There are several graphic artists in India that work off of their foreign counterparts, and present comic books that represent the traditions, culture and mythology of India. Suhas Sundra, an engineering graduate from the Indian School of Business has worked on various comics and animation projects, including 'Batu Gaiden', 'The Rabhas Incident' and most notably, 'Odayan'.
dna decided to get in touch with him and speak to him about 'Odayan', the comic book industry in India, the trials and tribulations he faced, as well as what makes a graphic novel work in today's world.
Why did you create the graphic novel series? What inspired you to do so?
We created 'Odayan' to be a part of the lineup of titles that were being published by Level 10 Comics. Inspiration for the series is the setting of feudal Kerala as well as martial art epics.
We created 'Odayan' to be a part of the lineup of titles that were being published by Level 10 Comics. Inspiration for the series is the setting of feudal Kerala as well as martial art epics.
In the Indian market, do you feel that graphic novels are starting to gain more and more popularity?
Certainly, though not on the scale it deserves. It is however heartening to see the number of books being churned out for mature audiences. One only needs to go to any online portal and see the reviews from fans for the books currently being produced and it makes me believe that there will be a lot more content coming our way soon.
Certainly, though not on the scale it deserves. It is however heartening to see the number of books being churned out for mature audiences. One only needs to go to any online portal and see the reviews from fans for the books currently being produced and it makes me believe that there will be a lot more content coming our way soon.
Which foreign and Indian novelists are you influenced by?
Too many foreign authors to list, but some of my favorites include Garth Ennis, Grant Morrison, Jean Van Hamme, Kazuo Koike, etc…from India I recommend, Saurav Mohapatra, Samit Basu, Sumit Kumar, Anant Singh.
How far do you see the series going?
Our current plan is to wrap it up in five books, but we will take a call based on how the story shapes up as well as fan response.
What has been the reception to the series so far?
The reception has been very positive and overwhelming, with fan art and reviews popping up all over the place.
Too many foreign authors to list, but some of my favorites include Garth Ennis, Grant Morrison, Jean Van Hamme, Kazuo Koike, etc…from India I recommend, Saurav Mohapatra, Samit Basu, Sumit Kumar, Anant Singh.
How far do you see the series going?
Our current plan is to wrap it up in five books, but we will take a call based on how the story shapes up as well as fan response.
What has been the reception to the series so far?
The reception has been very positive and overwhelming, with fan art and reviews popping up all over the place.
If you could write a graphic novel on any super hero, which would it be?
Batman… hands down.
Batman… hands down.
How would you make it more relatable to an Indian audience?
Batman as a concept is universal so I wouldn’t try to Indian-ise it in anyway. I would probably try to focus on an aspect of Bruce Wayne’s early training years by bringing him to India.
Batman as a concept is universal so I wouldn’t try to Indian-ise it in anyway. I would probably try to focus on an aspect of Bruce Wayne’s early training years by bringing him to India.
About the Author:
Suhas Sundar is an Engineering Graduate and an MBA from the Indian School of Business. He used to work out of Bangalore and Chicago in Information Technology before coming back to India to start Level 10 Entertainment, an angel funded company based out of Bangalore and Mumbai. As the Creative Director at this start up he was responsible for conceiving and executing IPs across comics and animation including 'Batu Gaiden', 'The Rabhas Incident' and 'Odayan'. Post Level 10’s merger with Japanese firm Zero Sum to form Nihodo Media, Suhas has taken over as the CEO of Nihodo Media and his second animated feature with frequent collaborator Deepak is slated for release on Cartoon Network in 2014.
Suhas Sundar is an Engineering Graduate and an MBA from the Indian School of Business. He used to work out of Bangalore and Chicago in Information Technology before coming back to India to start Level 10 Entertainment, an angel funded company based out of Bangalore and Mumbai. As the Creative Director at this start up he was responsible for conceiving and executing IPs across comics and animation including 'Batu Gaiden', 'The Rabhas Incident' and 'Odayan'. Post Level 10’s merger with Japanese firm Zero Sum to form Nihodo Media, Suhas has taken over as the CEO of Nihodo Media and his second animated feature with frequent collaborator Deepak is slated for release on Cartoon Network in 2014.
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