President,
Indian Comics Association
The Indian comics industry has a rich and diverse
history that spans over a century. The concept of comics in India began as
syndicated comic strips in newspapers during the colonial era, introducing
popular Western characters like The Phantom and Mandrake the Magician. These
early strips laid the foundation for a uniquely Indian comic tradition.
Post-independence, the industry began to take shape, with iconic publications
like Chandamama, Champak, and many regional publications capturing the
imagination of young readers. Amar Chitra Katha's (ACK) launch in 1967 marked a
pivotal moment for Indian comics, telling stories of Indian mythology, history,
and folklore through vibrant illustrations.
The 1970s to 1990s are often referred to as the
golden era of Indian comics. Pran Kumar Sharma, creator of beloved characters
like Chacha Chaudhary, Billu, and Pinky, became a household name known for his
humorous yet socially relevant comics. Raj Comics emerged as a powerhouse,
creating iconic superhero characters like Nagraj, Super Commando Dhruv, and
Doga. This period saw comics reaching a broad audience, with children and
adults immersing themselves in fantastical worlds.
The 2000s ushered in the digital age for Indian
comics, bringing new players into the industry. These publications introduced
fresh perspectives and modern narratives to Indian readers, paving the way for
a new generation of creators. The COVID-19 lockdowns unexpectedly revived
interest in Indian comic books as readers reconnected with the medium. New
independent publishers emerged or gained prominence, pushing boundaries with
innovative storytelling and themes. The rising popularity of Manga in India
opened new avenues for Indian creators. Many new online comic book sellers also
emerged, some even venturing into publishing. Despite these advancements,
distribution, financial viability, and cultural and generational acceptance
remain key challenges for the comics industry.
Today, the Indian comics industry is poised for a
revival. With the launch of initiatives like the WAVES Comics Creator
Championship, a collaboration between the Indian Comics Association (ICA) and
the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), there is renewed hope for
the industry's resurgence. The championship was a key component of the WAVES
initiative, which seeks to elevate India's creative industries on the world
stage. By fostering a dynamic ecosystem that nurtures emerging talent,
showcases Indian comics globally, and fuses tradition with modern storytelling,
the ICA and WAVES are poised to impact the industry significantly.
The WAVES Comics Creator Championship features two
categories: Professional and Amateur. With a cash prize pool of Rupees Eight
lakhs, publication opportunities, and national recognition, this event is a
game-changer for the Indian comics industry. The competition format included
multiple stages, with an esteemed jury panel evaluating entries and selecting
winners.
The jury panel comprises industry legends who
brought their vast experience and expertise. Dilip Kadam, a renowned comic
artist and illustrator, has worked with various leading publishers and has been
instrumental in creating some of India's most beloved comic characters,
including Bhokal. Nikhil Pran, son of legendary cartoonist Pran Kumar Sharma
and a renowned comic creator himself, adds a unique perspective to the panel.
Jazyl Homavazir, an award-winning animation professional and the creator of The
Beast Legion, India's first and longest-running web manga, brings a fresh and
innovative approach to the contest. Sanjay Gupta, founder of Raj Comics and
creator of India’s most popular superheroes, provides valuable insights into
the industry's trends and demands. Preeti Vyas, President and CEO of Amar
Chitra Katha, rounds out the panel with her extensive knowledge and experience
in the content ecosystem.
The response to the championship has been
overwhelming, with thousands of entries received from across the country. After
a rigorous selection process, 76 semi-finalists were selected, including six
special jury mentions for 9-13-year-old students. These semi-finalists hail
from 50 cities across 20 states and NCR, demonstrating the championship's
commitment to promoting talent from all corners of the country. The competition
has now been narrowed to 10 finalists, who will compete at the World Audio
Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Mumbai.
The WAVES summit, scheduled to take place from May
1-4, 2025, promises to celebrate Indian creativity and innovation. As a
flagship event under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's (MIB)
"Create in India" initiative, WAVES aims to provide a platform for
Indian creators to engage with international audiences and forge new
partnerships.
The potential impact of the Comics Creator
Championship on the Indian comics industry cannot be overstated. By providing a
platform for emerging talent to showcase their work, the championship is
helping to foster a new generation of comic creators. The Indian Comics
Association's (ICA) role in supporting the industry and promoting Indian comics
globally has been instrumental in making this initiative successful. The ICA
and WAVES are leading the charge as the industry looks to regain its former
glory. With initiatives like the Comics Creator Championship, the future of Indian
comics looks brighter than ever.
(A PIB feature)
