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'''''Diamond Comics Digest''''' was a comic book from [[Mandrake publications in India|India]] featuring [[Mandrake the Magician]].
{{Series
== History ==
|Title= Diamond Comics Digest
The series began publishing Mandrake stories in 1992, after ''[[Indrajal Comics]]'' had ceased publication. ''Diamond Comics Digest'' was published by [[Diamond Comics]] and featured different comics in each issue.  
|image= [[Image:DC-001-CC-001.jpg|200 px]]
|Sample= First issue
|Country= [[Image:mini_india.gif]] India / English, Hindi
|Publisher= [[Diamond Comics]]
|Date= 1987 -
|Issues= ?
|Format= 15.5 × 19.5 cm, color
|}}


The issues were published in both English and Hindi versiones, in pocket book format and printed in color.
==Issue overview ==
=== Regular series ===
The series started in in May 1987 as a Digest version of "Diamond Comics". In the beginning the Digest series had 128 pages and price 12 Rs, while the Diamond Comics at that time had 48 pages and price 5 Rs.  


From issue #1 to #16, all were digests (68-116 pgs) and published bi-monthly (actually #3-16 were bi-monthly for sure with #3 released on Nov'91. So it's safe to assume that the first 2 issues were also bi-monthly and the release month of #1 was probably Jul'91.)
The first years the Digist featured serveral different characters and several comics with religious content: "24 prophets of Jain Dharma", "Baital Tales", "Billoo" by Pran Kumar Sharma, "Birbal's Charishma", "Chacha Chaudhary" by Pran Kumar Sharma, "Deshavatar", "Durga Mahima", "Ganesh Mahima", "Hitopadesh", "Hanuman Mahima", "Jatak Tales", "Jesus Christ", "Krishan Leela", "Mahabharata", "Mata Vaishino Devi", "Panchtantra", "Pinki", "Ramayana", "Tenalirama", "Ten Masters", "Sai Baba of Shirdi", "Shiva Mahima", "Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta", "Singhasan Batisi", "Srimad Bhagwad", "Vishnu Mahima" and others.  
After the 16th issue, publisher converted the series in regular forms (36-44 p) and hence from #17 (Mar'94) to #48, all were regular issues and published monthly.
From #49 DC-M revert back to it's original digest format and from #49 to #73 (Nov'98), all were monthly digests.


The series had an unusual double numbering. First, a sequential numbering for the entire digest series, given in roman numerals. Then, a separate sequential numbering for each comic in regular numbers. On top of that, the digest numbering was different for each language version.  
The series has a sequential numbering for the digest series ''(given in roman numerals)'', and a separate sequential numbering for each comic ''(in regular numbers)''.  


Most (if not all) issues were reprinted in new editions over and over again, sometimes with new cover art. Without any numbering some of the covers and stories from the regular series are to find as giveaway's.
Starting with issue 45 ''(June 1990)'' the series added a new character, "[[The Phantom]]", followed by "Mandrake" a year later ''(issue 64, June 1991)''. Then the two characters alternated in a bi-monthly schedule.


The last Mandrake issue with new contents was probably published in the year 2000.
Most of the issues ''(sub-series)'' were in both English and Hindi language version, and some also in Bengali ''(like the Phantom sub-series)''. The digest numbering was different for each language version.
==== Mandrake series ====
The Mandrake" were published in both English and Hindi versiones, in pocket book format and printed in color.
=====Diamond Comics Digest=====
The first 16 issues were digests issues ''(68-116 pgs)'' and published bi-monthly. In the August issue of the Indian magazine "Chandamama" from 1991 there is an ad from Diamond Comics, featuring a picture of the first Mandrake issue. These ads from Diamond Comics have issues released the month before the magazine, so the first Mandrake issue in English language is from July 1991.  


== Issue overview==
The first Mandrake issue was "Diamond Comics Digest" English language issue 64 ''(LXIV)'' and Hindi language issue 110 ''(CX)''. The Phantom issue 13 ''(June 1991)'' was "Diamond Comics Digest" English issue 63, Hindi issue 109 and Bengali issue 26.
{| {{table}}
|| [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 1|1]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 2|2]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 3|3]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 4|4]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 5|5]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 6|6]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 7|7]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 8|8]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 9|9]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 10|10]]|| [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 11|11]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 12|12]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 13|13]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 14|14]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 15|15]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 16|16]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 17|17]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 18|18]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 19|19]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 20|20]]
|-


|| [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 21|21]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 22|22]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 23|23]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 24|24]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 25|25]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 26|26]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 27|27]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 28|28]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 29|29]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 30|30]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 31|31]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 32|32]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 33|33]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 34|34]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 35|35]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 36|36]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 37|37]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 38|38]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 39|39]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 40|40]]
<gallery>
|-
Image:Digest-mandrake-001.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 1|''Mandrake'' #1]]
|| [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 41|41]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 42|42]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 43|43]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 44|44]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 45|45]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 46|46]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 47|47]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 48|48]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 49|49]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 50|50]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 51|51]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 52|52]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 53|53]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 54|54]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 55|55]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 56|56]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 57|57]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 58|58]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 59|59]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 60|60]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-002.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 2|''Mandrake'' #2]]
|-
Image:Digest-mandrake-003.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 3|''Mandrake'' #3]]
|| [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 61|61]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 62|62]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 63|63]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 64|64]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 65|65]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 66|66]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 67|67]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 68|68]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 69|69]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 70|70]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 71|71]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 72|72]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 73|73]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 74|74]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 75|75]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 76|76]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 77|77]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 78|78]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 79|79]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 80|80]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-004.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 4|''Mandrake'' #4]]
|-
Image:Digest-mandrake-005.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 5|''Mandrake'' #5]]
|| [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 81|81]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 82|82]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 83|83]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 84|84]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 85|85]] || [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 86|86]] || colspan="14" bgcolor="d3d3d3"|&nbsp;
Image:Digest-mandrake-006.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 6|''Mandrake'' #6]]
|-
Image:Digest-mandrake-007.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 7|''Mandrake'' #7]]
|}
Image:Digest-mandrake-008.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 8|''Mandrake'' #8]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-009.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 9|''Mandrake'' #9]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-010.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 10|''Mandrake'' #10]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-011.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 11|''Mandrake'' #11]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-012.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 12|''Mandrake'' #12]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-013.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 13|''Mandrake'' #13]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-014.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 14|''Mandrake'' #14]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-015-fp.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 15|''Mandrake'' #15]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-016-fp.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 16|''Mandrake'' #16]]
</gallery>
According to an ad in the magazine "Chandamama" from November 1993 the "Mandrake" issues 1 to 14 now are available, which suggests that these have come in a second edition in October. The ad also states that "The Phantom" issues 1 to 27, "Spider Man" 1 to 2 and "James Bond" issues 1 to 14 are available.
 
=====Diamond Comics=====
From the 17th issue the publisher converted the series in regular forms ''(36-44 p)''. The Mandrake series became part of the "Diamond Comics" series and published monthly from February 1994.
<gallery>
Image:Digest-mandrake-017.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 17|''Mandrake'' #17]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-018.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 18|''Mandrake'' #18]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-019.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 19|''Mandrake'' #19]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-020.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 20|''Mandrake'' #20]]
 
Image:Digest-mandrake-021-hindi.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 21|''Mandrake'' #21]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-022.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 22|''Mandrake'' #22]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-023-hindi.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 23|''Mandrake'' #23]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-024-hindi.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 24|''Mandrake'' #24]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-025-a.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 25|''Mandrake'' #25]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-026..jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 26|''Mandrake'' #26]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-027-hindi.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 27|''Mandrake'' #27]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-028-hindi.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 28|''Mandrake'' #28]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-029-a.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 29|''Mandrake'' #29]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-030-hindi.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 30|''Mandrake'' #30]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-031-hindi.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 31|''Mandrake'' #31]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-032-hindi.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 32|''Mandrake'' #32]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-033.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 33|''Mandrake'' #33]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-034.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 34|''Mandrake'' #34]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-035-hindi.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 35|''Mandrake'' #35]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-036-hindi.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 36|''Mandrake'' #36]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-037.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 37|''Mandrake'' #37]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-038.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 38|''Mandrake'' #38]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-039.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 39|''Mandrake'' #39]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-040.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 40|''Mandrake'' #40]]
 
Image:Digest-mandrake-041-hindi.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 41|''Mandrake'' #41]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-042-hindi.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 42|''Mandrake'' #42]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-043-hindi.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 43|''Mandrake'' #43]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-044-hindi.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 44|''Mandrake'' #44]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-045-hindi.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 45|''Mandrake'' #45]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-046-hindi.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 46|''Mandrake'' #46]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-047-hindi.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 47|''Mandrake'' #47]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-048.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 48|''Mandrake'' #48]]
</gallery>
 
=====Diamond Comics Digest=====
From #49 DC-M revert back to it's original digest format and from #49 to #73 (Nov'98), all were monthly digests. Most (if not all) issues were reprinted in new editions over and over again, sometimes with new cover art. Without any numbering some of the covers and stories from the regular series are to find as giveaway's. The last Mandrake issue with new contents was probably published in the year 2000.
<gallery>
Image:Digest-mandrake-049.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 49|''Mandrake'' #49]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-050.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 50|''Mandrake'' #50]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-051.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 51|''Mandrake'' #51]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-052-hindi.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 52|''Mandrake'' #52]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-053.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 53|''Mandrake'' #53]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-054.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 54|''Mandrake'' #54]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-055.j.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 55|''Mandrake'' #55]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-056.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 56|''Mandrake'' #56]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-057.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 57|''Mandrake'' #57]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-058.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 58|''Mandrake'' #58]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-059.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 59|''Mandrake'' #59]]
Image:digest-mandrake-060.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 60|''Mandrake'' #60]]
 
Image:Digest-mandrake-061.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 61|''Mandrake'' #61]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-062.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 62|''Mandrake'' #62]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-063.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 63|''Mandrake'' #63]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-064.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 64|''Mandrake'' #64]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-065-hindi.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 65|''Mandrake'' #65]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-066.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 66|''Mandrake'' #66]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-067.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 67|''Mandrake'' #67]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-068.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 68|''Mandrake'' #68]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-069.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 69|''Mandrake'' #69]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-070.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 70|''Mandrake'' #70]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-071.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 71|''Mandrake'' #71]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-072.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 72|''Mandrake'' #72]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-073.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 73|''Mandrake'' #73]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-074.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 74|''Mandrake'' #74]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-075.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 75|''Mandrake'' #75]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-076.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 76|''Mandrake'' #76]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-077.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 77|''Mandrake'' #77]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-078-hindi.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 78|''Mandrake'' #78]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-079.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 79|''Mandrake'' #79]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-080.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 80|''Mandrake'' #80]]


==Giveaways==
Image:Digest-mandrake-081-hindi.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 81|''Mandrake'' #81]]
===Luxor===
Image:Digest-mandrake-082.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 82|''Mandrake'' #82]]
In 1998 (?) Luxor had a free "Diamond Comics Presents" (Mandrake) in their sets of; Colourmate 24 pcs, Colourmate 36 pcs and Colour Sketch Pen Set 12 pcs. The covers and stories were taken from the previous issues of "Diamond Comics Digest", independent of how the original issues were printed. Although the giveaway issues have the same cover the stories inside may vary.
Image:Digest-mandrake-083.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 83|''Mandrake'' #83]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-084.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 84|''Mandrake'' #84]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-085.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 85|''Mandrake'' #85]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-086.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 86|''Mandrake'' #86]]
</gallery>


=====Curiosa=====
It is a bit of a mystery why Mandrake and Lothar feature on the cover of "James Bond" #38.
<gallery>
Image:Diamond-JB-038.jpg|''James Bond'' #38
</gallery>
===Giveaways===
====Creamwich====
In 1997 "Excelsia Foods Ltd" marketed Creamwich, a wafer-based biscuits priced at Rs 2 (10-gm) and Rs 14 (70-gm). The Creamwich 70 gm had a free "Diamond Comics", at least two of them with Mandrake. The covers and stories were taken from the previous issues of "Diamond Comics Digest", independent of how the original issues were printed.
<gallery>
Image:Digest-mandrake-Creamwich-01.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 1 (Giveaways - Creamwich)|''Mandrake'' #1]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-Creamwich-03.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 3 (Giveaways - Creamwich)|''Mandrake'' #3]]
</gallery>
====Extra issues====
<gallery>
Image:Digest-mandrake-gw-nn-01.jpg|''[[Mandrake - The Giant Insects]]''
Image:Digest-mandrake-gw-nn-01-hindi.jpg|''Mandrake''<br>The Giant Insects<br>(Hindi version)
</gallery>
====Luxor====
In 1998 ''(?'') Luxor had a free "Diamond Comics Presents" in their sets of; Colourmate 24 pcs, Colourmate 36 pcs and Colour Sketch Pen Set 12 pcs. The covers and stories were taken from the previous issues of "Diamond Comics Digest", independent of how the original issues were printed. The issues with Colourmate 24 and 36 pcs have a price tag on the covers, so it is possible that one could order single issues ''(without buying many Colormate's)'' to collect the entire giveaway series.
<gallery>
<gallery>
Image:Digest-mandrake-luxor-72.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Diamond Comics Presents Mandrake (72 Giveaways - Luxor Colormate)|''Colour Sketch Pen Set 12 pcs'']]
Image:Digest-mandrake-luxor-72.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Diamond Comics Presents Mandrake (72 Giveaways - Luxor Colormate)|''Colour Sketch Pen Set 12 pcs'']]
Image:Digest-mandrake-luxor-xn.jpg|''Colour Sketch Pen Set 12 pcs'' "The Smuggler Pigeons"
Image:Digest-mandrake-luxor-xn.jpg|''Colour Sketch Pen Set 12 pcs''<br><small>"The Smuggler Pigeons"</small>
Image:Digest-mandrake-luxor-81.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Diamond Comics Presents Mandrake (81 Giveaways - Luxor Colormate)|''Colourmate 24 pcs'']]
Image:Digest-mandrake-luxor-81.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Diamond Comics Presents Mandrake (81 Giveaways - Luxor Colormate)|''Colourmate 24 pcs'']]


Image:Digest-mandrake-luxor-54.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Diamond Comics Presents Mandrake (54 Giveaways - Luxor Colormate)|''Colourmate 36 pcs'']]
Image:Digest-mandrake-luxor-54-a.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Diamond Comics Presents Mandrake (54 Giveaways - Luxor Colormate)|''Colourmate 36 pcs''<br><small>"The Butterfly Man"</small>]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-luxor-68.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Diamond Comics Presents Mandrake (68 Giveaways - Luxor Colormate)|''Colourmate 36 pcs'']]
Image:Digest-mandrake-luxor-68.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Diamond Comics Presents Mandrake (68 Giveaways - Luxor Colormate)|''Colourmate 36 pcs''<br><small>"The Witch Doctor"</small>]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-luxor-73.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Diamond Comics Presents Mandrake (73 Giveaways - Luxor Colormate)|''Colourmate 36 pcs'']]
Image:Digest-mandrake-luxor-73.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Diamond Comics Presents Mandrake (73 Giveaways - Luxor Colormate)|''Colourmate 36 pcs''<br><small>"The Witch Doctor"</small>]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-luxor-77.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Diamond Comics Presents Mandrake (77 Giveaways - Luxor Colormate)|''Colourmate 36 pcs'']]
Image:Digest-mandrake-luxor-77.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Diamond Comics Presents Mandrake (77 Giveaways - Luxor Colormate)|''Colourmate 36 pcs'']]
</gallery>
</gallery>


===Creamwich===
==== Comic World ====
In 1997 "Excelsia Foods Ltd" marketed Creamwich, a wafer-based biscuits priced at Rs 2 (10-gm) and Rs 14 (70-gm). The Creamwich 70 gm had a free '''Diamond Comics Mandrake'''. The covers and stories were taken from the previous issues of "Diamond Comics Digest", independent of how the original issues were printed.
Some issues of "[[Comic World]]" had a "Diamond Comics Digest" ''Free with this issue of Comic World''. Although the giveaway issues have the same cover the "Diamond Comics Digest" inside varies, such as: [[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 71|''Mandrake'' #71]] or other characters. The cover has a price tag.
<gallery>
Image:tctm-Comic-World-037-en.jpg|[[Comic World 37|''Comic World'' #37]]
Image:Digest-free issue-01.jpg|''[[Diamond Comics Digest (free issue)]]''
Image:Digest-giveaway-cw-01.jpg|''Sample''
</gallery>


==== Pinki Digest ====
Although the giveaway issues have the same cover the "Diamond Comics Digest" inside varies. The cover has a price tag.
<gallery>
<gallery>
Image:Digest-mandrake-Creamwich-01.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 1 (Giveaways - Creamwich)|''Mandrake'' #1]]
Image:Digest-giveaway-pd-01.jpg|''Sample''
Image:Digest-mandrake-Creamwich-02.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 2 (Giveaways - Creamwich)|''Mandrake'' #2]]
Image:Digest-mandrake-Creamwich-03.jpg|[[Diamond Comics Digest: Mandrake 3 (Giveaways - Creamwich)|''Mandrake'' #3]]
</gallery>
</gallery>


===Unknown===
==== Other Digests ====
Although this issue has a cover price, it is probably a Giveaway.  
Although the giveaway issues have the same cover the "Diamond Comics Digest" inside varies. The covers has a price tag.
<gallery>
<gallery>
Image:Digest-mandrake-gw-nn-01.jpg|''Mandrake''<br>The Giant Insects
Image:Digest-giveaway-nn-01.jpg|''Sample 1''
Image:Digest-mandrake-gw-nn-01-hindi.jpg|''Mandrake''<br>Hindi version
Image:Digest-giveaway-nn-02.jpg|''Sample 2 / [[Diamond Comics Digest (free issue 2)]]''
Image:Digest-giveaway-nn-03.jpg|''Sample 3''
Image:Digest-giveaway-nn-04.jpg|''Sample 4''
Image:Digest-free issue-02.jpg|''Sample 5''
</gallery>
</gallery>


===Comic World===
{{India}}
About 1998 there was a Mandrake giveaway with the story "[[The Ears of the Earth]]"; "FREE with this issue of [[Comic World]]" 
[[Category: Publications]]
[[Category: Diamond Comics Digest issues| ]]
 
{{India}}
{{India}}
[[Category: Publications]]
[[Category: Publications]]
[[Category: Diamond Comics Digest issues| ]]
[[Category: Diamond Comics Digest issues| ]]

Latest revision as of 12:41, 13 March 2024

Diamond Comics Digest
DC-001-CC-001.jpg
First issue
Country/language: Mini india.gif India / English, Hindi
Publishing company: Diamond Comics
Publishing years: 1987 -
Issues: ?
Format: 15.5 × 19.5 cm, color


Issue overview

Regular series

The series started in in May 1987 as a Digest version of "Diamond Comics". In the beginning the Digest series had 128 pages and price 12 Rs, while the Diamond Comics at that time had 48 pages and price 5 Rs.

The first years the Digist featured serveral different characters and several comics with religious content: "24 prophets of Jain Dharma", "Baital Tales", "Billoo" by Pran Kumar Sharma, "Birbal's Charishma", "Chacha Chaudhary" by Pran Kumar Sharma, "Deshavatar", "Durga Mahima", "Ganesh Mahima", "Hitopadesh", "Hanuman Mahima", "Jatak Tales", "Jesus Christ", "Krishan Leela", "Mahabharata", "Mata Vaishino Devi", "Panchtantra", "Pinki", "Ramayana", "Tenalirama", "Ten Masters", "Sai Baba of Shirdi", "Shiva Mahima", "Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta", "Singhasan Batisi", "Srimad Bhagwad", "Vishnu Mahima" and others.

The series has a sequential numbering for the digest series (given in roman numerals), and a separate sequential numbering for each comic (in regular numbers).

Starting with issue 45 (June 1990) the series added a new character, "The Phantom", followed by "Mandrake" a year later (issue 64, June 1991). Then the two characters alternated in a bi-monthly schedule.

Most of the issues (sub-series) were in both English and Hindi language version, and some also in Bengali (like the Phantom sub-series). The digest numbering was different for each language version.

Mandrake series

The Mandrake" were published in both English and Hindi versiones, in pocket book format and printed in color.

Diamond Comics Digest

The first 16 issues were digests issues (68-116 pgs) and published bi-monthly. In the August issue of the Indian magazine "Chandamama" from 1991 there is an ad from Diamond Comics, featuring a picture of the first Mandrake issue. These ads from Diamond Comics have issues released the month before the magazine, so the first Mandrake issue in English language is from July 1991.

The first Mandrake issue was "Diamond Comics Digest" English language issue 64 (LXIV) and Hindi language issue 110 (CX). The Phantom issue 13 (June 1991) was "Diamond Comics Digest" English issue 63, Hindi issue 109 and Bengali issue 26.

According to an ad in the magazine "Chandamama" from November 1993 the "Mandrake" issues 1 to 14 now are available, which suggests that these have come in a second edition in October. The ad also states that "The Phantom" issues 1 to 27, "Spider Man" 1 to 2 and "James Bond" issues 1 to 14 are available.

Diamond Comics

From the 17th issue the publisher converted the series in regular forms (36-44 p). The Mandrake series became part of the "Diamond Comics" series and published monthly from February 1994.

Diamond Comics Digest

From #49 DC-M revert back to it's original digest format and from #49 to #73 (Nov'98), all were monthly digests. Most (if not all) issues were reprinted in new editions over and over again, sometimes with new cover art. Without any numbering some of the covers and stories from the regular series are to find as giveaway's. The last Mandrake issue with new contents was probably published in the year 2000.

Curiosa

It is a bit of a mystery why Mandrake and Lothar feature on the cover of "James Bond" #38.

  • James Bond #38

Giveaways

Creamwich

In 1997 "Excelsia Foods Ltd" marketed Creamwich, a wafer-based biscuits priced at Rs 2 (10-gm) and Rs 14 (70-gm). The Creamwich 70 gm had a free "Diamond Comics", at least two of them with Mandrake. The covers and stories were taken from the previous issues of "Diamond Comics Digest", independent of how the original issues were printed.

Extra issues

Luxor

In 1998 (?) Luxor had a free "Diamond Comics Presents" in their sets of; Colourmate 24 pcs, Colourmate 36 pcs and Colour Sketch Pen Set 12 pcs. The covers and stories were taken from the previous issues of "Diamond Comics Digest", independent of how the original issues were printed. The issues with Colourmate 24 and 36 pcs have a price tag on the covers, so it is possible that one could order single issues (without buying many Colormate's) to collect the entire giveaway series.

Comic World

Some issues of "Comic World" had a "Diamond Comics Digest" Free with this issue of Comic World. Although the giveaway issues have the same cover the "Diamond Comics Digest" inside varies, such as: Mandrake #71 or other characters. The cover has a price tag.

Pinki Digest

Although the giveaway issues have the same cover the "Diamond Comics Digest" inside varies. The cover has a price tag.

  • Sample

Other Digests

Although the giveaway issues have the same cover the "Diamond Comics Digest" inside varies. The covers has a price tag.



Mini india.gif Mandrake publications in India Mini india.gif
Series

Diamond Comics Digest - Mandrake

One-shots
Anthologies

Comic World • Comic Digest • Indrajal Comics • Mandrake • Muthu Comics • Rani Comics • Regal Comics

As back-up title

The Phantom

Publishers

Bennet, Coleman & Co. • Diamond Comics • Egmont Imagination • Prakash Publishers • ThinaThanthi • Vidyarthi Mithram

Mandrake publications by country
Europe

Austria • Belgium • Bulgaria • Croatia • Denmark • Finland • France • Germany • Greece • Iceland • Italy • Ireland • Netherlands • Norway • Poland • Portugal • Serbia • Slovenia • Spain • Sweden • Turkey • United Kingdom • Yugoslavia

Americas

Argentina • Bahamas • Brazil • Canada • Chile • Colombia • Costa Rica • Cuba • Dominican Republic • Guatemala • Jamaica • Mexico • Panama • El Salvador • Uruguay • USA • Venezuela

Other

Angola • Australia • French Polynesia • Hong Kong • India • Indonesia • Israel • Lebanon • Malaysia • New Zealand • Papua New Guinea • Philippines • Singapore • South Africa • UAE



Mini india.gif Mandrake publications in India Mini india.gif
Series

Diamond Comics Digest - Mandrake

One-shots
Anthologies

Comic World • Comic Digest • Indrajal Comics • Mandrake • Muthu Comics • Rani Comics • Regal Comics

As back-up title

The Phantom

Publishers

Bennet, Coleman & Co. • Diamond Comics • Egmont Imagination • Prakash Publishers • ThinaThanthi • Vidyarthi Mithram

Mandrake publications by country
Europe

Austria • Belgium • Bulgaria • Croatia • Denmark • Finland • France • Germany • Greece • Iceland • Italy • Ireland • Netherlands • Norway • Poland • Portugal • Serbia • Slovenia • Spain • Sweden • Turkey • United Kingdom • Yugoslavia

Americas

Argentina • Bahamas • Brazil • Canada • Chile • Colombia • Costa Rica • Cuba • Dominican Republic • Guatemala • Jamaica • Mexico • Panama • El Salvador • Uruguay • USA • Venezuela

Other

Angola • Australia • French Polynesia • Hong Kong • India • Indonesia • Israel • Lebanon • Malaysia • New Zealand • Papua New Guinea • Philippines • Singapore • South Africa • UAE

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