About TOMS
V. T. Thomas (6 June 1929 – 27 April 2016), popularly known as Toms, is best known for his cartoon characters Boban and Molly, one of the most celebrated comics in Malayalam.
Early Life & Career
Born to Vaadakkal Thoppil Kunjuthomman Kunjithomman and Sicily Thomas on 6 June 1929 in Kuttanad, Toms completed his graduation from St. Berchman’s College, Changanassery. Though he joined the army as an electrician, he left the job soon. He then devoted his career completely to drawing cartoons.
His elder brother Peter Thomas who was a cartoonist at Shankar’s Weekly at that time inspired him to pursue a career in drawings. Thus, Toms started his illustrious career in 1950 through Sathyadeepam, a Catholic weekly and Kerala Kaumudi. He then joined Malayala Manorama in 1955.
Boban & Molly
Toms created the Malayalam cartoon characters Boban and Molly, the brother sister duos accompanied by a tiny puppy based on two real life persons of the same name.
They were two children from his neighborhood and he discovered them in his 30s. Boban and Molly (ബോബനും മോളിയും) first appeared in the cartoon column of Sathyadeepam.
Later the characters became more popular through Malayala Manorama. They were first published in 1957. He resigned from Manorama in 1987 and started Toms Publications.