Abhishek Singh

As much as I love Hindu mythology, the Mahabharata and always try to read as many retellings of the epic as I can, it’s always surprising when I discover something I didn’t know by an Indian author. So when I first saw some of the artwork from Abhishek Singh’s graphic novel Namaha shared by Shveta Thakrar on Twitter, I was slack jawed with awe because it was just so unexpected and stunning. And when I got the opportunity to read Krishna, I couldn’t let it go.

The art style here is very very unique and as someone who is not very acquainted with the medium of comics or animation, I can’t really tell you what this style alludes to or resembles. I just found it utterly captivating, and the colors used are so bright and vibrant that I kept gaping at them and had to immediately show it to my family and also recommend to my friends. I particularly adored the panels depicting the cities of Vrindavan, Mathura and Hastinapura. And the ones where we get to see His divine form are transcendent. My only minor complaint would be that I found the female characters’ portrayal a little uncomfortable. While the colors are so joyful, the writing has more of a melancholic air to it, with Lord Krishna contemplating over his own life and actions. The story itself concentrates on just two important chapters of Lord Krishna’s life, which just left me wanting more.

In the end, if you have a love for Hindu mythology and stunning artwork, this is the book for you. It’s not something you should read if you wanna know Lord Krishna’s story, but if you wanna experience a little of Him and His divinity through a visual medium. It’ll also make for a great addition to any collection, and I hope I’ll be able to buy it one day along with the author’s other works. For now, I’ll probably just go back to it and look at the art some more.… (plus d'informations)

I'll admit that I don't know a whole lot about Hinduism, but reading gorgeous comics such as these makes me hungry to learn more. I loved the dreamlike quality of the narration, drifting between linear plotted scenes and more abstract discussions of life. I feel like I mostly know Hinduism through its sagas, but not necessarily its philosophies per se, and Krishna definitely gave me more of an idea of its moral framework, beautifully conveyed through Singh's lush artwork. There is so much going on on every page, there were times I wished the book was larger so I could get a better look at everything.

I will say that the art had stylistic qualities akin to newer Disney animation, which I can't say whether I found as a benefit or drawback. On one hand, it's compelling me to look for animated Hindu tales (or hope that some will be made soon!) because these dramatic tales would lend themselves so effortlessly to that format; on the other, there were a few times where it detracted slightly from my engagement in the story. This occurred primarily with the depiction of women, who, more often than not, had that Disney-like hypersexualized form and very little agency. That, of course, may just be a by-product of the institution of the religion itself, but nevertheless took me out of the flow on occasion.

Regardless, I give this two enthusiastic thumbs up and am on the trail for more Hindu comics.

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Counting as my "religion other than your own" comics for the Panels' Read Harder challenge.… (plus d'informations)