Heros humour and heart!
Comics offer a vibrant universe where imagination knows no bounds! From the daring adventures of Tintin to the clever antics of Chacha Chaudhary, the colourful world of our beloved characters have been our trusted companions through laughter and occasional plot twist. So, grab your magnifying glass and decode the magic behind these iconic comics with Arpita Chakraborty, GT Network.
Chacha Chaudhary
Year: 1971
Country: India
First published in: Lotpot
Creator: Pran Kumar Sharma
Colour schemes: The comic uses bright hues for Chacha Chaudhary’s adventures and in contrast uses darker tones during villain appearances.
Fun facts and fandom fuel: Chacha Chaudhary’s brain works faster than a computer, and his character has become a cultural icon in India.
Sales milestone: Over 100 million copies sold, with various merchandise including toys and games.
Central themes: Wit, intelligence, justice, and the triumph of good over evil.
Awards: Best Comic Award at the Indian Comic Convention (multiple years).
The Adventures of Tintin
Year: 1929
Country: Belgium
First published in: Le Petit Vingtième
Creator: Georges Remi AKA Hergé
Colour schemes: Hergé used a bright colour palette to distinguish characters and settings and the darker shades to indicate danger or tension.
Fun facts and fandom fuel: Tintin's dog, Snowy, was inspired by Hergé’s own dog, and the series has been translated into over 70 languages.
Sales milestone: Over 350 million copies sold worldwide, making it one of the best-selling comic series in history.
Central themes: Exploration, friendship, and pursuit of truth.
Awards: Eisner Award for Best US Edition of International Material (2010) and The Grand Prix at the Angoulême International Comics Festival (1983).
Peanuts
Year: 1947
Country: USA
First published in: The Saint Paul Pioneer Press
Creator: Charles M Schulz
Colour schemes: Initially in black and white, it later transitioned to colours that reflect the character’s mood, with bright colours symbolising joy and darker tones for sad moments.
Fun facts and fandom fuel: Peanuts was the first comic strip to be honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Sales milestone: Over 300 million books sold, making it one of the most popular comic strips in history.
Central themes: Childhood, friendship, simplicity of daily life.
Awards: Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation (1966) and inducted into the Comic Book Hall of Fame (2000).
Shikari Shambhu
Year: 1983
Country: India
First published in: Tinkle
Creator: Vasant B Halbe and Luis Fernandes
Colour schemes: It employs earthy tones and vibrant colours to depict animals and bright colours for humour.
Fun facts and fandom fuel: Shikari Shambhu is known for his hilarious escapades as a reluctant hero who often relies on luck rather than skill.
Sales milestone: Tinkle magazine has sold over 10 million copies since its inception, with Shikari Shambhu being one of its most popular characters.
Central themes: Humour and bravery
Awards: Featured in multiple ‘Best of’ lists at Indian comic events.
Lock & Key
Year: 2008
Country: USA
First published in: IDW: 10 Anniversary Comic Book
Creator: Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez
Colour schemes: It uses a dark, muted colour palette with splashes of colour.
Fun facts and fandom fuel: It has been adapted into a successful Netflix series.
Sales milestone: Over 1.5 million copies
Central themes: Grief, family dynamics, and the exploration of trauma.
Awards: Eisner Award for Best Writer (Joe Hill) and Best US Edition of International Material (2010).