As one of Mumbai’s much-anticipated events Comic Con India 2018 unfolded recently, the talented group of students of Whistling Woods School of Animation left an impeccable impression at the annually held convention for comic book enthusiasts. 

With the guidance and support of Yusuf Mehta, head of department – animation, Whistling Woods School of Animation, the students displayed some exclusive and original comics aimed to transfer the reader into a world of awe-inspiring possibilities.

The comics displayed were a perfect amalgamation of excellent literature and visual representation showcasing the student’s creative abilities through the fluidity of thoughts and pictorial symbolism bringing the comic characters to life in the most splendid manner.

Speaking about Whistling Woods International’s (WWI) successful representation at Comic Con India 2018, Meghna Ghai Puri, president, WWI said, “At Whistling Woods, we encourage our students to think out of the box and challenge the status quo. It is excellent what these young minds had created! I would like to take this opportunity to thank Yusuf Mehta for his constant endeavour to lead and guide and most importantly nurture the innate potential in our students that have successfully translated into fine works of art.”

The illustrative comics on display at the WWI booth at Comic Con 2018 were:

• A unique union of Indian Folk-art styles and culturally rich stories, Nirvahana Volume 1 offered the audience the chance to revisit old folktales portrayed through the vision of Indian aesthetics. The comics were primarily made in the Gond art style from Central India, Pattachitra from East India and Kalamkari from South India. Likewise, taking off from the idea of Volume 1, Nirvahana Volume 2 also, was a reflection of Indian folk-art styles portraying the stories that either is a legend or a myth among the people. In addition, Volume 3 of Nirvahana was an anthology of short comics but this showcased international art styles whilst still keeping the stories indigenous to India.
• Menekapur showcased by the students was a blend of an illustration book and a graphic novel. This unique product portrayed the life of a Queenpin who rules over a red-light area called Menekapura.
• The students further displayed comics Ephemeral, Adhikar, Shaktirupen, and Born Again. While Ephemeral highlighted the temporary and transitional nature of every phenomenon known to us in our universe, Adhikaar narrated the civil rights and the extents to which people go to attain justice in the name of the rights they hold. Shaktirupen portrayed the story of a single mother trying to raise her daughter while shielding her from the hardships that she has had to face. The action-adventure comic Born Again recited a story about a man on a mission, training to fight his foes and willing to prove his worth to the people who matter.

In addition to comics, the students also displayed Kalaa – The Adult Colouring Book with themes revolving around the vast array of Indian folk-art styles.

As the event concluded, the students parted with optimism and confidence having received abundant appreciation for their collaborative efforts.