Who would have thought that the Ramayana could be retold as a story set in the year 3392? Well, Shamik Dasgupta sure did. Now you know what sets him apart from the others. At 35, Shamik has penned several graphic novels, making him one of the most popular comic book writers in India. He is now working with Yali Dream Creations. “At Yali, we’re working on multiple projects, including Rakshak, our first vigilante superhero, The Caravan: Vengeance!, the much awaited sequel to the 2013 hit, The Caravan, and The Village, a social horror, a genre unexplored in India. Besides this, I am also involved in the art direction for a couple of other projects called Warpath of the Kings and Scions of the Cursed King,” says an excited Shamik.
Introduced to comic books at a very young age by his father, Shamik’s first character was none other than Ram. He narrates the story of how he came up with the idea, “It was a gradual process. There were long discussions with director, Shekhar Kapur and author and filmmaker, Gotham Chopra. Their plan was to retell the story of Ramayana and they suggested that it could be set in a far-future Earth. Thus, I started developing the characters and the plotline.”
Shamik recalls the difficulties he faced to set up a career in comics. “We don't have too many comic book companies in India. It is only recently that Indians have been showing some interest in these types of books. This industry needs a big boost from the media,” he says. When asked about Rakshak and the idea behind it, the writer explains, “Rakshak's treatment is unique, it has been told from a very realistic perspective. How would it be if a guy decides to don a mask and fight crime here in India? It is possibly the most realistic character I have created so far. The growth of the hero, the challenges he faces are all set in the real world considering real circumstances,” he says.
Shamik reveals that there is a certain character that he would like to create, but he’s tight-lipped about it. “Let’s not spoil it for future readers,” he says. And if he could possess a superpower what would it be, we wonder? The ability to make a lot of money, of course.