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There is a saying that if you’re infamous, what’s in a name? A similar situation occurred with Radha Comics when the Indian comic industry was trying to establish itself, and some publishers were copying characters by changing their names. At that time, copyright was not a significant concern. Interestingly, this trend continues even today, but people are now more serious about it. If such practices were followed back then, characters like Chacha Chaudhary, created by Pran, wouldn’t have faced so many imitations. Everyone maintained the same appearance, just changing the name from Kaka to Tau at times. A similar incident…
400 Years Ago: The Beginnings of The Phantom’s Legacy – Four centuries ago, the marauding pirates of the Singha Sea set fire to a ship in the Indian Ocean, leaving all passengers dead. Only one courageous young man swam for days to reach Yoga Island. This marked the genesis of the lineage that would eventually give rise to the legend of Fantom, also known as Betal. The tradition of Betals began with him, as he vowed to eradicate injustice and malice wherever it existed, carrying the weapon that had slain his father. The unique markings of Phantom add to his mystique.…
A few days ago, a picture went viral on social media, which is a photograph of Shahrukh Khan’s private office. Although it is a picture of an office, there was a surprising element in the form of an image placed there – it was the image of the character “Bahadur” from Indrajal comics. This led to speculations on social media that Shahrukh Khan might be working on a film related to “Bahadur.” In fact, this speculation is quite old, dating back almost a decade when there were rumors that Shahrukh Khan was acquiring the rights to Indrajal comics and considering…
Legendary Anant Pai The Indian Comic Creator, Leaves a Timeless Legacy with Amar Chitra Katha
In 1967, while watching a TV quiz show on the government-owned Doordarshan network, a young journalist realized that Indian children could easily answer questions about Greek mythological tales but struggled when asked about a significant Indian epic, the Ramayana. Disheartened by this, he found inspiration and decided to present the stories of India’s greatest epic, the Ramayana, in the form of immortal comic narratives for children. This young journalist was Anant Pai, born on September 17, 1929, in Karkala, Karnataka. Unfortunately, his parents passed away when he was just two years old. At the age of 12, his grandfather sent…
In the dynamic universe of comics, sidekicks emerge as unsung heroes, the steadfast companions who stand by the protagonist’s side in times of peril. This phenomenon, rare in the real world, finds its haven in the vibrant realm of comic books. Referred to as sidekicks, these allies play crucial roles in the narratives of beloved superheroes. Take, for instance, the world of Super Commando Dhruva, where characters like Black Cat, Natasha, and Chandika, or Doga’s Lomdi and Bhokal’s Shutaan, remain unwaveringly loyal to their respective heroes. Similarly, Nagraj boasts sidekicks such as Saundangi and Nagu, forming an indomitable alliance in…
In the intergalactic saga of ‘Shakura’s Interstellar Menace,’ the relentless sorcerer ViktarShakura continues his malevolent quest across the cosmos. Fleeing the consequences of his dark magic on Shakura Planet, he seeks refuge on Earth, where our iconic heroes—Superman, Batman, and Spider-Man—fall victim to his formidable powers. Cornered by the planet’s commander for his crimes, Shakura orchestrates a daring escape to Earth, setting the stage for a cosmic clash of epic proportions. His encounter with Superman becomes a battle of magic versus might, with the Man of Steel ensnared in Shakura’s mystical web. But the plot thickens as Shakura’s influence extends…
Unveiling the Laughter Legacy: Supandi’s Three-Decade Comic Journey Dive into the whimsical universe of Tinkle Comics with Supandi, the endearing village character introduced in the January 1983 edition. Regarded as one of the most iconic and beloved figures among Tinkle’s diverse cast, Supandi’s humorous escapades have captured the hearts of both children and adults for nearly three decades. Originally born from the imaginative tales sent by Trichi S. from P. Varadarajan, Supandi’s character took shape thanks to the creative collaboration with renowned artist Ram Waeerkar. Waeerkar’s illustrations brought Supandi’s misadventures to life until 2003 when his talented daughter, Archana Amberkar,…
Rasipuram Krishnaswamy Laxman, known as R.K. Laxman, was an Indian cartoonist who created the comic strip ‘You Said It,’ featuring the character ‘Common Man’ – a silent observer representing the common Indian citizen. The comic strip addressed the hopes, aspirations, and challenges in the lives of ordinary Indians. The character became immensely beloved among the Indian public and entertained generations over the past few decades. Laxman’s attraction to drawing began early, as he started doodling on the floors and walls of his home. His interest in drawing quickly turned into a passion, and he filled every available space in his…
In the 1990s, after witnessing a thriving market for comics, several comic companies entered the market. Some conducted research on comic subjects, while others jumped into the comic-making fray without much preparation, using it as an easy way to make money. Some companies even copied foreign superheroes, giving them Indian names like Baj, Rudraal, and Shaktiputra. They not only copied the heroes but also replicated their villains. This led to legal disputes, such as the case involving Nagraj, whose copy named Nagesh faced legal action. Comic publishers started strong, but soon realized that Indian children were not interested, and some…
Anthony Gunjalwage, a musician who aspired to create tunes that would captivate the hearts of the world, and whose melodies would forever reside in the souls of people. However, no one could deter Anthony, for he dreamt of becoming a massive star without succumbing to the allure of money and fame without hard work. But his dream was cut short by a group of criminals who took his life, and his melodies were presented under their name. They say that those who die with unfulfilled desires wander eternally, and perhaps that’s why Anthony’s soul returned to seek justice for his…