"Past is the New Future" Say Animators of Tomorrow...

chillibreeze writer — Sruti Nayani

Superman versus Ram. Spiderman versus The Sadhu. This is the new notion of comics in India today. While we have enjoyed Batman, Superman and Spiderman in the past, it is now time for us to step back in time for the past is the new future. And redefining it are Sir Richard Branson, author Deepak Chopra, filmmaker Shekhar Kapur and entrepreneurs Sharad Devarajan, Suresh Seetharaman and Gotham Chopra.

Virgin Comics in India was set up by these mavericks of the entertainment industry. Set in Bangalore, this company chooses to bring back the mythology of yore in a flashy and futuristic form to the contemporary generation of today.

It brings about character transformation in a more appealing form to the sci-fi generation. Whether it be the Ramayan 3392 AD or Devi, it is mythology all the way. Noting that mythology is the way for the future, these makers have used the stories, the concept and the characters in these stories and adapted them to the Generation Y.

While most other animators are looking to use mythology in its original form this company has gone a step further and taken a more formidable approach. It is interesting that this kind of awe-inspiring mythology, which has many of older generation is hooked on to it, has now found a following in today’s nuclei. Mythology in India is the answer and through Shakti, its Indian series of comics, it is bringing forward Ramayan 3392 AD, Devi and The Sadhu.

The founders have an interesting approach. This includes comics to animation to merchandising to films, television, to online content and gaming. They, however choose to popularize the comic book effect first. While Ramayan 3392 AD is a futuristic Ram. The Sadhu is a story of an Englishman who goes on to become a warrior, with spiritual links. Virulents talks of a private whose history is unknown, while Devi is the story of a female warrior.

Probably the most interesting concept is that of the superhero or super heroine. While most comic aficionados are familiar with this concept, they are not used to this in the Indian scenario. Facing this block hole, the makers have created this concept by using the already mentioned heroes or heroines in a new form.

The concept of fighting of the good versus the bad, the malevolent versus the divine is familiar to use through books of old. Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings are books which have brought these ideas into the forefront. The dark lords fighting the good forces and the underdogs winning in times of trial are all old and familiar models.

However, with breathtaking imagery and content, these ideas have taken the world by storm again. The Voices line, which is for new talent, and the Director’s Cut line, which features familiar names and famous film makers such as Shekar Kapur, John Woo, and Guy Ritchie are other concepts following the flagship series or Shakti.

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—About our writer:

Sruti says, "I am a former journalist who loves to read and write. I enjoy music and movies and my favourite author is Ruskin Bond."

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