10 Indian graphic novels you must not miss

Graphic novels are not just better illustrated comic books. If one takes a closer look and reads through them, they'd realise how intricate and important this genre of literature actually is. When comic books come of age, they mature into graphic novels, some say. Take a look around at the growing market for it in India and see how this genre addresses some of the most apparent and pressing social issues of the country. This graphic novel in India used to be under-appreciated once, but over the years, with the emergence of powerful illustrators and insightful storytellers, the graphic novel scene in India has grown and contains some of the finest works of literature as well as art. Here’s a look at 10 such brilliant graphic novels from India that have taken the comic book scene extremely seriously.

Photo: Dynamic Forces Inc

Focussing on the pains and predicaments faced by the Kashmiris on a daily basis, the graphic novel features multiple perspectives, and a majority of it is seen through the eyes of one reformed militant locked up in jail.

Photo: Phantomville

This retelling of the classic Arabian Nights story follows an auto-rickshaw driver named Ali Baba in Mumbai. He witnesses a plunder incident involving a gang of 40 thieves and descends into the sleazy underbelly of Mumbai’s underworld.

Photo: Penguin Random House

Centering around the lesbian protagonist whose lover has abandoned her, this powerful novel showcases, in a dark and gritty undertone, the two main characters emerging from different broken backgrounds and the path they embark on that helps them fix themselves little by little.

Photo: HarperCollins

Considered by many as India’s first graphic novel, “Corridor” tells the story of a tea vendor in Delhi and chronicles his daily life and his interactions with people who visit his tea stall. His life and incidents are played out by narrations carried forward by customers and the novel is a beautiful portrayal of the tragic isolated existence of modern civilization.

Photo: Penguin India

Set in 1975 Delhi when India was in a state of Emergency under Indira Gandhi, this graphic novel is a blend of fact and fiction. The book focusses on three Marxist friends who are also believers of The Prophet, and seeks to redefine the essence of politics, corruption, democracy in such historically chaotic times.

Photo: HarperCollins

The book perfectly encapsulates the evils of child abuse and violence. It follows the young school girl Maya, and depicts a shocking shooting at an Indian school. Moving back and forth in narrative and making the book more credible, “Hush” captures the spirit of the teenage angst at turbulent social times.

Photo: Manta Ray Comics

The beautiful graphic novel deals with social and moral issues with the theme of love connecting each story. Charming, funny and witty, “Legends of Halahala” makes us want to delve deeper into the strange world that we see through Appupen’s eyes.

Photo: HarperCollins

The story is a retelling of the Mahabharata, and talks about the three generations of powerful warriors, climaxing in an epic war that brings about the end of days for both god and man.

Photo: Dynamic Forces Inc

Munnu is a beautiful graphic novel that illuminates the conflicted land of Kashmir through a 7-year-old boy’s childhood. The wonderful graphic novel is an experience of conflicts and possibilities.

Photo: Fourth Estate

One of the darkest graphic novels of India, this multi-issue series focuses on an ordinary man leading a normal life, but as he gets torn apart from his family, he sets out seeking answers. Leaving the known world behind, he embarks on a 12-year journey that ends with him becoming an Aghori, one of the dark ascetics of the Himalayas.

Photo: Holy Cow Entertainment

The brainchild of four experts in the field of graphic narratives -- Sarbajit Sen, Debkumar Mitra, Pinaki De and Sekhar Mukherjee -- Longform Volume 1 brings the genre to the forefront and initiates the conversation about graphic stories in India with a strong footing. This unique collection of stories features 30 graphic artists from various places, with their own discrete narrative techniques. The stories range from quirky to sophisticated. Whether it's South Korean artist Heeseon Kim’s “The River”, Promit Basu’s “Fairness Cream”, or Nikhil Chaudhary's "Saline Intrusions", every story reflects the contemporary reality and presents the truth in a direct, uncomplicated narrative.

Photo: HarperCollins

Image: HarperCollins