From
Tehelka Magazine, Vol 9, Issue 19 Dated 12 May 2012
CULTURE & SOCIETY
INDIAN SUPERHEROES
‘Avengers Assemble’
Which of our lately spawned Indian comic book superheroes has the staying power to sustain a franchise, asks Sunaina Kumar
Who: Munkeeman Creator: Abhishek sharma Publisher: Pop Culture Publishing
The others think he is a monster. He thinks he is a superhero. Munkeeman carries a lollipop at all times and when beating villains, asks them to “suck it”. No prizes for guessing Munkeeman’s genesis is inspired by the infamous Monkeyman who wreaked havoc on Delhi’s streets and rooftops in 2001.
Who: Chakra: The Invincible Creator: Stan Lee Publisher: Liquid Comics
Stan Lee’s Chakra is a Mumbai-based tech genius Raju Rai, who develops a technically enhanced suit that activates the mystical chakras of the body, unleashing newfound abilities. Science plus spirituality equals superpower is an old formula in a new avatar.
The Dark Knight rises yet again in the Indian subcontinent. Odayan is our dark hero who builds a criminal empire that challenges the reign of the ruler Zamorin. The Indian martial art series is set against the backdrop of 16th century Kerala when Kalaripayattu practice was at its zenith.
A rakshas kidnapped your kid? Kuber extorting too much money? Eklavya is the man of the hour. He can kill with a gun, a bow or a sling. But the single-thumbed, left-handed mercenary has a sideline in social activism: he offers a special discount for his services to SCs, STs and OBCs.
Who: Widhwa Ma Andhi Behen Creator: Adhiraj Singh Publisher: Pop Culture Publishing
The helpless duo of the ’80s Bollywood tearjerker wreak their weakness with a vengeance. In their comic avatar, they not only demystify Bollywood, but also wage a war against filmmakers like Dibakar Banerjee and Anurag Kashyap to keep good old Bollywood protected from cerebral fare.
