7 Comics and Magazines We Used to Read as Kids in Malaysia

Almost all of the comics on the list had to be read in Malay and some of them are still on-going. Making this list has also made us realise the amount of influence Japanese culture has had on Malaysia. From what we see on television to what we read in comic books. Too bad it's being taken over by Korean pop culture today. Maybe in 20 years we'll see a young writer attempt a story like "The 10 Feels We All Got From Watching These Korean Dramas." Till then, enjoy!

1. Mutiara Naga

Remember how you'd buy a shelf just so you can arrange all your comics in a row?

Yeah there isn't anyone on the planet who doesn't know Dragon Ball but we knew it as Mutiara Naga. We remember how most of the first few books were censored with big black bars in Malaysia and we remember that it used to cost RM3.50 only at the newspaper shop. The manga wrapped in 1995 in Japan so it was quite odd how most of us still had to wait every month for a new comic to read.

2. Pembolos Keranjang

Image: autopiazza.blogspot.com

Slam Dunk was published by Tora Aman, more popularly known for publishing Doraemon here in Malaysia. Pembolos Keranjang introduced the word pembolos into our vocabulary and was sold with higher quality paper than the rest. They were also more expensive. Tora Aman also published more adult titles like Detektif Conan, Get Backers, and Great Teacher Onizuka.

3. Ujang

Image: gayour.blogspot.com, muhdpaiz.blogspot.com

A spin-off of Gila-Gila, Ujang was responsible for popular anthologies like Mat Despatch, Tok Moh, Aku Hidup Dalam Blues, Budak Hostel, and many more. Its highest circulation was 200,000 copies a month. Opening in 1993, the publication has since closed its doors.

4. Lat

Lat's "Chinese Mother" strip. Bitingly accurate.

The Kampung Boy needs no introduction. Lat was not only relevant back then, it's still relevant now, espousing traditional Malaysian values and reflecting our societies' quirks in comic book form.

5. Old Master Q

No words. Just pain. And laughter.

It was impossible to cut your hair without reading Old Master Q, or Lao Fu Tze to the Chinese speaking audience among us. The best part about the comics was, you didn't have to actually read anything. Much like how people don't read anything online anymore.

6. Anak-Anak Sidek

Image: suzuran89.blogspot.com

Ah, the golden age of badminton. The sport was so good and so in demand that a comic and TV series actually managed to generate a profit. It's not around any more though.

7. Majalah Kawan

Image: http://manhassan.blogspot.my/

Unfortunately, the title is no longer running. The educational magazine, much like Kuntum, taught kids lessons through comics and short stories.