The first Indian comic books were primarily translations of popular Western comics like The Phantom and Mandrake the Magician. However, a new generation of Indian comic writers developed in the 1960s, and they began to create comics that were more anchored in Indian culture and mythology.
Anant Pai, who started India Book House in 1958, was pivotal in this movement. Pai was resolved to make comic books that would teach Indian children about their history and heritage. He began the Amar Chitra Katha series, which featured stories from Indian mythology, history, and culture, in 1967. The series was an instant hit and is still one of India’s most popular comic book series today.
Amar Chitra Katha’s Rising
Anant Pai began the Amar Chitra Katha series in 1967, telling stories from Indian mythology, history, and folklore. The series was an instant hit and is still one of India’s most popular comic book series today.
Amar Chitra Katha’s success led other publishers to develop comics based on Indian culture and mythology. Other popular comic book series from this period include Chandamama, Tinkle, and Raj Comics. Characters in these comics ranged from superheroes like Nagraj and Super Commando Dhruv to mythical figures like Rama and Krishna.
The Revival of Indian Comics
There has been a resurgence of interest in Indian comics in recent years. This is partly due to the success of Indian graphic novels such as Corridor by Sarnath Banerjee and The Adventures of Tintin in India by Abhijeet Ahmed. These graphic novels have demonstrated that Indian comic books may be as intellectual and engaging as Western ones.
Resurgence in recent years
1. There has been success in Indian graphic novels such as Corridor by Sarnath Banerjee and The Adventures of Tintin in India by Abhijeet Ahmed. These graphic novels have demonstrated that Indian comic books may be as intellectual and engaging as Western ones.
2. The growing popularity of digital comics has increased the accessibility of Indian comics to readers worldwide.
Creators of Independent Indian Comic Books
There is a growing trend of independent Indian comic book creators, in addition to graphic novels. These artists are experimenting with various genres and styles, from superhero comics to slice-of-life stories. Amruta Patil, Abhijeet Ahmed, and Vivek Singh are among the most well-known independent Indian comic book creators.
Some Indian Comics
- Amar Chitra Katha is an Indian comic book series that tells stories based on Indian mythology, history, and folklore. It is one of India’s most popular comic book series, with over 90 million copies sold.
- Tinkle is a bimonthly Indian children’s magazine with comics, stories, puzzles, and games. It has been published for over 40 years and is among India’s most popular children’s magazines.
- Raj Comics is an Indian comic book publisher known for its superhero comics. Some of its most popular characters include Nagraj, Super Commando Dhruv, and Doga.
- Graphic India is a comic book publisher that creates comics based on Indian mythology and culture. One of its most popular comic book series is Chakra: The Invincible, while another is Ramayana 3392 AD.
