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.
(The Author is President, Indian Comics Association. Courtesy: PIB)
