Prijatelji

Template:Short description Template:Multiple issues Template:Infobox comics character

Template:Lang (English: Goffies /ˈɡuː.fi~es/)^[1] is a Serbian humorous comic book series published in Serbia. Founded by Marko Todosijević (Mrvax) in 2005, in Belgrade, Serbia. From 2006 to 2012, it was supported by the Shlitz Comics group with additional support from the Šumatovčka art school.

Information

Template:Lang is a Serbian comedic comic book series about the crazy and socially depraved characters created by its main author, Marko Todosijević (Mrvax),^[2] which originally ran from 2006 to 2009, followed by a two-year hiatus. In 2011, the series was re-launched in cooperation with Vladimir Petković (Vlapet)^[3] and later on with Tihomir Kostić (Kovenant).

Publication history

The creation of Template:Lang started when Todosijević worked on a short comic strip, Template:Lang, ('The sounds of Hometown') in 2003. It was a strip-based and short-lived series consisting of two issues. Most of the material was accidentally destroyed, and only a couple of panels still exist in physical form. The series followed the happenings at a tavern called Template:Lang ('The sounds of Hometown'), and the only resemblance to Template:Lang was a character named Vukota Šiljić. This character was different than the one of the same name in Template:Lang, but it opened the way for the creation of Template:Lang. Scriptwriter Marko Radovanović (Maré) also contributed. A year later, the series was turned down, and Todosijević began to work on new characters and a concept that would later be known as Template:Lang. During the production of the concept and characters, Todosijević took inspiration from people he knew, as some of the characters were caricatures of actual people.

Influences from film, and comedies in particular, made quite an impact on Template:Lang. Jackie Chan's movies and Monty Python's Flying Circus had strong effects on the creation of the series. Additionally, domestic Serbian movies including Balkanski Špijun, Varljivo leto '68, Maratonci trče počasni krug, Kad porastem biću Kengur, and Sedam i po also had an influence.

2006

File:Screenshot from the first issue of Prijatelji (comics).jpg

Mrmi and Zombiša as they first appeared in Svakoj (h)rani šake soli dosta (2006).

In 2006, the first characters were created. The first were an albino zombie named Zombiša, a dog-groundhog hybrid named Mrmi, followed by Nindža Nidža, Dule Student, and a jelly belly creatureTemplate:Clarify named Zglavko. These five characters are the heart of the series and their personalities and appearances underwent minor changes through the years. The series deviated from other comics, as the characters had more animosity towards each other than sympathy and friendly intentions, despite the name, which translated to "pals". In the original print of the first issue Template:Lang, there were only five characters. The publication's moderate success and joining Shlitz Comics led to a reprint in 2007, which was filled with new pages and one new character.

2007

In 2007, when the first issue of Template:Lang was reprinted, the character of Mile Betmen was added. He was a parody of DC Comics' Batman, with a big beer belly and the role of masked avenger and pig farmer. When the second issue of Template:Lang appeared the same year, entitled Template:Lang, the series showed improvement, both in drawing style and storytelling, with its cast of characters expanding. Female characters were also brought in, and the series began to touch on more emotional themes; the clashes and animosity featured in the first issue were still present but crafted with more taste and moderation.

2008–2009

File:Panel of the second issue of Prijatelji (comics).jpg

Vukota Šiljić and Nindža Nidža in an action scene from Osasuna VS Calgary ('Osasuna vs. Calgary') (2009).'

2008 was a quiet year as Todosijević searched for new ideas. The preparation of the new issue lasted over a year. In March 2009, the third issue, entitled Template:Lang ('Osasuna vs. Calgary') was published. In this issue, besides Todosijević's work, Bojan Milojević (Asterian) contributed with one panel with Nindža Nidža on the back cover. As there was more than enough prepared material, a couple of months later another issue entitled Template:Lang was published. Script error: No such module "Unsubst". It featured 27 pages and artistic contributions from Serbian comic artists Saša Arsenić, Miloš Slavković and Borivoje Grbić.

After the release of this issue,^[4] due to personal issues, Todosijević ceased work on Template:Lang.

2011–2012

File:Macho Mikula, excerpt from the panel 2012.jpg

Mačo Mikula in the scene from the issue Naseči mi 'leba i parizer na koso (2012).

Two years later, Todosijević decided to begin work on Template:Lang again,^[5] this time with Vladimir Petković. The result was a special issue of Template:Lang, which was published in April, 2012. Besides the previous main characters, this special publication brought new characters like Radojka, Stamena and Mitar Tuki Trgovac, and announced a crazy new character named Mačo Mikula. Also, in comparison to older issues, this special had titles for the gags and was published in a bigger format.

After the release and promotion of this special issue, Todosijević and Petković joined forces with old friend Tihomir Kostić and began to work on an improved approach to Template:Lang, which demanded some changes and cuts. The character of Mile Betmen, the aforementioned parody of DC's Batman was phased out and replaced with Mačo Mikula, who became the main character. At some point, Mile Betmen and Mačo Mikula were supposed to work together, but the idea was quickly dropped. The second character reworked was Mrmi; from a lovable scamp, Mrmi became a sexually voracious and aggressively crazed character. The surroundings and plot were also reworked. All of the characters faced real-life situations, social injustice and problems, more connections and interactions, alcohol, women, and other issues in today's society. The new authors also inserted a number of new characters and sought to improve the situations, and the series itself.

The three authors decided to make a second volume, primarily because of the changes and new characters that were introduced. The special issue Template:Lang ('Family Pack/Extreme Pack (Special issue)') ^[6] became a turning point in the series and the bridge to a new publication. It was considered the first issue of volume two. The next issue under Number 2 appeared under the title of Template:Lang^[7]^[8] and was published in late November, 2012.

2013

During the summer of 2013, the creators entirely changed the series' concept. New episodes were on the way, and opposite to earlier issues, the new edition of Template:Lang under the working title Template:Lang would bring longer and more layered stories, filled with themes of the supernatural, horror, action, martial arts, and more detailed storytelling. In August 2013, an additional member was added to the crew, colorist Momir Marković. Besides a plan for the comic to be published in print, the creators also planned to publish special issues online in color, and in additional languages, such as Italian and English.

Style and approach

The drawing style in Template:Lang is reminiscent of the Italian (Fumetti) school, French Bande dessinee elements and Matt Groening's approach, but yet original. While Todosijević's style is similar to the Simpsons and André Franquin, Petković's work features influences from Roberto Raviola, Roberto Diso and Fabio Civitelli. Kostić takes his approach from artists like Eduardo Risso, Kenichi Sonoda, Nicola Mari and early Enrico Marini. Regarding writing, all three of the authors take ideas and inspiration from their own inner sources.Template:Clarify Music also has an influence on Template:Lang, but only as a background element.

Setting

The world of Template:Lang is set in the city of Šiljino Brdo (English: 'Nibs Hill'), which is located somewhere in Serbia. The main places characters meet are dark alleys, DJ Sarma's flat, or a tavern called Tri Leša ('Three Corpses') owned by Rista Turista.

Concept

Situations present in the series include the problems of today's world, misfortunes or joys, socially depraved situations, sex, violence, sport, love, hate, alcohol, music, and injustice. Dark and light humor are mixed together and can be seen in one panel at the same time, likewise love, hate or violence. In addition to chaos, there is critique of trashy people and their way of life. Occasional song lyrics mockingly appear from Serbian genres such as turbo folk and folk-pop. Themes dealing with the supernatural, aliens, and ancient myths are also present.

Trivia

In May 2012, a slide show animation of Template:Lang was created based on the episode Template:Lang^[9] from Template:Lang ('Family Pack/Extreme Pack (Special issue)'). Both Todosijević and Petković, have appeared in the short psycho-thriller Sanctuary.^[10] Unofficially, in video clip form, Template:Lang covered the song Template:Lang^[11] from Serbian hardcore/crossover band Sick Mother Fakers with illustrations from the issues.

Characters

Main

Mačo Mikula "Mikula" – main character (2011–present)
Zombiša "Zombiša" – main character (2006–present)
Nindža Nidža "Nidža" – main character (2006–present)
Dule Student "Dule" – main character (2006–present)
Mrmi "Mrmi" – main character (2006–present)
Zglavko "Zglavko" – main character (2006–present)
Vukota Šiljić "Vukota" – main character (2008–present)
Vanesa Plavuša "Vanesa" – main character (2008–present)
Fantastični Dragan "Dragan" – main character (2012–present)
Gojko Grobar "Gojko" – main character (2012–present)
Kung fu Romi "Petrit, Muharem, Kismet" – main character (2012–present)

Supporting

DJ Sarma "Sarma" – supporting character (2007–present)
Radojica "Radojica" – supporting character (2007–present)
Čobanica Anđa "Anđa" – supporting character (2008–present)
Lidija Plavuša "Lidija" – supporting character (2008–present)
Radojka "Radojka" – supporting character (2011–present)
Stamena "Stamena" – supporting character (2011–present)
Ovan Zuba "Zuba" – supporting character (2008–present)
Milorad Bjelogrlić Kojo "Milorad" – supporting character (2012–present)
Rista Turista "Rista" – supporting character (2012–present)

Occasional

Prgavi Džeki "Džeki" – occasional character (2007–present)
Krmak Groki "Groki" – occasional character (2008–present)

Minor

Mitar Tuki Trgovac "Mitar" – minor character (2011–present)
Mečka Silvana "Silvana" – minor character (2012–present)

Villains

Veverac "Veverac" – villain (2012–present)
Dr. Sidrigajlo "Sidrigajlo" – villain (2012–present)
Boško Muha "Bosko" – villain (2012–present)
Jelisaveta "Jelisaveta" – villain (2012–present)
Katćuša "Katćuša" – villain' (2012–present)
Gospodin Ramadani "Ramadani" – villain (2013–present)
Manga Mandov "Mandov" – villain (2013–present)

Discontinued

Mile Betmen "Mile" – discontinued character (2007–2012)

Timeline

Timeline of characters' appearances throughout the years:

Timeline

<timeline> ImageSize = width:1100 height:auto barincrement:20 PlotArea = left:110 bottom:120 top:0 right:30 Alignbars = justify DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy Period = from:01/01/2006 till:10/15/2014 TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy

Colors =

 id:Main  value:red  legend:Main 
 id:Supporting  value:green  legend:Supporting 
 id:Occasional  value:blue  legend:Occasional 
 id:Minor  value:orange  legend:Minor 
 id:Villain  value:yellow  legend:Villain
 id:Discontinued  value:black  legend:Discontinued

Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:2

ScaleMajor = increment:1 start:2006

LineData =

 at:01/01/2006  color:black layer:back
 at:01/01/2007  color:black layer:back
 at:01/01/2008  color:black layer:back
 at:10/01/2011  color:black layer:back
 at:05/05/2012  color:black layer:back

BarData =

 bar:Mikula text:"Mačo Mikula"
 bar:Zombiša text:"Zombisa"
 bar:Nidža text:"Nindža Nidža"
 bar:Dule text:"Dule Student"
 bar:Mrmi text:"Mrmi"
 bar:Zglavko text:"Zglavko"
 bar:Vukota text:"Vukota Šiljić"
 bar:Sarma text:"DJ Sarma"
 bar:Radojica text:"Radojica"
 bar:Anđa text:"Čobanica Anđa"
 bar:Vanesa text:"Vanesa Plavuša"
 bar:Lidija text:"Lidija Plavuša"
 bar:Zuba text:"Ovan Zuba"
 bar:Džeki text:"Prgavi Džeki"
 bar:Groki text:"Krmak Groki"
 bar:Radojka text:"Radojka"
 bar:Stamena text:"Stamena"
 bar:Mitar text:"Mitar Tuki Trgovac"
 bar:Dragan text:"Fantastični Dragan"
 bar:Silvana text:"Mečka Silvana"
 bar:Rista text:"Rista Turista"
 bar:Gojko text:"Gojko Grobar"
 bar:Romi text:"Kung fu Romi Petrit,Muharem,Kismet"
 bar:Veverac text:"Veverac"
 bar:Sidrigajlo text:"Dr. Sidrigajlo"
 bar:Boško text:"Boško Muha"
 bar:Jelisaveta text:"Jelisaveta"
 bar:Mandov text:"Manga Mandov"
 bar:Ramadani text:"Gospodin Ramadani"
 bar:Milorad text:"Milorad Bjelogrlić-Kojo"
 bar:Katćuša text:"Katćuša"
 bar:Mile text:"Mile Betmen"

PlotData=

 width:10 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4)
 bar:Mikula from:11/04/2011 till:end color:Main 
 bar:Zombiša from:01/01/2006 till:end color:Main 
 bar:Nidža from:01/01/2006 till:end color:Main 
 bar:Dule from:01/01/2006 till:end color:Main 
 bar:Mrmi from:01/01/2006 till:end color:Main 
 bar:Zglavko from:01/01/2006 till:end color:Main 
 bar:Vukota from: 01/01/2008 till:end color:Main 
 bar:Sarma from:01/01/2007 till:end color:Supporting 
 bar:Radojica from:01/01/2007 till:end color:Supporting 
 bar:Anđa from:11/02/2007 till:end color:Supporting
 bar:Vanesa from: 01/01/2008 till:end color:Main 
 bar:Lidija from:01/01/2008 till:end color:Supporting
 bar:Zuba from: 01/01/2008 till:end color:Supporting
 bar:Džeki from:01/01/2007 till:end color:Occasional 
 bar:Groki from:01/01/2008 till:end color:Occasional 
 bar:Radojka from:10/01/2011 till:end color:Supporting 
 bar:Stamena from:10/01/2011 till:end color:Supporting 
 bar:Rista from:05/05/2012 till:end color:Supporting
 bar:Mitar from:10/01/2011 till:end color:Minor 
 bar:Dragan from:10/01/2011 till:end color:Main 
 bar:Silvana from:05/05/2012 till:end color:Minor 
 bar:Gojko from:05/01/2012 till:end color:Main 
 bar:Romi from:05/05/2012 till:end color:Main 
 bar:Veverac from:05/05/2012 till:end color:Villain 
 bar:Sidrigajlo from:05/05/2012 till:end color:Villain
 bar:Boško from:05/05/2012 till:end color:Villain
 bar:Jelisaveta from:05/05/2012 till:end color:Villain 
 bar:Milorad from:05/05/2012 till:end color:Supporting 
 bar:Katćuša from:05/05/2012 till:end color:Villain
 bar:Mile from:01/01/2007 till:05/05/2012 color:Discontinued
 bar:Ramadani from:05/22/2013 till:end color:Villain 
 bar:Mandov from:11/16/2013 till:end color:Villain

</timeline>

Released issues (bibliography)

List of published comic books in the Template:Lang ('Pals') series:

Prijatelji Comics group	Number of pages	Year	Color
Svakoj (h)rani šake soli dosta	26 pages	2006	Black and white
Harmonija u zemlji bedaka	26 pages	2007	Black and white
Osasuna VS Calgary (Osasuna vs. Calgary)	20 pages	2009	Black and white
Nema tata para sine	36 pages	2009	Black and white
Porodično Pakovanje/Extreme Paket (Specijalni broj) (Family Pack/Extreme Pack (Special issue))	24 pages	2012	Black and white
Naseči mi 'leba i parizer na koso	40 pages	2012	Black and white
Daj...Daj...'armonike! (working title)	unknown	TBA	Unknown

Prijatelji authors

Marko Todosijević(2003–present)
Vladimir Petković(2011–present)
Tihomir Kostić(2012–present)

Staff (Prijatelji creative team )

Ownership: Prijatelji Comics group
Series creator: Marko Todosijević
Series co-creators: Vladimir Petković, Tihomir Kostić
Artwork: Marko Todosijević, Vladimir Petković, Tihomir Kostić
Illustrators: Marko Todosijević, Vladimir Petković, Tihomir Kostić
Scripts, text and concept: Marko Todosijević, Tihomir Kostić, Vladimir Petković
Character creators: Marko Todosijević, Vladimir Petković, Tihomir Kostić
Web editors: Vladimir Petković, Marko Todosijević
Magazine design: Marko Todosijević

Additional associates

Illustrator and cover designer: Mrvax
Magazine designer, and occasional illustrator:
Colorist: Momir Marković

Tech crew

Media relations and organization: Vladimir Petković

References

Template:Reflist

External links

Template:Official website
UPPS - Udruženje za promociju i produkciju stripa / Comics publishing and promotion society Template:In lang
[1] - Interview with Marko Todosijević
[2] - Official promotional page

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