Homo Ludens - Notes About BOCAH Comic Book

According to Indonesia law, a man presumes to be adult when he/she reaches age of eighteen. When that age is coming, I come to realize that the most interesting part of life is when someone at his/her childhood, or to be clearer, when someone entering his essence of humanity as a homo ludens: which means, creatures who love to play. Sometimes before a man becomes an adult, or when someone still at his childhood, maybe he would be happy to play with one fake pistol, and then consider himself as a cowboy who carries pistol at his waist, walking on the dusty road, going to save a beautiful princess who had been kidnapped by some bad person.

The comic book, written by Bayu, Seta, Ockto, and given with title: B.O.C.AH (MnC!, 2010), depicted everyday's life of four mischief-making children: Beri (11 years old), Badi (11), Ijul (11), and Ardi (11); who reach their essence of humanity by become a group of homo ludens. This comic book divided into twelve chapters, each chapter contains one story, which does not have any relation with the others. Readers might also notice that each panel occasionally burlesqued everyday's life by focusing on Beri and his Friend's naughty behavior; showing to us one world filled by Childs imagination. Moreover, it is not only their imagination, but also their game and adventure, which had, becomes elements of the whole story. Readers can find those elements by looking at some "ridiculous" (some reader might say, irrational) story. However, what kind of story we could find in B.O.C.A.H? To say some, they once dreaming about turning-out fire with giant glass. On the other story, Beri (with his ridiculous daydreaming experiment) trying to pull out moon from its orbit to prevent earth from tsunami disaster. With those "ridiculous" stories, of course, you do not have to ask any logical sense, because you really do not need to do that.

Perhaps the simple story line of B.O.C.A.H is actually the most endearing part of the comic. The entire plots follow four children relationship with one another, showing the various nuances of their lives. Although Beri seems to be given more portion to develop his nature than others boy do. Therefore, it seems that the only purpose that the other characters serve is to create conflicts, exposition, and comedic relief. I this case, I must say that the other characters are more like additional player, even in the beginning of this comic; four of them have mentioned to be prominent figure. Surely, in this comic book, as I said before, there is no room for logical sense. For a four mischief-child, all they can do is playing with their body and mind, more and more. Readers may find some plots, which are so irrational to us, but, once again, it is child imagination, you can imagine whatever, and whenever you want. At this point, irrational-thing will guide us to some pieces of childhood memories.

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All About Underground Comix

Did you know that the comics industry of the world had undergone some major revolutions and controversies only few decades back? Do not be surprised. Professional cartoonists and those who are still actively involved in reading comics may know about these revolutions and controversies.

These controversies revolved around the art of underground comix and their publishing. Primarily popular with hippies and punks, these are different from the mainstream comics in the sense that deal with socially relevant and satirical subjects that are prohibited to be depicted in mainstream comics. Underground comix basically show overt use of drugs, violence, anti-war protest, rock music and sex. The difference in the spelling of the words 'comics' and 'comix' represents the 'x' rated content in the latter.

The concept of underground comix emerged in the United States in the late 1960s and stayed on the scene till the mid 1970s. The wave also griped the United Kingdom during 1973 and 1974. However, it was between 1920s and 1940s, when small run under published comix first appeared and depicted sleazy and pornographic content. Initial versions are said to be personal works by artists for their friends.

The underground industry started gaining momentum when underground newspapers started publishing comix. One such major newspaper was the East Village Other that also later on started Gothic Blimp Works, a monthly comix magazine. Many people opposed the Comics Code in the 1950s that artists had to adhere to. That phase also saw parents tearing apart and burning their children's collection of comics. Also, head shops that would sell prohibited drugs and narcotics displayed the titles of these comix. Film industry was also influenced by the growing industry and in 1970s many film-makers adapted some popular comix into animated films that were given an X rating.

In the UK, American work was reprinted by underground publications Oz and International Times (IT), both based in London. Many British cartoonists were also introduced by these publications giving boost to the underground comix industry in the country. Some employees of IT started Cyclops the country's first Comix mag. In 1971, IT published Nasty Tales to regain its financial strength but was faced with prosecution on the charges of obscenity. IT was later acquitted. In 1972, Oz brought out cOZmic Comics that included new British underground strips and American material. The company closed down the next year.

According to the then famous American artist and cartoonist Gilbert Shelton "Underground comics were more like art and less like comics." However, underground comix critics blamed underground publications for being socially irresponsible for promoting drugs, sex and violence.

Both the American and British underground comix industries started declining in the mid 1970s. However, it was in 1982 that the distribution of comix took a different turn after the start of many specialty stores. Many mainstream publishers started alternative comics to cater to the taste of adult audience. The focus of these comics was the same as of underground comix. As of today, the sale of underground comix is on rise, especially on the Internet. You can easily find reprints of original underground comix and also modern underground publications.

One of the best online stores that have a huge collection of underground comix is http://www.worldheadpress.com/

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Know More About Marvel Comic Characters

Comics are a favorite of mostly all kids and quite a number of teenagers and grownups. You would get to see some or the other comic book in the rooms of the little ones. One such very famous comic book is marvel comic. Moreover marvel comic is the very company that has given the entire world the extremely famous super heroes. Yes the marvel comic characters are eminent worldwide. To name a few you have the X-Men, Thor, Ghost Rider, Wolverine, the Silver Surfer, Spider-Man, the Hulk, Namor the Submariner, Captain America, Iron Man, the Fantastic Four, Daredevil, the Punisher, Doctor Strange; villains like the Green Goblin, Red Skull, Dr. Octopus, Dr. Doom, Venom, Galactus, Sabretooth, Kingpin, Magneto, Bullseye and others.

The marvel publishing runs by the name of marvel Entertainment under the Walt Disney Company. There are so many characters in that you could not remember the name if you come to see the list for the first time. Interestingly most of them are quite different from the other in appearance, powers, abilities, skills, likes and dislikes etc it is this uniqueness of each character that the characters are so famous individually. Each character, be it the leading super hero, the villains, the comic ones or the several others have been created with great dedication and innovation. Every character has a different voice and a specific speaking style. The company was initially founded as the Timely Publications in 1939, which later got to be known as the Atlas Comics, it got renamed as marvel comic only in the year 1961. They put forward all sorts of story lines to its readers from Crime, horror, mystery, romance, science fiction, war to Western.

The very exclusive fact about all the marvel comic characters is that exist in a hypothetical world called Marvel Universe, and know what this place looks like any other American city (New York, Los Angeles and Chicago etc.). Marvel comic launched itself with Fantastic Four and till date is the leading comic book brand. The company has surpassed some of the very famous comic publishers of the place.

Spiderman is the most famous amongst the numerous marvel comic characters. He's liked by all the children and the alders as well. His leaps and clings are the most fascinating thing to watch. Hopefully marvel comic is going to come with some new avatar soon.

Kelly Lane, regular contributor and writer to http://www.spiderman3costume.com/, a website that specializes in fun and unique Amazing Spiderman Costumes at incredible savings.

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