A sneak peek into the eighth edition of Bengaluru Comic Con that features international and Indian artists, cosplayers, experience zones and more.
Described as India’s greatest pop culture experience, Comic Con completes nine years in the country and eight years in Bengaluru. Apart from the biggest names in the industry, this edition features gaming areas, shows by the cosplaying fraternity, stand-up comedy acts and so much more. Jatin Varma, the founder of Comic Con India says, “Comics will always remain a part of Indian pop culture, and we have always had a great local tradition of cartooning and comics. With Comic Con, we have been able to provide a dedicated platform to Indian comics and pop culture. We hope to keep making it bigger and better each year.” Here’s what you can expect from the fest this weekend...
Ravi Ahuja, Bullseye Press
What can fans expect from your stall at the convention?
This year, we will be displaying comics from different genres, with a focus on fantasy, horror and action. We have a variety of comic books by artists and writers from India and around the globe.
What are your thoughts on the reader-base for comic books in India?
I think Indian fans have good taste and if they know when they find good material. There is a decline in readership, but that is generational and ebbs and flows happens in any industry. In my opinion, India does have a thriving comic book market which is growing every year.
Abhijeet Kini, Abhijeet Kini Studios
What’s new at the studio’s stall this year?
We will be showcasing two new comics Ek Din Ka Hero and Funtales of India at our stall, along with other collectibles and merchandise such as coasters, keyrings, earrings, and framed artwork, apart from posters and art prints.
What are the trends in the Indian comic genre?
I think this is a great time to be both, a comics reader and a comics creator in India. Current trends seem to be the concept of relatable content, slice-of-life kind of work. That is what we, at Kini Studios, have been doing for a long time too.
Sailesh Gopalan, Brown Paper Bag
What work will you be displaying at the event?
Apart from Brown Paperbag Comics, I have tons of merchandise for sale this year, ranging from prints and t-shirts to keychains and badges. I’ll also be present at the stall throughout to have conversations with my readers, who are otherwise only behind a mobile screen.
What are your thoughts on the Indian webcomic scene?
As far as I can tell, there’s a new webcomic popping up every couple of days. With the ease of access thanks to social media and the Internet, more and more aspiring artists and illustrators are trying their hands at making something that people can read and enjoy. It’s always been difficult to get readers to pay for content, so I think the more recent approach has been to make a name and audience for yourself before trying to monetise it. It’s a longer process, but with the amount of content available online, it’s becoming a more and more challenging industry to stand out in. And good competition paves the path for even better work.
Shubham Khurana, Corporat Comics
What can one expect from Corporat Comics at this year’s event?
Some of the fans of the page reached out to me asking for merchandise, so they can expect badges, stickers, magnets, tees and prints. I’m looking at Comic Con as an opportunity to meet some of them.
What do you feel about the state of comics, as a genre, in India?
I hate to sound like a cliché, but comics have truly come of age in India. The kind of reach platforms like Instagram and Facebook provide was previously unimaginable, even for a physical comic-book publisher. From slice-of-life stories and toons with regional nuances to elaborate digital artwork to doodles on paper, there is no one genre of content that is doing better than the other, which is really encouraging.
Rahil Mohsin, artist
What are you presenting at this year’s Comic Con?
All of my self-published works: The Big Sheep, Kiss Kiss Blam Blam, Blame it on Rahil and my latest superhero book Catdad and Supermom - Elefart Mayhem. Fans can expect lots of good conversations, great ideas, colourful comics and if you make it to the book launch event, an exciting animated book trailer of Catdad and Supermom.
What are your thoughts on the comic industry in the country?
Growing up, comics weren’t really taken seriously but I do see a lot of that changing. The advent of blockbuster superhero movies are mostly responsible in winning back people’s attention and encouraging them to read comics. And when these new patrons turn up at events like Comic Con, they are surprised to know of Indian creators. The response is usually warm, but we still have a long way
to go in terms of getting people to appreciate local home grown comics as well.
Keep an eye out for:
WWE Superstar Charlotte Flair
American illustrator Adam Ellis
Warwick Johnson-Cadwell, writer for franchise like Samurai Jack and Tank Girl
AmenoKitarou (AK Wirru), Sydney-based cosplayer
Rs. 599 upwards. Saturday and Sunday, 11 am. At KTPO Convention Centre, Whitefield
anagha@newindianexpress.com
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