Muthu Comics #309 - Nick Raider | Jul '08

Prakash Publishers | Price: INR 10 | Pages: 100 | B/W | Size: B6 | Tamil | Laminated/HardCover 

Muthu #309: Sithiramum Kolluthadi (சித்திரமும் கொல்லுதடி) [The Picture that Kills]

Muthu #309 featuring Nick Raider, aka., Detective Robin (as he is christened in Tamil Comics), titled "Sithiram Kolluthadi" (சித்திரமும் கொல்லுதடி) has closely followed the Lion release this month, which is an encouraging sign from the Prakash Publishers. Nick Raider Stories are known for their plot-work, coupled with eye-catching artwork.  This issue doesn't disappoint us on that account.  Mr. Vijayan should be credited for choosing the title for the stories, which he weaves around the main plot of the storyline. The story revolves around the murder of a Prom-Queen, and the mysteries surrounding it.   Nick and his partner gets down in finding the real killer, on the way interrogating different persons involved with the life of the deceased, and their link to the incident.  With the help of the Physically challenged kid next door, and his extraordinary skill in drawing the future, Nick successfully nabs the culprit.  As usual, the killer at the end turns out to be an unexpected person, as it is common on the Nick Raider / Detective Robin stories. The exchanges of Nick and his ever-angry chief sums up the humour part to the storyline.

In Comics Time Editor acknowledges that the last edition of Muthu #308, indeed carried the Old Cover Art of Johny Nero, despite the issue featuring the John Steel exploits.  Remember that you read about it first on Comicology. :) The next Muthu Edition will see the back of Martin Mystery.  I always liked the science and magic mixed story plots of his, something unique among the other stars.  A Visual treat to one's imagination.  That makes "Ponnil Oru Pinam", an eagerly awaited edition. Back Cover carries the Teaser to XIII Special, which should take the accolades for the longest thought project ever made by Prakash Publishers.  Hopefully that should be out by the end of this year.

Editor's ComicsTime

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Muthu Comics #308 - John Steel | Apr '08

Prakash Publishers | Price: INR 10 | Pages: 108 | B/W | Size: B6 | Tamil | Laminated/HardCover Prakash Publishers shook me out of my own imposed hibernation, and surprised me (and I believe everyone) with the next release of Muthu Comics #308, featuring John Steel in a mystery filled two stories titled "Kathai Sollum Kolaigal" (கதை சொல்லும் கொலைகள்) and "Karuppu Vattam" (கருப்பு வட்டம்).  It's been a long time I read two quality detective comics, and what more when you get classics from 1960's.  The Cover Art seems to have been shooed away from a Johny Nero story, I wonder aren't there any Original Cover arts for John Steel, which could have been more suitable for a first issue devoted completely to him?  But, the cover art is real stunning, so the oddity is acceptable.

Muthu #308 Cover

Comics Time (Editors Column)

This edition marks a come back for Muthu, with the last issue (#307) releasing way back in September last year.  Editor easily didn't even mention about the delay this time, as it seem to have become a tradition with the publication, and he seems to take pride in continuing the saga.  This time around, there are announcements for more than 5 detective stories in the line-up this year, but I am not hopeful enough for Mr. Vijayan keeping up the promise. I am trying not to post any spoilers for this detective stories, so you could enjoy reading them at your leisure.  As always, here are the Comics-Time, and some Teasers for the forthcoming Muthu Comics issues.

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