culture

May 4, 2026

"Dečje novine" Lasted as Long as the Country It Was Created In: Historian Borisav Čeliković, Author of Two Monographs and Co-author of an Exhibition on the Beginnings of Comics

The largest comic publisher in former SFR Yugoslavia, the publishing house "Dečje novine", did not survive the advent of the 21st century, but the 70th anniversary of its founding, January 12, 1957, was marked by two monographs and an exhibition authored, compiled, and co-authored by historian Borisav Čeliković and the Museum of Rudničko-Takovo Region from Gornji Milanovac.

"Dečje novine" Lasted as Long as the Country It Was Created In: Historian Borisav Čeliković, Author of Two Monographs and Co-author of an Exhibition on the Beginnings of Comics

TL;DR

  • The 70th anniversary of "Dečje novine," founded on January 12, 1957, is being celebrated with two monographs and an exhibition.
  • Historian Borisav Čeliković is the author/compiler of these works, aiming to valorize the unique comic production of the publishing house.
  • The project is a long-term initiative planned over six years with six exhibitions and accompanying publications.
  • "Dečje novine" evolved from a school newspaper to become a major Yugoslavian comic publisher, featuring both domestic and international works.
  • The publisher's success was partly due to its focus on patriotic themes in its early comics, aligning with the political climate.
  • Key artists like Desimir Žižović Buin were instrumental in its early success, particularly with the "Mirko i Slavko" series.
  • The publisher later introduced licensed comics from Marvel and Disney, expanding its reach.
  • "Dečje novine" ceased to exist with the breakup of Yugoslavia and the economic hardships of the 1990s.
  • The influence of Italian comic authors on Serbian comics is acknowledged, with specific mention of Sergio Bonelli's publications.
  • Despite challenges, Serbian comics continue to exist with active schools, festivals, and publishers, including successful authors drawing for international markets.

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