Iconic publisher turns to graphic novels to keep comic book culture alive in TN

Although there had been a few comic book publishers in Tamil from the early 60s, the entry of Muthu Comics in 1971 marked the beginning of the golden age of Tamil comics. Muthu Comics, started by M Soundrapandian, enjoyed a steady patronage from the Tamil audience and continued to grow steadily over the years.

In 1984, Soundrapandian’s son S Vijayan started Lion Comics and continued translating and publishing comics from around the world into Tamil.“We have been in the industry for the past 48 years and even though the fanbase for comics is very limited, it is a truly loyal network. Before cable TV entered our living rooms, we had no other choice of entertainment apart from reading books. Comics in Tamil and other regional languages were thriving up to the 90s. The launch of private TV channels marked the downward spiral of readership in the State, and comics readership was no different. Children and youth were increasingly drawn into the new world introduced through television,” says Vijayan. 

There is a preconceived notion that comics is largely for children and Lion-Muthu Comics is trying to break that myth with their interesting translations. “A lot of people walk into the book fairs but they hardly visit the comics bookstalls. There is a mindset that comics are mainly for children and that needs to be changed. But still, we have a vibrant community of readers (from all age groups) who follow comics,” he adds. 

Comics have a value to them beyond the release dates. Though the current generation might not entirely be able to relate to the events that happened 50-60 years ago, comics stories are suited for all generations. Almost all of the stories published by Lion-Muthu Comics are Tamil translations of European comics and occasionally an American series. “We look at the world market and zero in on comics that could suit us. It’s a tedious process of obtaining the copyrights from these publishers. Every year, we publish close to 50 titles and the most loved series by our readers is the Italian comic series, Tex Willer. It’s the longest-running Italian comic book, on sale since 1948. Tex Willer is a vigilante in the American West, he patrols the prairie with his group of friends — the Pard. Another favourite of readers is the French animated series called Lucky Luke,” Vijayan remarks.

The team has steered beyond conventional comics. For the past two years, they are attempting to translate graphic novels with weighty themes. Reading is a necessity and reading a comic book is definitely an experience in itself. “It’s a relaxing activity and at the end of the day, nothing can give you the satisfaction of reading a comic book,” he assures.