Rejabhad

Rejabhad, or his real name Rejab bin Had is a Malaysian cartoonist known as a legend cartoonist through Malaysian comic industry. He is known as King of Malaysian Cartoons "(Raja Kartun Malaysia)" or Malaysian Comic Headman "(Penghulu Komik Malaysia)" because of his huge contribution towards Malaysian comic industry. Sometimes, many people may call him "Pak Jab" (Uncle Rejabhad).

Bios of Rejabhad

* Real name: Rejab bin Had
* Birth date: 23 August 1939
* Hometown: Permatang Pauh, Penang, Malaysia
* First debut: "Gelanggang Filem" magazine (published by P Ramlee), July 1958
* Hobbies: Reading, drawing, listening to music, watching TV and movies, collecting stamps, collecting first-day items, telling stories.
* Other talents: Playing violin, composing songs
* Died: 14 November 2002, due to heart disease

Graphical novels

*Periwira Mat Gila "(3 volumes; best novel)"
*Tan Tin Tun "(best novel)"
*Mawar Oh Mawar
*Selendang Siti Rogayah
*GG Dengan Rejabhad
*Prebet Dabus
*Senyum Sedikit "(2 volumes)"
*Pisang Emas Jalak Lenteng
*Amal (son of Periwira Mat Gila) "(last novel)"

History

Rejabhad loved drawing since he was little and his drawing talent was unleashed when he was little. He also knew the most famous Malaysian cartoonist at that time, Rashidin who taught his further about drawing comics. Every time he followed his mother to buy some groceries, he went to the shop to read comics in newspapers. Even though he loved drawing, he joined Malaysian Army right after he left school because at that time, being a cartoonist might not be able to guarantee the future life. He joined the army about three months after his debut comic was published in "Gelanggang Filem" magazine. When he was in the army, his drawing talent was witnessed by higher army officers and the officers encouraged him further to keep drawing. As a result, some of his comics may include some of his own experience when he was in the army.

He became a full-time cartoonist for Gila-Gila magazine published by Creative Enterprise right after he retired from army services. His income when becoming a cartoonist was far more than when he joined army. However, he humbly lived a simple life because his own reason to draw comics was because of his responsibility.

During his whole life, he became a mentor for most of Malaysian cartoonists from 1950's to 2000, including famous cartoonists like Datuk Lat, Juragan, Imuda and many more. He was often invited to comic seminars and workshops to assist and guide new-generation cartoonists. He was respected by the whole industry because of his willingness to share his knowledge.

He was also once invited by Malaysian ministers to help the government to fight against drug abuse. He was the retired soldier who was invited by Malaysian army to join army battalions which were still active. He was also once offered for a play together with humor group Senario for an episode about soldiers.

Many people may think that Rejabhad would only talk about comics when meeting him, but according to many cartoonists he often told them stories about life and also about Islam. He was the first Malaysian cartoonist who hired personal car driver but he prefer walking and boarding LRT instead. Every time he walked, he brought along his camera and took several shots about human and scenes as revisions for drawing. He also collected many magazines and articles for revisions. His collections of magazines and articles are kept in his gallery in Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang.

He was the only cartoonist in the world eligible for the title Comics Headman "(Penghulu Komik)" by a comic publisher since there was no comic publisher in the world which dared to offer the title to any of their cartoonists. As a result, Rejabhad has rights as the main advisor the publisher of Gila-Gila, Creative Enterprise. The publisher also granted him as a permanent cartooonist as well as a permanent employee and he was free to draw his comics for Gila-Gila magazine for the rest of his life.

Rejabhad died on the 14 November 2002, at the age of 63 due to heart comlication. Even though Rejabhad is no longer alive, his name will always be remembered by Malaysian comic fans and cartoonists for his great contribution to the industry.

Rejabhad's strokes and comic philosophy

As a cartoonist, Rejabhad applied the basic principles of comics that comics functions to criticize certain issues lightly. He applied the basic principle carefully because it could be dangerous if not handled with great care. Throughout the history of comics, there are many cartoonists caught by the police, including some Malaysian cartoonists for misusing the basic principle of comics. Rejabhad presented his ideas smartly and firmly held his philosophy - never attempt to criticize sensitive issues, just enough with the fact that the culprit will feel the heat.

Because Rejabhad was born before Malaysian independence, he is well-known for drawing comics according to latest events but with traditional, classic strokes. In addition, he often used philosophies in the dialog boxes in order to make his comics even more interesting.

See also

* Gila-Gila