Figure 1.-- A South African reader has provided us some information on what seems to have been a distinctly South Africa genre--photo comic books. TInterestingly in this comic book the South African editor has tried to create American western overalls--but boys in the West never wore overalls like these. They do, however look rather like the baggy jeans shorts worn in the alte 1990s.

A South African reader has provided us some information on what seems to have been a distinctly South Africa genre--photo comic books. I do not know if there were also comic books drawn by South African illustrators. We are sure that photo comic books were published. We are unsure as to why this format appeared in South Africa. A South African reader provides us information on this purely South African phenomenon - the photo comic story book. As I now write I realize it's a huge and fascinating subject which can give a wealth of information of the social fabric in it's day. One reader believes that South Africa's late develoment of televisiin may be a factor.

South African Television

We are unsure as to why the photo comic book format appeared in South Africa. One reader believes that South Africa's late develoment of televisiin may be a factor in the popularity of comic books. Relatively speaking for that time (the middle 1970s), South Africa was a very late comer to the world of television. Nationalist member of parliament, Albert Hertzog was dead against it and thwarted all attempts to introduce it before it's inception in 1975 when test transmissions began. In 1976, the South African Broadcasting Corporation SABC) officially launched with much fanfare it's one and only television service - TV 1, to broadcast daily only from 6 to 11 pm. With the then ruling Nationalist government's strict language policy, the two official languages, English and Afrikaans were strictly alternated between the days. There was a mandate that the evening broadcasts would commence and close with a Christian service. Needless to say, the news editorial was strictly controlled and promoted, defended and justified the Nationalists apartheid policies. Also with the inception of TV, the SABC also had acquired the finest and the best technical architecture that was available. It's facilities and broadcast system were the best in the world. Even today it is still one of the best. It has a world renowned archive of media recordings.

Entertainment

Seeing that television came so late to South Africa, the public had to resort (and contend with) to other forms of entertainment for their leisure time. Cinema's (the bioscopes) and 'drive-ins' were hugely popular. Another was the 'resorts' where families could go to on Sundays to have barbecues, swim, horseriding, games and suchlike with the highlight being a live stage performance of current popular bands and personalities. There would also be various competitions for the girls and children compared by well known comedians.

Photo Comic Books

A South African reader has provided us some information on what seems to have been a distinctly South Africa genre--photo comic books. We are sure that photo comic books were published. A South African reader provides us information on this purely South African phenomenon - the photo comic story book. As I now write I realize it's a huge and fascinating subject which can give a wealth of information of the social fabric in it's day. Another feature that enjoyed huge success and was immensely popular with all sectors of the public was the photo-comic book. Some of the book titles became household names and were followed with fervour. Seeing that they were relatively cheap, they were very accessible and there was a plethora of titles. Republican Press, despite fierce competition from competitors, was the most successful publisher with the most sought after titles.

Illustrated Comic Books

I do not know if there were also comic books drawn by South African illustrators.

Created: February 23, 2003
Last updated: February 23, 2003