Cinebooks – Treasure Hunt in 2010

Hi folks,

it’s been long since i actually did something worthwhile in this blog. Ever since i started this blog, i have been on a buying spree and every new book that i see, i used to think “let’s introduce this book to my friends” and used to buy them.

Later on, i couldn’t even read all of them, let alone blogging about them. the major culprits are publishers like campfire, eurobooks and cinebooks. So, i thought of blogging about their forthcoming titles so that many of us can wait and buy them in advance. Or else, you may have to chase them in shops, once you miss the launch date – just like i did.

The year 2010 is gong to be a landmark year for the comics lovers as Cinebook publishers have planned to publish a minimum of 48 titles with the introduction of 5 new characters. here are some of the most awaited books in the next 2 months:

A Carrot for Iznogoud (Goscinny – Tabary)

Availablity : March 2010

Published in India: No (In fact it was advertised in Tamil in Lion Comics some 3-4 years ago, and yet to be published).

Pages : 48 in A4 Size

Price: 5.99$ / Rs 350 / Rs199

Introduction: Iznogoud is Grand Vizier to Haroun al Plassid, ruler of Baghdad. And he has only one dream: becoming Caliph instead of the Caliph. With the lazy assistance of his faithful servant Wa’at Alahf, he tries his worst again and again–to no avail. But the usually oblivious Caliph has finally caught a hint of Iznogoud’s evil reputation among the people. To help the one he believes to be his friend, he sets off on a quest to find the legendary vegetable that brings out a man’s kinder nature: the carrot!

To know more on iznogoud, kindly visit: Tamil comics ulagam

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Lucky Luke Adventures 22 & 23. (Don’t Miss these, as they are the Morris-Goscinny Issues).

The corresponding Tamil issue covers (Thanks to King viswa)

The beauty is that, i have already read these two books in my mother tongue – Tamil. yes, and iam looking forward to see how these will be in English as the Tamil translations were simply superb.

A small request to all the fans: there are the famed goscinny-morris team books and hence you will never regret buying them. kindly buy.

To read the review of emperor smith in tamil, Go here.

To read the review of Cure for Doltons, Click Here.

Availability – Apr 2010        Price – 5.99$ / Rs 350 / Rs 199

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Team – William vance & van hamme

originally published in – 1984

Tag – Possibly, the world’s best graphic novel.

inspiration – Salman Khan’s Tumko naa bhool paayenge

Introduction: A man washes ashore near an old couple’s house, barely alive. When he comes to, he has forgotten everything, including his name. The only clues to his identity: a key sewn into his clothes, a bullet wound to the head… and the number XIII tattooed on his shoulder. A meagre start to reconstruct one’s self.

The central character in “XIII” is an amnesiac on the run, caught in the crossfire as he tries to understand his true identity while attempting to make sense of various conspiracies swirling around him.

This graphic novel series is now running close to it’s 20th part. In Tamil, this is the only book to have appeared in two different dialects. Yes, it appeared in erstwhile Thighil comics (from the same house of muthu/lion comics) in 1986 and later on in 2005, it appeared in Sri Lanka in Iceberg comics.

Tamil Versions of XIII – TCU Link by Viswa

Iceberg Comics of XIII – TCU Link by Viswa

In Tamil, there is a huge project to compile all the 18 parts of this wonderful book and you will not even believe that it is priced at Rs 199 only. Yes, all the 18 parts for the price of Rs 199. however there is a catch in it. even though they are printed in the original A4 Size, they are in black and white only.

still, this is much better to have this book in hand, even if you do not understand the language (Tamil). it will be the biggest comic book ever published in India, close to 800 pages in A4 Size.imagine that.

Availability – May 2010     Price – 5.99$ / Rs 350 / Rs 199

that’s all for this post and will definitely back within next 10 days. Cheers.

Govind Bramania (02-03-1938 - 09-12-2009) R.I.P

Dear Folks,

It is Sad to announce the demise of Arguably one of India’s greatest ever comics artists. Yes, the man behind the success of The Immortal character Bahadhur is No More. May his Soul rest in peace and His family members have the courage to live with his greater memories.

  

Here is the cover of the 1st ever Bahadhur adventure to be appeared. Yes, even though it was in the December 0f 1976, it looks like just yesterday. it is somewhat ironic that Govind Brahmania is passed away just when people are celebrating the 33rd anniversary of the 1st ever issue of Bahadhur.

The other 2 covers are the middle and later stages work of Govind Brahmania with respect to Bahadhur work.

Thanks to Usman Bhai for the Information.

Here is salutes to One of the Best ever Comics artists produced by India.

The Spider - King Of Crooks in India - English

 

Hi all,

welcome back. the review for the cini book – iznogoud is ready to be posted. however, when i saw this post, i thought of doing this particular post. those who know Tamil, can go and enjoy the post.

The Spider is a British comic book character who started out as a super-villain before becoming a super-hero. He appeared in Lion (One of the most popular weekly magazine from fleetway publications, London) between 26 June 1965 and 26 April 1969 and was later reprinted in Vulcan (also from Fleetway, obviously). He was created by writer Ted Cowan and artist Reg Bunn. Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel took over the writing of the character with his third adventure, and would write the bulk of his adventures.

No origin was ever given for The Spider, nor any explanation for his appearance: pointed ears and teeth, and upswept eyebrows. His base of operations was a Scottish castle he brought over to the U.S, Rock by rock – believe it or faint.

The Spider appeared in the 1960s in the United States with the aim to become King of Crooks. He broke out several other criminals to become members of his army of crime, and would clash with both the police and with other criminal masterminds. Among these were Mirror Man (who specialised in illusions), Doctor Mysterioso (a multi-talented scientist) and The Android Emperor (who could create a wide variety of robots). He also clashed with a number of criminal gangs, and one organisation, Crime Incorporated, hired the assassin The Exterminator to kill him. For once, the Spider seemed defeated, but struck an alliance with his would-be killer, and the pair took down Crime Incorporated. The Spider drained the Exterminator, ageing him decades with a booby-trapped handshake, when the latter tried to double-cross him.

The Spider found fighting criminals to be exhilarating, and decided to pit his wits against threats to mankind from now on. For a brief time he was associated with the "Society of Heroes" (Captain Whiz; Mr Gizmo; Rex Robot.; Tigro the Wild Man; Rockman; Snowman (Professor Fred Storm)). All except The Spider died fighting the Sinister Seven. Other foes he faced included The Crime Genie, Spider-Boy, The Snake, The Death-Master, the Ant, the Red Baron, The Fly, The Molecule Man, The Chessman and Mr. Stonehart. This particular adventure is yet to be published in India, either in Tamil or English.

to know more about him, Follow this link: http://www.internationalhero.co.uk/s/spider.htm

Now, let us come to this particular post. As Tamil was my mother tongue, i read almost all the adventures of him (either in 1st copy or as a reprint issue) as he was one of the most popular hero, if not THE popular hero. Those who do not know Tamil language, were thus handicapped. To solve out this, The publisher has come out with limited stories in English, some time back. (click on the images to enlarge).

This issue as you can see, was printed about 17 years back and, by Jove, you can still obtain the remaining copies from them by writing to the address given over there.

Spider’s stories can be classified into 3 categories:

a. Series in Lion Weekly magazine and other allied fleetway issues later on.

b. monthly digest which ran for a year in 1967-68 with standard Graphic novel format of 122 pages and a complete story.

c. Short stories in the special issues and annuals in the 70’s.

Among these 3 categories, the 1st one was truly amazing. For some time, i used to wonder why the editor has chosen this story for his English version’s 1st story instead of going with a Blockbuster story from the series. then i realized that these stories fit the bill to the perfection to print as a magazine.

The story (Only a Teaser): The spider is challenged for the crown of King of Crooks by a New comer who calls himself as Little Nemo and has his own squad of Toys which are deadly to say the least. He gets Roy ordini (Spider’s side kick) and challenges Spider for a Game of Ludo (Yes, Ludo only). Spider realises that the Game is a Trap and in the final stages, Little nemo escapes with Ordini.

Spider Gets angry and he goes after Little Nemo and in one of the most memorable scenes, he just runs into the army of Nemo mouthing that they cannot even shoot a standing elephant in 10 yards, how can they imagine to shoot Spider, who is faster than the Lightning. And then starts a deadly game in which Spider wins and captures Little Nemo.

The Story may sound little odd and pale in comparison with the rest of the Spider stories. However, A Spider story is, after all, A Spider story for those who got acquainted with him. You will not be disappointed after reading this book. Those who want to have this book,(and the rest of the books in English from the famed publishers) Kindly note down the address and send money to them after speaking to them over phone:

Prakash Publishers,

No 8/D-5, Chairman P.K.S.S.A Road, Amman Kovil Patti, Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu.

Pin Code: 626 189. Phone Number: 04562 – 272649.

That’s all for this post and will be back very soon with the Review post of Iznogoud. Adios, Cheers.