The forthcoming edition of Indian Comics Convention will have international participants like Mark Waid and David lloyd. Founder Jatin Varma informs Karan Bhardwaj that the market is moving in the right direction
Not a long ago experts had written an obituary of the Indian comic industry. But thanks to smart and sporadic ideas and sharp marketing strategies that the comic industry started showing signs of revival. On the cusp of that came India Comic Con which provided the much-needed boost to the declining medium. However, the road to recovery was not about outpacing the new media of entertainment like TV, games or merchandise but to capitalise on them. What’s the reason behind the popularity of Chhota Bheem in the world of comic booksIJ Clearly, it is due to its immense recognition among the young fans. Thanks to the TV programme and its gripping storytelling that Chhota Bheem has been a fantastic seller in market. “Books cannot be the only medium of entertainment today. I myself grew up reading books but there are other enticing media available. The wisdom lies in collaborating with such media and push your own product,” says Jatin Varma, founder, Comic Con India. The young entrepreneur is busy handling the nitty-gritties of the comic convention which is due to happen from February 7-9 at Thyagraj Stadium (INA).
The books are cashing in on the popularity of superheroes and popular characters and there’s no harm in it. “All these are marketing initiatives. Not just books, characters are drawing packed crowds in theatre as well. Big stages are orchestrated by production companies just to narrate stories of popular teen characters,” says a marketing expert of a channel.
Interestingly, the superheroes and super villains are the latest fad of graphic novels in India. Agrees Varma, “Indians are always fascinated by the heroism or dark characters. Be it joker or Gabbar, such characters are a favourite in forthcoming novels.”
The comic convention too will see the launches of many interesting books like Aghori, Zombie Rising, World War One and others. Apart from that, the three-day event boasts international participation for the first time. The award-winning American comic book writer Mark Waid and David lloyd, a British comic artist, will be coming to India. Gabriel Ba, a Brazilian comic book artist, his twin brother Fabio Moon, known for his work on Casanova and John Steele layman, an American comic book writer would also attend the convention.
There will be a special show on the life of American cartoonist Charles M Schulz and his popular comic strip Peanuts. “We are bringing some of the best writers. Not only we want them to engage with the Indian audience but our industry will also meet them for the first time. Exhibitors and publishers would be able to share thoughts and ideas on how we can improve our industry,” says Varma, who believes that the industry is still not organised and has no financial support.
“But there are new online platforms where anyone can publish the books. It doesn’t require extensive network deals for low volume sales. For mass market, it takes years and heavy investments. We are dealing with an unroganised and a broken system,” he says.
The comic con is also going to be ticketed now onwards. “We have reached a scale where we can charge a nominal fee. If we won’t have tickets, we would be stuck in same position. We want to generate revenue to provide new things to audience. We want to provide more amenities and have lots of entertainment in a new venue of 50,000 sq ft,” he says.