The Hindu Business Line : Chandamama to distribute foreign comic series

Having illustrated mythological characters like Vikram-Vetaal, Garuda and many more from Panchatantra and Jataka Tales, Chandamama India Ltd will now bring foreign characters within the reach of Indian children.

The company has entered into an agreement with US/Kuwait-based Teshkeel Comics to print and sell a comic book series called ‘The 99’. The series is neo-classical, featuring new age super heroes, complex plots and the underlying message of good conquering evil.

Chandamama will sell the series in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives through its distribution network.

“We have to go where the children are – intellectually and media-wise. Neo-classical is a big hit with kids today. We are even considering such a format for our existing and new content,” said Mr L. Subramanyan, Chief Executive Officer, Chandamama India Ltd.

Initially about 15,000 copies of ‘The 99’ will be printed and sold for Rs 30 a copy. Until recently the comic was imported from the US/West Asia and made available for over Rs 140 a copy. “We are talking to 1-2 more overseas content creators for similar agreements,” Mr Subramanyan said.

If that materialises, Chandamama may hive off its existing distribution channel into a separate company to distribute all its products and the core company would focus on content creation, he said.

Besides ‘The 99’, which will hit the stands on May 1, the company is also launching Chandamama Comics, a series of comic strip style stories featuring characters like Aryan, Garuda and Eli-Puli (priced Rs 40-Rs 60). These will also be available on the company’s Web site and as audio CDs.

Chandamama Classics, full-fledged books of about 150 pages each, would be launched in June. Every quarter six comic and classic books would be launched, Mr Subramanyan said.

This way Chandamama will have 6 products retailing at stores at any point in time, including audio CDs. Currently, after testing audio books with Mundu Radio, Mumbai, the company has finished compiling 10 audio CDs – six on Lord Krishna and four on Vikram-Vetaal — with plans to launch them in September.

A fortnight ago, the company released a coffee table book edition commemorating 60 years of Chandamama’s existence. “The first edition of 15,000 copies is already sold out. Of these 2,500 were ordered online through our Web site,” Mr Subramanyan said.

Related Stories:
Chandamama launching slew of non-print initiatives

More Stories on : Channels and Franchises | Alliances & Joint Ventures | Books

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
NDTV Good Times to focus on interactivity

New look for Siticable as it expands digital cable network

Maruti’s ‘Gramin Mahotsav’ in Tiruchi

Vishal Retail net increases 62%

Trent buys out Landmark promoter

Chandamama to distribute foreign comic series

Berger Paints, Becker Acroma in technical tie up

Travel credit card