If the mountain cannot come to Mohammed, then Mohammed must go to the mountain.
Indian comics, picture books, graffiti and whacky art have maintained a battle for survival over years. Artists, illustrators and designers would scribble and sketch in the margins of their notebooks.
Then they would long for the time, when their art would be published. The Obliterary Journal (TOB), Volume 1 (BLAFT), is one such venture. It is bringing the mountain, to the many who need it. As a blend of comics, street-style grafitti, graphic stories and old-fashioned art. TOB has contributors from across India and Surinam. An entire section is devoted to street signs and art incorporated into it.
Says Rakesh Khanna, a TOB editor: “There was lots happening around the Indian comic circuit. But nothing was done. It would have been difficult to get an artist to publish 300 pages. The anthology has many contributors.”
The Journal is inspired by The Best American Comic series, an annual edition of books. Every year, it features a different theme and genre. BLAB, also an yearly presentation, is produced by the Chicago-based graphic illustrator. These two are the foundation for TOB.
“They are European and western in their base. On the other hand, The Journal focuses on India and South Asia. We are bringing the motley culture of Indian comic art together, on tangent.”
The contributors include Amitabh Kumar, Amruta Patil and others.
Also featured, are works from Malayalam, Bengali and other regional languages.
Excerpts from The Hyderabad Graphic Novel have been reproduced.
In addition, is GURK, a pictorial story about a donkey’s woes that begin when it eats too much. The work is by Vidyun Sabhaney.
Southern auto art flashes in The Journal. From posters of film stars and politicians, everything is showcased.
Rashmi Ruth Devadasan, another TOB editor says, “it is a one stop shop for off-beat art.”
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