Calling All Enthusiasts: Register For India's First-Ever Homegrown Comics Festival

Comics have been central to pop culture for over a century, evolving from colourful escapism to a powerful medium for social commentary and artistic exploration. Their iconic characters and universes have inspired literature, art, cosplay, films, and TV shows.

From mythological tales to modern-day superheroes, they've been a part of our lives for decades. Now, they're more diverse and vibrant than ever, reflecting India's progress and creating a rich comic book culture. However, this is the first for an Indian comic festival to take place and give a platform to the untapped talent within the independent comic book community of India.

From the grandeur of Amar Chitra Katha to the advent of modern-day heroes like Chacha Chaudhary, Nagraj, and Suppandi, they've been our companions through epochs. Now, in the digital age, they've evolved further, embracing new mediums and reaching even greater heights. Webcomics and graphic novels have been increasingly on the rise to carry on the tradition of Indian storytelling.

Hamza Sayed, the founder of The Comic Book Store, started from a small room in 2019 and opened India’s first physical comic book store in Bandra in 2022; establishing a community of comic book collectors from around the country and beyond. It is within this flourishing vision, that the inaugural Indian Comics Festival is taking shape.

The first-ever Indian comics festival in collaboration with Revolver Club is more than a contest. By breaking away from the constraints of tradition, the contest not only amplifies the diversity of voices within the Indian comics terrain but also solidifies the festival's commitment to nurturing an environment that recognises, celebrates, and enhances the creative spirit in all its forms.

The inaugural edition of the Indian Comics Festival is set to redefine the boundaries of artistic expression. Creators including Anand Radhakrishnan, Abhijeet Kini, and Santanu Hazarika will grace the stage, presenting their works that stand at the forefront of Indian comics. 

Complementing this, a panel discussion led by the insightful Mojorojo (Rohan Joshi) promises a stimulating exchange of ideas, delving into the profound societal dimensions of this beloved medium. The festival will further offer an exclusive workshop led by Ayushi Rastogi, focusing on the intricacies of storyboarding and publishing comics, providing a rare opportunity for emerging artists to hone their work. The crescendo of the event will be a live performance by the enigmatic Tarana Marwah, known by the stage name KOMOREBI, adding a musical tinge to this celebration of artistic expression. Ending with an after-party featuring performances by Todh Teri (Live) and Blurry Slur (DJ Set).

The contest is an integral part of the festival, adding an extra layer of excitement and opportunity for budding comic creators. This competition, aptly named The Comic Book Contest, opens the door wide for independent illustrators and comic book artists from across India. What sets this contest apart is its complete lack of restrictions - no confines on style, genre, or even page count.

The winner gets their work published and promoted by The Comic Book Store.

The festival will take place on 7th October 2023 at House Of Pandora (Bandra). To contribute your work, and your ideas, or to support this event, reach out to them at Social@therevolverclub.com by September 25th, 2023.

Find out more here. 

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