SHAlINI SAKSENA speaks with Shamik Dasgupta, a comic book writer, about where India stands when it comes to the comic industry
Where does India stand when it comes to comicsIJ
At a very nascent stage. We have just begun. There was a glorious culture of comics in the past but after the 90s due to the invasion by cable TV, mobiles and Internet, a vast portion of the young readership has moved away from printed comics. Now, there’s a resurgence and we are trying to make up for the lost time by making our products of international standards on limited budget.
How do platforms like Comic Con helps comic writersIJ
It has helped immensely. New writers can showcase their work and established writers can approach the readership directly. There is scope of personal interaction between the publishers and customers.
Why is it that Indian comics are still not to well-knownIJ
lack of proper marketing. We have still not been able to market our books as aggressively as our Western counterparts. Budget remains the main constraint and the varied languages of India a major challenge. If we publish our books in English, there is a major fanbase in Hindi which demands the comics to be in Hindi, whereas the rest of the India doesn’t identify with Hindi. The market has become fragmented. However, we believe English is definitely the future as it is the singular language that binds the nation.
What are the latest comics you are working onIJ
I have just completed issue one of the first Vigilante Superhero from Yali Dream Creations called Rakshak. At present, I am working on Rakshak #2, the sequel of the The Caravan, titled The Caravan: Vengeance, another one-shot horror graphic novel called The Village and the next installment of Taranath Tantrik-TnT, it’s called Dark Beneath The lights.
Why is the Indian comic industry still so smallIJ
lack of investment, dedicated artists, everyone running after quick money, working as nameless drones in an animation studio or seeking greener pastures in foreign publications are some reasons. However, there are still a few dedicated artists pulling this endeavour forward.
What are the challenges the comic genre is facing today in IndiaIJ
First, money. Second, exposure. Third, lack of reading habits of Gen Y. However, we are hopeful we will overcome all hurdles sooner than later.