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STAR characters to get into comic books
Popular characters from STAR Plus and STAR One shows are being relaunched as comic book characters
Based on feedback which revealed audiences wanted to relive some of the popular serials on STAR Plus, the channel has come up with comic books on five of its popular shows. The shows are Dharti Ka Veer Yodha – Prithviraj Chauhan, Sarabhai v/s Sarabhai, Naya Office Office, My Friend Ganesha and The Great Indian Laughter Challenge.
The comic titles, brought out by STAR’s merchandising division, STAR Licensing and Merchandising, in association with Prakash Books India, have four volumes each and are priced at Rs 35 per volume.
Nanette D’Sa |
“STAR Licensing and Merchandising was created a year ago. The whole objective of the division was to extend the experience on TV to other touch points. The STAR Parivaar brand of designer ethnic wear, which was launched in a tie-up with Big Bazaar, is an example of that. The comic books are also a part of this initiative.” says D’Sa.
Dharti Ka Veer Yodha – Prithviraj Chauhan could have two more volumes as the serial progresses. STAR has planned a compilation of the volumes in a hardbound book as well.
According to D’Sa, the comic book featuring The Great Indian Laughter Challenge will not only be a compilation of jokes, but will also have graphic rendering.
In association with Prakash Books India, STAR plans to publish around 42 cookery books under the Rasoi series. Books on fashion, too, are under consideration. Meanwhile, the division has tied up with Ahmedabad based Forever Jewellers to launch a line of gold and diamond jewellery. In semi-precious jewellery, it has tied up with Sia Stores. For a bed and bath textile range, the division has tied up with Portico. All these collections will be branded as STAR Parivaar. Obviously, the target audience for STAR Parivaar merchandise is women.
D’Sa says the comic books will be retailed through major book stores such as Crossword, TimeOut (a Reliance speciality store that houses books, music, stationery, toys and gifts), Depot (Big Bazaar’s bookstore chain) and Landmark. The books will be marketed through point of sales, on-air activations and through the Net.