Summary
Comics are a medium used to express ideas pictorially, often combined with text to enhance the message.
Creating comics is accessible to all, whether you're narrating superhero tales or everyday stories involving characters like parents, teachers, or even a local shopkeeper who knows you well.
Unveiling the World of Comics
What exactly are comics? According to Google, our go-to source for answers these days, comics are a medium used to express ideas pictorially, often combined with text to enhance the message. Although comics started gaining traction long ago, their evolution has accelerated, mirroring advancements in technology such as mobile phones and computers.
The Decline and Revival of Comics
In India, and particularly in Kolkata, comics have always enjoyed widespread interest. However, the rise of mobile phones and the decline of traditional newspapers and magazines have led to a noticeable dip in comic popularity. Despite these challenges, there's no reason why comics can't make a strong comeback. Once thought of primarily as a source of comedy and fun for kids, comics now have the potential to serve as a valuable tool for conveying information across various subjects and to audiences of all ages.
Comics as an Educational Tool
'Globalizing Indian Thought' (IIM Kozhikode) effectively shares insights about the institution and the prominent figure with different audiences Amar Chitra Katha
'Food and Farming' aims to educate the public on food security and agriculture—a crucial yet often overlooked subject. Leftword Books
'Pad Man meets Suppandi' was designed to appeal to a broad audience beyond just those familiar with Suppandi. Amar Chitra Katha
For instance, the Amar Chitra Katha comic on IIM Kozhikode and Meherbai Tata effectively shared insights about the institution and the prominent figure with different audiences. Similarly, the comic "Pad Man meets Suppandi," also by Amar Chitra Katha, was designed to appeal to a broad audience beyond just those familiar with Suppandi. The recent publication "Food and Farming," which I worked on with Orijit Sen and Vidyun Sabhaney, aimed to educate the public on food security and agriculture—a crucial yet often overlooked subject.
Demystifying Comic Creation
A frequent question at the workshops I conduct is whether everyone can create comics. The answer is a resounding yes. Creating comics is accessible to all, whether you're narrating superhero tales or everyday stories involving characters like parents, teachers, or even a local shopkeeper who knows you well. You don’t need to be a master artist to tell a compelling story through comics.
The Path to Becoming a Comic Creator
With practice, aspiring comic creators can refine their skills and eventually collaborate with other writers and artists. This collaboration allows for specialization in areas such as artistry, scriptwriting, coloring, or lettering. The comic field is open and eagerly awaiting fresh perspectives from new creators ready to showcase their vision of the world.
Embracing the Comic Revolution
Comics have a rich history and a promising future. By embracing their versatility and encouraging new talent, comics can once again become a significant part of our cultural landscape. The world of comics is ready for innovative creators to bring their stories and reflections to life, reinvigorating this dynamic art form for the modern era.
About the author: Harsho Mohan Chattoraj, a maestro of the graphic novel, with a portfolio that spans from the epic sagas of "Ghosts of Kingdoms Past" and "Chakrapurer Chakkare" to the contemporary explorations of "Hyderabad Graphic Novel" and "Kolkata Kaleidoscope," his work is a testament to his boundless imagination. Having collaborated with clients from India, the UK, and the US, Chattoraj's influence extends globally, making him a leading light in the world of graphic storytelling.
Last updated on 26 Jul 2024
