Journalism of Courage
The funnies get a digital makeover on the mobile phone
For fans of Chacha Chaudhary,each morning can be a discovery-that of the most-loved Indian comic heros witty ways. After over three decades of entering the world of comics,he is now stepping into the world of mobile phones. With this,the wait of Chacha Chaudharys fans will be cut down from one month to mere 24 hours to update themselves about his new adventures.
Its important to keep up with technological advancement. Having comics on their phone will enable people to read them even when they are on the move, says Gulshan Rai,managing director of Diamond Comics (DC). He is currently finalising the details of the tie-up with Vodafone and Spicethe two service providers which will introduce Diamond Comics on mobile phones within a fortnight.
The foray into mobile comic or momic industry by DC established in the 70s is an attempt to reach an audience that might not be charmed with leafing through pages but indulges in scrolling the mobile screen. In the digital age, Rai insists,it is essential to tap varied mediums.
Rais belief is shared by several other publishers who are digitising comic strips for mobile phone viewing. There are over 350
million mobile phone users in India. The aim is to reach out to them, says Samir Patil,CEO of ACK media. In February,Patil introduced characters from his comics on the mobile phone. Vodafone customers can dial 567607 and browse through Amar Chitra Katha comics on their phone for a monthly fee of Rs 30. The same charge is applicable to download each comic. Games based on mythological characters can be downloaded for Rs 50 and wallpapers of Supandi and Shikari Shambu costs Rs 10 each. We will add content regularly, he says.
Jasjit Puri,managing director of ROK Comics,agrees with Rai. The UK-based firm that offers mobile comics in China,Singapore,Latin America and Pakistan opened office in India earlier this year. In another week,it will allow Airtel users to download 20 international comic titles including Popeye,Wizard of Id,The Norm and Hagar the Horrible. We introduce comics from our library of over 100 international titles. Indian comics,in Hindi and vernacular languages,will also be added to the list, reveals Puri. He has also acquired the right to provide some of the Raj Comics titles,including Nagraj,Sati and Neelkanth Shiv.
Mobile comics are expected to boost to the popularity of comic books. Those uninitiated would be introduced to the comic book characters, says Sanjay Gupta,studio head of Raj Comics. Like most other publishers,Puris primary target audience is teenagers. Youngsters like to use such applications. The only requisite is a GPRS handset, says Puri. He even provides an option to customise comics.
Publishers,however,insist that venturing into mobile comics is not a profit-making initiative. The cost has been kept minimal, says Rai. The 64-page monthly Diamond Comic book comprising around 16 features costs Rs 20. But with a monthly subscription of Rs 25,a costumer can get one feature daily on his mobile phone.
