potter refuses to yield and in a moment of madness, Wudrow shots him in presence of his workers who inform to the police. Potter sort of curses him saying that he will also get what he got. If potter is the 1st compartment in the Train, Wudrow is not far behind, he is the 2nd compartment. With that sentence, Potter passes away.
So, based on the information received from his workers, Police inspector Wyatt arrives with an arrest warrant and Wudrow is willing to co-operate well knowing that he has out-lived his own expectations and limitations. on the way back to the Police HQ, Their car is struck up with an engine fault in a level crossing and although the driver and the Policemen come out of the car in time, Wudrow is in deep thoughts about the words uttered by Potter. The train, 1st compartment, 2nd compartment, same fate as that of Him etc etc come to his mind to haunt his thinking and he is too late to react to the situation to come out of the car.
| Scene 16: Potter’s Curse – Linking with Train? | Scene 17: Car is Jammed in Train Track:Coincidence? | Scene 18: Wudrow is too confused to Move away |
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Even the police detectives are left speechless in the final situation whereby they don’t know what caused Wudrow to react so slowly upon seeing the train.
| Rani Comics Issue No 18 Dated 15th Mar 1985 Kolai Warrant Page No 64 |
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As mentioned elsewhere, Rani Comics had a very organised way of reviews. They always had a page for readers reviews and also a single page dedicated for the prize winning best scene review. In this particular case, the reader from the Temple city of Madurai correctly chooses the same moment as that of TCU. Hats off to him.
| Rani Comics Issue 20 Dated 15th Apr 1985 Kolai Warrant Readers Letters | Rani Comics Issue 20 Dated 15th Apr 1985 Kolai Warrant Readers Review |
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The Entry for the 50 Greatest Moments in Tamil Comics History from this story is Scene 16 where Colonel Wudrow shoots Potter in a moment of madness and Potter curses him. Well, then. This concludes the 4th entry of the 50 Greatest Moments in Tamil Comics History. Remember this is the Winning Entry from the Story:
| Rani Comics Issue No 18 Dated 15th Mar 1985 Kolai Warrant Page No 57 panel 2- The Winning Entry for 50 Greatest Moments |
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Now Comes the most important part of the post: The dedication of this post. Yesterday was the day (31st Aug) in which the post was originally planned for. However, as per the norm in the comics domain, the best of the plans go for a toss and hence so was TCU’s.
Even though this post was supposed to be done last year, it took it’s own sweet time and the curse was on yesterday as well. Yes, yesterday was our beloved friend Mr Ayyampalayam Venkateswaran’s Birthday. Let’s not wish him (உங்களை வாழ்த்த வயதில்லை, வணங்குகிறோம்) as you are not supposed to wish any of the Political leaders. This series brings out the best moments in Tamil comics and who better than Venki Sir to provide some of the best moments under the sun in Tamil comics Blogging.On this day, TCU Wishes him all the best and also hopes that he once again provides some of the best reading experience to us in the near future.
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.
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