World is mourning the loss of an icon, famously known among his fans as the “King of Pop”, Michael Jackson. Even though I have reservations over his life at large, the fact remains that no one can deny the popularity and respect he enjoyed among music fans world over, whom he inspired and commanded for decades through his famed blockbuster albums. With that said, I hope he finds his joy in his afterlife.
In the World of Comics, the month of June was a pleasant surprise, as some of our fellow comics bloggers achieved important milestones in their respective means, garnering media attention too. This post is to highlight some of them, in the process honouring their efforts towards our unique passion shared towards The 9th Art.
#1: Toonfactory’s Chitrakathaa Rolls-On
Good friend and fellow comiker Alok Sharma, who is famously known on blogosphere, under his nickname Toonfactory, has finally restarted his most ambitious and dream project, Chitrakathaa. Chitrakathaa is a documentary which hopes to map the evolution of comics medium in India, with enough spotlight thrown on the creators who revolutionized this art form, which often is deprived of its fair share of accolades.
As part of this great project, Alok has scheduled a line-up of interviews for days to come, in the process meeting up with some of the famous creators Indian comics scene has ever seen.
The first-up from his side, was the news that he indeed met Mr. Pran Kumar Sharma, known simply as Pran among Comics World. Pran was instrumental in creating a series of locally drawn and inspired comic characters, who looked at the day-to-day lifestyle of typical Indians, with a jolly-good humour attached to them. Some of his legendary creations include Chacha Chaudhary, Pinki, Billoo, which still continue to be syndicated and serialized on a variety of Indian languages.
There was a time (even now) when Diamond Comics wholly relied on Pran, for their in numerous titles, which still continues to find the reprints quite often, along with newly drawn series, which Pran continues to create for Diamond.
Pran was decorated with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indian Institute of Cartoonists in 2001, It was my childhood dream to meet up this famous icon, who was once named even as the Walt Disney of India.
Good that Alok was able to achieve that feat for all of us. Alok has promised a big write-up and news about other creators whom he would be meeting for his project. Makes for an interesting wait.
You can learn more about Pran, and the art institution he runs on his official website.
Nobody is a stranger to the fact that comics blogs in India, are mostly dominated by fans of erstwhile brand Indrajal Comics (IJC). People found their happiness in sharing what they have in their collection, in the process introducing these wealth of titles to new comics readers, as well for the older ones to cherish their childhood passion.
Even though, I have my reservations over releasing a comic in toto on net, I had to appreciate this bloggers enthusiasm in keeping up the comics reading passion alive.
Recently, the speed of these blogs had reduced significantly, as the number of IJC issues which are left un-scanned have reduced to a meager numbers. Many of the blogs have switched over to provide different content to enthuse the visiting readers. One such blogger, is long time friend, and fellow IJC blogger Zaheer, more famously known under his nick-name Comic World.
Recently, he started to venture on newer avenues, by discussing the pulp fictions of India, when Pocket Books based Novels ruled the roost. Many Comic friends would remember that, it was the publications which were publishing pocket books, who eventually started publishing Comics too. Most famous of among them are Raj Comics and Diamond Comics.
One such post at Comic World, which ignited this novel topic, was considered the best ever by many who commented on the topic.
Eventually, Comic World made its way to be featured in an article on a National Daily Newspaper called Hindustan Times.
The article talks about the childhood habit of many who have drooled over these pocket book novels, and comics in general, and their impact on modern society, and literary world. Kudos to Zaheer, for achieving this wonderful feat. Keep Rocking, Bro.
#3: Comicology draws Attention
Well, I generally try not to blow up my own trumpet. But, it’s a matter of honour to mention that our blog was referred over at ComicBitsOnline, during one of the Interviews with CineBook’s
Olivier Cadic.
CBO’s Terry Hooper, a comic creator himself, and the Keeper of the Black Tower, has always been a good old friend and staunch supporter of Comicology, which is highlighted by the fact that he used to feature posts now and then about our blog in his most visited website (Ref. these pages). I am grateful, to Terry for his support towards this long journey through our favourite Genre.
Not only that, everyone who is fan of British Genre of Comics, would remember the name Steve Holland. A comics historian on his own rights, who has a host of comics titles credited to him, runs a Rolling News section on his official blog, Bear Alley.
Recently our Lucky Luke post has found its mention among the list, which is generally reserved for comic creators and visionaries. I am thankful to Steve for giving this great recognition to our blog.
For me, these two references in blogs, rate over and above any media article published in newspapers, for the sheer reason that they are written by someone who share the same passion towards Comics, like us Comikers.
By saying that, I don’t decree the occasion, when Comicology was featured in a Tamil Weekly magazine, Ananda Vikatan. I am thankful for them to have allotted a space for us in the esteemed magazine. For other language friends, the article is part of the series, where each week a new blog is introduced to the readers, and this one talked about the various faces of Comics as available in our blog. (Scan Courtesy: Arun S)
Undoubtedly, when you talk about comics bloggers making news, there is no way we can forget that the evergreen Muthufan was the first to feature on a Newspaper article, which was syndicated in a handful of newspapers, including Deccan Chronicle and Asian Age.
The only problem that time was that the content left much to be desired, starting from the title (The title starts with the word Kitsch, can you believe it?). You can read more about it in Viswa’s blog post over here. A sheer case of how a reporter could conceive a topic, without knowing head and tail about the subject. (Scan Courtesy: Viswa)
Wasn’t I right in saying that a mention in comic blogs, rate over and above the media articles written by some unknown faces. Well you be the judge :).
44 ComiComments:
ரஃபிக்,
காமிக்ஸ் வலையுலக நண்பர்கள் பற்றிய செய்திகள் யாவும் அருமை.
உங்கள் வலைப்பூ இரு பிரபல காமிக்ஸ் வலைத்தளங்களில் சுட்டிக்காட்டப்படிருப்பதில் நானும் உவகை அடைகிறேன்.
விரைவில் உங்கள் வலைப்பூவின் பெயரை மெகான் ஃபாக்ஸ் தன் மார்பில் பச்சை குத்தி கொள்ள ஜோஸ்வா முனிவர் அருள் உங்களிற்கு கிட்டட்டும்.
உற்சாகத்துடன் தொடருங்கள்
@ Shankar: ஷங்கர் அன்பரே,
நம் சக காமிக்ஸ் பதிவர்கள் உண்மையான பாராட்டுகளை பெறும்போது சந்தோஷத்திற்கு அளவுகோலும் உண்டோ.
அவர்களுடன் சேர்ந்து, உங்களை போன்ற நண்பர்கள் துணை இருக்கும் வரை நம் வலைத்தளமும் வெற்றி நடை போடும், என்பதில் எனக்கு துளியும் ஐயமில்லை.
பி.கு.: டிரான்ஸ்பார்மர் பட தாக்கம் இன்னும் உங்களை விட்டு அகலவில்லை போலிருக்கே... ;) ஜோஸ்வா முனிவர் தான் காரணமா ? :)
Great post - talking about blogs making news. And it is also great that some in the media are taking note of this.
And congratulations to you! Now I need to go say hello to Comic world :)
@ TCP: Isn't it indeed a surprise to see media giving attention to the efforts of our bloggers? Well they earned all the praise :).
Thanks for your visit and comment, bro.
It’s really very good news that informative blogs are attracting attention. My heartiest congratulations to all of you!
ரஃபிக், ட்ரான்ஸ்ஃபார்மர்ஸ் பார்த்தேன், சற்று நீண்ட படம் என்றாலும், ஆக்ஷன் காட்சிகள் நன்றாக உள்ளது.
அதனை விட மெகான்ஃபாக்ஸின் புருவங்களை செதுக்கியிருக்கும் கலைஞரிற்கு ஒர் சிலை வைக்கலாம்.
மெகான்ஃபாக்ஸ்ஸின் பாத்திரம் ஊறுகாய் போல்தான்,இருந்தாலும் அழகாக இருக்கிறார், அவர் இதழ்களை சற்று திறந்த நிலையில் வைத்திருக்கும் போது, இளம் மனது தவித்துப் போய்விட்டது :)
ஜோஸ் கொடுத்து வைத்தவர், மெகான் அவர் முறைப்பெண்ணாமே!!!
Rafiq Bhai,first of all let me congrats you heartily for Comicology beig honored.You certainly deserve these applauds for your efforts.
Its nice to see that off late comic blog are being appreciated by media and their sheer presence is being felt now in blog world.
And,many thanks for putting up this post in such a nice manner,which was the need of hour indeed.By putting such posts we are not blowing our trumpet rather sharing our happiness and sense of satisfaction with our readers,visitors and fellow bloggers.
Once again congrats and thanks for this wonderful post.
Dear Rafiq,
I love ur review of the comic blogs ! some one like you has to do a good job like this to keep the fire burning!
I always wished i could have read all comments in ur log, but they are just Jalebi's for me..round--round words :))
keep up, man!
Hi Rafiq,
Once again a Good, Sweet post. Your blog getting mentioned in anadavikatan is a great news. As you know it is the No1 Magazine in Tamil reading users. I am sure this is a not a trumphet. It is sharing the joy .
Keep up the good work man
Rafiqbhai agar aap ladki hotte toh main ,... :) sorry. This is a wonderfully sweet post. :) Anyway I want to thank you again for introducing me to Iznogoud and Lucky Luke, the other two creations of Goscinny. I am currently reading "Asterix and the class act" and I am just bowled over by this historic look at so much unpublished goodies. Have you read it? This book(sorry album) has well and truly made me 10 year old all over again. :)
... khadde khadde shaadi kardete. :) For most people, comics means American Superhero comics. Absolutely the fact your taste is for adventure and humour comics. :)
Rafiq,
Congratulations on the mentions your blog has been getting. Yours is by far the best Indian blog on comics and your passion for comics shines through. Thanks to efforts of people like you I see a rejuvenation in the interest in comics with more real kids getting into comics , rather than just us middle aged kids. Keep up the wonderful work.
Congratulations, Rafiq! A mention from Steve Holland is a nice thing.
RR, another wonderful post on your blog...and I am really honored to see Chitrakathaa getting a mention on your blog :) I am sorry amidst this chaotic schedule I havent been active on Blogosphere for sometime...but will be back soon...if you have noticed I am irregular even on my own blog...lol...some more good news and lots of updates are pending, keep in touch & keep up the good work!
its wonderful that someone like rafiq is there the keep the tamil comic fans updated on the tamil comic scene , i hope some blogger from kerala do start a same blog about the comic scene in keralo even though its not much ., but something has got to stsrt somewhere and hope some one who reads blogs like these do start a blog on the comic scene in kerala
@ Prabhat: It's due to support from friends like you which is pushing our bloggers to touch new horizons. Thanks much for them and for all others, for years to come.
@ Comic World: Zaheer Bhai, Thanks much for your words, and you also deserve the accolades for breaking it into a newspaper article.
The blogging is the most powerful tool at present, so it's natural that media is paying attention to it. I only hope that this attention, only leads to more quality blog posts, and pushes us to keep the flame glowing.
P.S.: It's true that we record the important milestones, without boasting about it for long. It's important to enjoy and move forward for more achievements. So, Good to know from you that I didn't blow my own trumpet by posting these news :)
@ ICT: Dear Sameer, so good to see your comment after a small gap. I would love to restrict all comments in my blog to a common language, but at the same don't want to stop the enthusiasm of people prefering their choice of language to communicate freely. As far as it is within the 3 languages I know, I don't have issues :)
As said before, if there is anything important being discussed in the comment section, you can count me to add that as necessary info on the blog post itself for all others. So, no one would be missing anything important :)
Jalebi's....:) True, I see the same when I look at other languages, script of which is Greek & Latin to me :)
@ Shankar: Transformers படம் பார்க்க வாய்ப்பு இன்னும் அமையவில்லை. ஆனால் படத்தில் இருந்து இணையங்களில் வெளிவரும் மெகான் பாக்ஸின் சித்திரங்கள் படம் பார்க்க தூண்ட வல்லது தான் என்பதில் எந்த சந்தேகமும் இல்லை. பார்த்து விட வேண்டியதுதான் :)
ஜோஷை பற்றி பேசாதீர்கள். அந்த முறைப்பெண் பிரச்சனையில் அவரிடம் பங்காளி சண்டை ஆரம்பித்து நிரம்ப நாட்கள் ஆகிறது. க்ர்ர்ர்ர்ர்ர்ர்.......... :)
@ Suresh: Dear friend, Thanks much for your support. Ananda Vikatan feature, was one of the proudest moments for our blog.
With your support, I have no doubts that Comicology will always keep the comic fans thrilled with new features along with Reviews.
@ KK: Thanks for your comment KK Bhai. Iznogoud & Lucky Luke are the top most Franco-Belgian characters representing the comical genre. Good that you liked them.
I have also started re-reading the Asterix series. Humor is so well-paced at those series, you wonder how humorous the creators would have been in real life with their nears and dears. :)
Not only that, any comic I read pushes me back to atleast 10 years in age... No Time Machine can do that time and again :)
As you also said, most comic lovers simply read and enjoy only American Genre, which is the very paradigm I am trying to change, by introducing them to wealth of characters available elsewhere, most importantly from the beds of French/Belgium culture. Good that friends like you have shown support towards them.
By saying that, my choice is not for only adventure, and humour :). But also other stuffs like Detective, War/Battle, Superheroes... some of which you could find at our very blog itself. Basically, I am a FanBoy to say the least :). About War/Battle, there is a post pending for long. Stay Tuned :)
P.S.: Accha huah ke mai ladki nahi nikal pada.... waise ho gaya to aapse bachna to bahut mushkeel ho jaata ;)
@ Vineeth: Dear Friend, Thanks for those kind words about our blog. I rate friends words as equal to any other mentions on website or articles, as they are the one who stand along with you throughout your journey.
Good to know that my blog has let me gather so many friends, some of whom I didn't even meet yet in person.
I also look forward for those days, when kids get into the comic habit. I can see glimpses of that in comic shops, hopefully, the new gen would be reading these blogs to base their interest upon. Let's hope for the best for future :)
@ Toonfactory: Chitrakathaa is indeed a unique project, which is trying to tread the path which no one has so far ventured in India on Comics field. I am so happy that a man passionate about comics like you, is behind the project, and hopefully that would add all the more Oomph factor to it.
Looking forward for your blog posts and Updates. :) You know I will always keep in touch. ;)
@ சாத்தான்: I just started reading few of titles which Steve had served as an Editor. The man does have a huge set of knowledge on British Comics in a lot. So, as you said, I take that as a honor to have been on his reading list.
Thanks for your visit and comment, friend.
@ Liju: Thanks for those nice words about our blog. Tamil Comics scenario is really well versed with so many players running their own website, all of which you can find on my Comics BlogRoll.
As far as Malayalam Comics concerned, Why look for another, when there is man passionate like you towards Comics, is right there in Kerala. I keep hearing about some good comic strips coming out of Kerala, and would love to see them, if you could start sharing probably in you own blog.
If you find it tiresome, to get starting on our own, you can also pass them to me, which I will have it featured with proper credits to you.
I don't expect to run Comicology all on my own. So you and others can also be contributors too my friend. The aim of this blog is too unite all comic lovers, isn't it ? :)
:)
which is the very paradigm I am trying to change
You are succeeding!
But basically be it Michael Jackson or the question of putting comics on the web, I find you articulating very well what I might have tried to say. :)
Re:American paradigmn and other ones. Basically to slighly exaggerate, I think the difference is between the WWF and Wimbledon. One is loud, colorful, larger than life and totally fake. The other is classy, rooted in traditions, and is more accurate guide to life. While wimbledon is about real men and women overcoming real obstacles through sheer grit, talent and hardwork, Asterik is about good-humoured co-existance and tolerance for the foibles of everyone including your friends and your own. :)
Re War comics:
A couple of years ago, it looked like only I remembered Commando comics, but now they too have a decent amount of fansites on web.
@ KK: That's a nice comparison of American vs Rest genre of Comics to WWF & Wimbledon. The only difference is that while people agree that they are different they give so much attention to each of them during the time. Which is the same I expect to see from our comics readers. It's time they venture out of the IJC which inspired their comics reading. Only then, we could truly say that we are keeping our interests alive.
I would be the happiest of the lot, even if 1 person who comments on a post, says that they were inspired to buy the book I review. That's the utmost satisfaction you can get for any work of yours :)
It seems we both think alike :), which I don't see differing from friends who share a common passion towards Comics. Aren't they from the same old pool :) Thanks much for your return visit and comment, Friend.
P.S.: Commando is the longest running comic series based on War Stories, so no wonder it finds so many fan sites. I only wish they were also active in India, but we only get to see some old issues now and then :)
Hi Rafiq,
Terry's interview with Olivier is wonderful.
I am happy to know your blog is mentioned by Terry to Olivier.
Great work dude.
Regards,
Mahesh kumar
@ Mahesh: It's surely a great honour to even be in the context, when two great UK Comic personalities meet in person. I loved that Interview too, got to know much about cinebook's future plans.
Thanks much for your kind words, Mahesh. Needless to say it is the support of friends like you, which is pushing things forward for all of us.
Comicolozy, I always find it hard to put a comment on or against ur Review. Great one as always. Thanks. :)
Rafiq alias ComicAnna, This is really amazing work that you are doing. Good info site for comic lovers.., :-)
-Giri
Hi Rafiq,
Congratz for your further steps,
Matters you are touching are always new to most of Tamil based comic readers like me. And very useful to update about comic happenings in India level.
தங்கள் பதிவு அருமையாக இருந்தது . வாழ்த்துக்கள். ஐஸ் ஏஜ் படம் பார்த்தீர்களா? நன்றாக உள்ளது. அந்த படம் காமிக்ஸ்ஸாக தமிழில் வந்தால் நன்றாக இருக்கும்.
@ Ajnaabi: Another man behind the Great IJC project here... Thanks for making your Visit and comment bro...
By the way, always wanted to ask you, shouldn't your name be Ajnabi... without an extra a... or is there a reason for that ? :)
@ Simpleguy: Brother you already me Anna.... But I will let you take the title, and be the Thambhi always :) Good to meet another comics friend from my very own field. Doesn't it give the well deserved mental break from our work stuffs..... At least, I believe it does :)
Thanks for your visit and comment Giri.
@ Cap Tiger: ஐஸ் ஏஜ் 3 ஐ இன்னும் பார்க்கவில்லை... முதல் இரண்டு பாகங்களில் ரசித்ததை வைத்து பார்க்கையில், அது காமிக்ஸ் வடிவத்திலும் சக்கை போடு போடலாம் என்றே எண்ணுகிறேன். பார்ப்போம் ஏதாவது காமிக்ஸ் கம்பெனி இந்தியாவில் அவற்றை அறிமுகபடுத்துமா என்று... சமீபத்தில் போல்ட் படத்தை தழுவிய காமிக்ஸ்களை வெஸ்ட்லேன்ட் வெளியிட தொடங்கி இருப்பதை பார்த்தீர்களா.... விரைவில் ஒரு பதிவில் அதை எல்லோருக்கும் அறிமுகம் செய்து வைக்கிறேன்.
வருகைக்கும் கருத்துக்கும் நன்றி தோழா.
@ Siv: I long realized that touching Tamil Comics alone would take us nowhere as far as improving our comics hobby is concerned. It's true they paved the way by introducing so many characters, and now it's time we use that base and explore the other great characters outside the horizon, especially when so many International Comics brands are fighting-in for their share in India.
Good that fellow comikers like you have always been appreciative towards our common passion. :)
Hi everyone,
It's probably a high price I'm looking for , but ,it's a big world.
Got
- an almost complete individually bound complete collection pf Indian Readers Digests (missing some from 1954-1964)
- indrajals from no. 300 complete , below that got about 160.
- tinkles form 1 - 555 (below 100 got 90)after that approx.80% (all above 100 are bound - 20+ binders)
- DC , marvel (mainly not bound)
- ACK 's 8 binders
- Chandamama's (15 binders)
- junior (1949)by times of india - 2 binders
-tintin , leonardo ,warrior binders.
I probably am looking for someone who's
got the money, bcoz as I said earlier , the no. I'm looking for is very high.
I never had an intention of selling , ever , but now, I will if the price is right.
If this doen't work I'll do e-bay and Christie's.
They are mainly bound ,except for below 300 indrajals, marvels, DC's and tinkles below 100.
If anyone is serious AND doesnt want to haggle, put a blog here or get back to me at comics.143@gmail.com.
God bless you all.
Thank you.
@ Sam: Best of Luck, to find a suitable buyer for your collection.
Great post. After a long time I am reading tamil in this post. I very happy to read this article. Thanks for sharing.
@ KK: Thanks for your comment KK Bhai. Iznogoud & Lucky Luke are the top most Franco-Belgian characters representing the comical genre. Good that you liked them.
I have also started re-reading the Asterix series. Humor is so well-paced at those series, you wonder how humorous the creators would have been in real life with their nears and dears. :)
Not only that, any comic I read pushes me back to atleast 10 years in age... No Time Machine can do that time and again :)
As you also said, most comic lovers simply read and enjoy only American Genre, which is the very paradigm I am trying to change, by introducing them to wealth of characters available elsewhere, most importantly from the beds of French/Belgium culture. Good that friends like you have shown support towards them.
By saying that, my choice is not for only adventure, and humour :). But also other stuffs like Detective, War/Battle, Superheroes... some of which you could find at our very blog itself. Basically, I am a FanBoy to say the least :). About War/Battle, there is a post pending for long. Stay Tuned :)
P.S.: Accha huah ke mai ladki nahi nikal pada.... waise ho gaya to aapse bachna to bahut mushkeel ho jaata ;)
... khadde khadde shaadi kardete. :) For most people, comics means American Superhero comics. Absolutely the fact your taste is for adventure and humour comics. :)
Dear Rafiq,
I love ur review of the comic blogs ! some one like you has to do a good job like this to keep the fire burning!
I always wished i could have read all comments in ur log, but they are just Jalebi's for me..round--round words :))
keep up, man!
great article.tamil comments is really nice.just you can see and buy a book online http://www.grabmore.in/products/1144278015/The-Works-of-Jonathan-Swift-Containing-Additional-Letters-Tracts-and-Poems-Not-Hitherto-Published;-with-Notes-and-a-Life-of-the-Author-Volume-19.html
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