Further to your article “Comic heroes could deliver knock-out blow to the boys who shun books” (August 13), in my experience as a teacher, boys spend almost all of their free time playing and watching football, or playing video games. Only a small number show any proclivity to read.

Illustrated comics, such as the Tintin series, are a good way of interesting boys to reading. In India, comics about historical and mythological themes are in both English and vernacular languages. These have proved to be popular and successful.

In Japan, a very literate society, illustrated comics known as manga are very popular among all ages. Manga is increasingly produced and read in Europe and the United States, too.

Shouvik Datta, Orpington, Kent.