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After DC Comics, Ashok Banker forays into graphic novels in India
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SME Times News Bureau | 19 Jan, 2020
Author and screenwriter Ashok K. Banker's sweep encompasses mythology,
crime thrillers, essays, literary criticism and fiction. He's also
collaborated with DC Comics for graphic novels and has now turned to the
genre in India with "Prince of Ayodhya" an adaptation of the first book
of his eight-part "Ramayana" series.
"Keep in mind that each of
those books is over 500 pages long and is packed with incidents and
events. I had to cut out several sub-plots and reduce the whole to about
170 pages of illustrated panels with minimal dialogue and narration.
This is also the reason why the graphic novel may seem more attractive
to many readers - it tells you the main points of the story while
detailing the crucial events and moments, just like a film adaptation,"
the 55-year-old Banker, who has a staggering 70 books to his credit,
told IANS in an email interview.
"This graphic novel only covers
the plot of the first 'Ramayana' series books. Depending on reader
response, the remaining seven books will be adapted as well to graphic
novels," Banker explained.
Could you describe how you and the artist and colourist worked on the book. How long did it take from start to finish?
Noting
that he'd written graphic novels for DC Comics and other international
comic companies, as well as collaborating directly with artists on a
book or two, Banker said: "There's always an equal balance, with a great
deal of discussion and creative exchange between writer and artist,
which is at is should be. In the case of (publisher) Campfire, I was
only shown the final art after the book was completed."
"In
fact, I only learned about the book's release a few days before the
fact! I have to say that Sachin Nagar is an exceptional artist who did a
remarkable job within the limitations imposed on him. Indian comic book
artists are on par with the world's best and deserve their due. I would
love to work with him in a more collaborative and equal manner," Banker
added.
What is the targeted age-group? Tweens onwards or even
people of my generation (I'm 67), some of whose knowledge of mythology
is quite pathetic? "Exactly. Everyone and anyone of all ages who
wishes to read a ripping good mythological fantasy adventure. The
'Ramayana', like all the world's ancient epics, is timeless in its
storytelling. There is scope for infinite retellings and variations, so
long as one brings originality of vision and freshness of execution to
the task.
"In this case, many people who don't wish to read a
daunting novel several hundred pages long can pick up the graphic novel
and dive right in. No prior knowledge required. And of course, if you've
read all the 'Ramayans' out there, then you will probably enjoy this
one even more - just as a song changes in the voices of different
singers, or a sunset looks so different when photographed or painted by
different artists," Banker explained.
Banker's novel is the most
recent addition to Campfire's bestselling titles in the category where
they largely publish Greek and Indian mythology. These retelling of the
tales of Rama, Sita, Ravana, Karna and Draupadi are visually empowering,
bringing forth very different perspectives of these characters than the
ones we have often read of.
"Ravana: Roar of the Demon King", a
story of a demon who dared to challenge the gods and almost got away
with it, is an all-time bestselling title for Campfire. "Sita: Daughter
of the Earth" is a touching tale of love, honour and sacrifice that
reveals one woman's shining strength in an unforgiving world.
There
is also a series on the Kauravas - "Draupadi: The Fire Born Princess"
is the story of an astonishingly outspoken woman, abandoned at every
turn, and forced to make the difficult choice between revenge and
compassion.
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