Comic capers

From times immemorial,he’s been the saviour,one who fights evil and stands up for all that’s right and righteous. Brave,courageous,yet humane. He’s Hanuman. And now,we see him in a brand-new avatar,along with another immortal warrior,Lord Parshuram. Karan Vir’s Moksha,the first Indian Graphic Comic,The Chronicles of Lord Hanuman and Lord Parshuram,will come in a series of about 20 comics,one that will have you totally hooked. It’s not only the story that’s engrossing,but the stylizing and art work that’s international. “We have launched in the US too,and are being compared to DC Comics,” tells Karan Vir Arora,who has visualized the entire concept and created a brand-new genre,in both English and Hindi for readers. While the story is of course fictional,it’s faith which is constant. “Indi and Avasthya are the two little mortals in the story,whose destiny will be decided by the choices they make,” Karan released the comics here recently,after a stupendous response in Maharashtra. A huge comic fan,the fact that this generation fails to connect with history,scriptures,culture,values…says Karan,made him launch the series,and up next are two graphic novels,the big,best next thing in the Indian book industry. “We all know them as warriors,but miss their intrinsic qualities that make them mystical,magical,simply divine and I hope their stories instill hope and courage in readers,” the art work,glossy paper add to to the essence and will appeal to this generation,without sounding preachy. “It’s time we got up,close and personal with our own superheroes,” Karan’s dream project involved extensive research and great teamwork.

Indian myth,both gods and demons are finding way in books and comics which are enriched visually and thematically. The greatest stories ever told,be it Mahabharata and Ramayana have been presented in lucid language and illustrated for visual appeal all over gain. Namita Gokhale’s Mahabharata,with illustrations by painter and animator Suddhasattwa Basu is a must-pick — defeat,courage,history,humility…it’s worth rediscovering the hero(es). “Inspiring too,for these are men and women who are real and it’s best to introduce them to children early on in life,” agrees Vandana Bisht,who does story-telling sessions of mostly Indian mythology,stories and people who made history. What’s more,there’s a great range and budgets to choose from,with the Appu Series offering Vishnu,Ganesha and Mahavir,Om Books releasing a series on Indian religion,The Puffin Book of Magical Indian Myths by Anita Nair,50 Myths from India,which comes with as many as 100 illustrations,many full-page! “What’s best,these are formats children find absorbing,for it’s not text-book bhashans,and are values that work in every day life,” sums up Vandana,who also recommends the Seven Immortals of Indian Mythology. Read on.