Every comic book fan has titles that he remembers with nostalgia because they shaped him in a way. In my case, one of such series is Jonek, Jonka and Kleks Szarloty Pawel.
Today it is 46 years since the first story with these three heroes appeared in the Youth World *. I met them only around 1999, when one day a lady from the library put a pile of comics on the table top and said: “choose something”. So – as a resolute ten-year-old – having to choose from the terrible (at that moment even terrifying) Thorgal and the duo of children with a blue friend, I chose the latter of course. And I was gone.
The author
Poland has many talented artists. Many of us know Papcio Chmiel from Tytus, Romek and A’Tomek , just like Janusz Christa and his Kajko and Kokosz . These are comics that, although they are already in the retro category, are easily possible to get. Interestingly, the characters from Papcio Chmiel have even decided to use the Media Markt * brand in their marketing. I think Jonek, Jonka and Kleksthey also deserve memory and attention. Szarlota Pawel (died 2018) was a graphic artist, cartoonist, illustrator and comic book writer. She was even called “the first lady of Polish comics”, as there are many indications that she was the only woman in Poland (at that time) creating comics. Inspired by the aforementioned Henryk Chmielewski to create her heroes, she said that she was not particularly innovative in her ideas. With time, however, the short black and white stories evolved and with the subsequent episodes both the style and ideas of the author became richer and more refined. Szarlota, in turn, was an extraordinary figure who even used the sympatia.pl portal to find a partner.
They are for everyone
The adventures of two children and the inky hero are great not only because they come from our compatriot, but also by a wide target audience. These comics are perfect for both children and teenagers or adults looking for pleasant and light stories. This series, referred to as the legend of Polish children’s comics, was published in the 1970s and 1990s. Several generations were brought up on it, so nowadays recipients can return to earlier stories as a sentiment, or to show them to their children (or friends kids). If you haven’t heard about them yourself, I guarantee you that they will give you not only a little reminder of youth (who of us did not experience amazing adventures as a child?), But also a little joy. More about this, however, in the next argument.
Humor
Szarlota Pawel said that a joke is a good starting point for a story, which is perfectly visible in Jonek, Jonka and Kleks . These comics are full of effortless, light humor. Whether it’s a response from a character or a scene taking place – it’s fun enough that the reader literally chuckles under his breath (and in times in which we live, we should use the reasons for smiling twice).
