It seems like a much-needed shot in the arm for the comic book culture of India. Apart from reading the comics of Amar Chitra Katha (ACK), kids can now profess their undying love for Suppandi, Shikari Shambu and the gang on their sleeves, literally. ACK, that have been a children’s favourite for generations, may launch its range of merchandise by the end of this year.
T-shirts, back-to-school products, mugs, wallets and posters aimed at children between eight to 14 years is what you can expect. Merchandise will be priced in the mass market category with T-shirts priced below ₹500. Characters depicted include Birbal, Narada and other flagship Tinkle comic characters like Shikari Shambu and Suppandi.
Manas Mohan, COO, Amar Chitra Katha Pvt Ltd, says the company has been testing waters over the last one year by introducing the merchandise at events like the Comic Con (a comics fair) and the World Book Fair. “We would love to bring out the merchandise by the end of this year. We are waiting for the right moment to introduce our offerings,” he told Business Line.
Amar Chitra Katha, Mohan said, would leverage its foray through regional languages to push its merchandise. Chota Bheem , aired on Pogo, is an successful example of merchandising through games, books and toys. The company is, meanwhile, looking at re-introducing its offerings in foreign languages like German and Arabic. It is also eyeing a foray into Kannada, Telugu, Oriya and Dogri by the end of 2014.