I could barely recognize it as being the same 'species' as the comic books I knew, and yet the experience was indelible.įinding Tinkle was strange and other-worldly, too, though not as sensational as discovering Zap as a 7-year old. I'd never seen an underground comic book, or half of the things this one depicted. To digress for a moment, the experience reminded me just a little bit of an elementary school memory When I found a severely tattered copy of - 'Zap Comix' #5 under a bush in the park (no doubt left there by some filthy hippie I suppose). But it was fun and refreshing to find myself approaching Tinkle as a truly unknown quantity.Ĭertainly I've seen tons of comics in my time, so it wasn't TOO alien, but still it smacked of something different.

In searching about the web for more background, what comes through in abundance are the fond memories people have of reading this comic book, being entertained by it, and learning from it.Īs a 40-something American, the particular passion of that response is most reminiscent of memories I and my peers have of growing up with titles like Classics Illustrated, Archie and MAD magazine in the 1960's and '70's. Like most of the ACK titles, editions of Tinkle are published in English and several Indian languages. Tinkle's founding editor Anant Pai had previously launched the Amar Chitra Katha comics imprint in 1967, which soon became one of India's largest series of comic books, crafted to teach Indian kids more about their cultural heritage. (Click on images to ENLARGE in a new window) ▶ What I've learned is that since its first issue in 1980, Tinkle has continued to be a hugely familiar part of growing up for vast numbers of people in India and beyond. Growing up in the U.S., and not having traveled much outside its borders, I'd never seen this comic book magazine.

Locusts, hovercrafts, historical pieces, folklore and parables, content ideas from readers - What IS this?!? And who is this 'Uncle Pai'? I was in a thrift store when I found this copy of the May 20th, 1985 issue of India's Tinkle Comics, and for me it was an encounter with something truly exotic and odd. So it turns out I've led a sheltered life.

I dont like the new tinkle comics idia