The word "IPO" always makes headlines. ACK Media, which had acquired Indian comic brands - Amar Chitra Katha and Tinkle - and more recently, Karadi Tales, is considering at IPO within the next 12-18 months, reports DNA. The proceeds will be used to fund the launch a General Entertainment Channel (GEC), which would require an investment of Rs. 100 crore. Channels currently targeting kids include Pogo, Cartoon Network, CBeebies, Disney, Toon Disney and Hungama TV. What's most interesting is the introduction of new content, and a new character in Tinkle - a 12 year old girl called Nina, and her adventures in the 1950s, apparently based around historical events...glimpses of George McDonald Fraser's Flashman? Perhaps. More Nancy Drew than Flashman, though. ACK will produce mobile games and web content around Nina. ACK Media has already started animating content from Tinkle. Before they launch a GEC, they're going to produce content for DTH and Home Video; the idea, according to Samir Patil, CEO and founder of ACK Media, is to retain the IPR for the animation. They had acquired Bangalore based Quitemen Studio, which will focus on gaming, and now have plans to set up an animation studio in Mumbai. They'll employ around 20 artists in the studio. Some samples of the animation of Shikari Shambu and Suppandi are up on YouTube - 1, 2, 3, 4. ACK is also planning a separate website for Amar Chitra Katha (they already have the domain name amarchitrakatha.com) before the end of the year;…
