15 January,2011 06:24 AM IST | | Fiona Fernandez
How did an Argentine illustrator end up colouring panels for Ashok Banker's graphic novel adaptation of The Ramayana? The GUIDE listens in on this unique jugalbandi that took shape across diverse cultural landscapes
Ashok Banker - Writer
What were the challenges while adapting the Ramayana into a graphic novel? How long did the process take?
The biggest challenge was finding a publisher willing to fund the project. As with my Ramayana Series of novels and every other novel I've written to date, that proved impossible. Somehow, none of my projects find backers before they're realised. Once the books are published, everyone says "Hey, great," but it's been an uphill task getting anyone to see the potential before it's executed. So I had to fund the process myself, pay Enrique from my own pocket and work between books. Because I work very slowly as a writer and need to be absolutely sure of every detail before I go ahead, this first graphic novel itself took us four full years. As for the creative part, it was a breeze. Enrique is that rare brilliant artist who shares my vision of the story and approach, and somehow intuits exactly what I want from my script. His beautiful art is what makes this work special.
Did you have any apprehensions while working in this format?
Oh, I've written comics since I was a kid. I've never had any published until now, for various reasonsu00a0-- some of which are mentioned in the Introduction to this graphic novel. But I've written a graphic novel titled Becoming Kali for DC Comics Vertigo, which is awaiting publication and has been optioned by Warner Bros USA. If I was working with an American artist, I don't think this book would have turned out as it has, but again, Enrique's art was such a perfect blend of great visuals and traditional look that it was like seeing my mind's visual dreams put on paper.
What was it like, while collaborating with artist Enrique Alcatena, especially since he was not from India?
It was a wonderful experience. After all, even I'm from an Anglo-Indian family, with half-British parentage originating from Sri Lanka, and not a Hindu myself, so if I could take on subjects such as The Ramayana and The Mahabharata, why not an Argentine artist! Enrique has actually steeped himself in visual research about our culture for several years. His comics for European publishers had already proved how brilliantly he could capture Indian motifs. His creatures and imaginative art is his trademark. But even so, he exceeded all my expectations by simply executing my script exactly as written, panel-by-panel, page-by-page, while bringing a richness of detail and originality of style that just can't be matched by typical airbrush comic art that you see in most Indian comics. This is genuine art, not merely comic book art.
Enrique Alcatena - Illustrator
What drew you towards this project?
Reading Ashok's novelisation of The Ramayana was a profound and moving experience, which prompted me to write to him to express my admiration for his work. I felt Ashok would be happy to know that he made an impression on foreign readers from the other side of the world. We connected and eventually, when Ashok suggested the possibility of working on a comic book adaptation of his work, I was elated. It is a dream project.
Did you face any limitations, especially since you haven't visited India?
I have been interested in Indian culture and lore for as long as I can remember. In spite of being a foreigner, nurtured in a completely different tradition, I tried to instill in my work all the respect and love I feel for India and its spiritual legacy, a treasure for all mankind.
What kind of background research did you have to do for this graphic novel?
Usually, I give great importance to background research in my work, a task, which, far from considering it a drudge, is one of the most enjoyable and thrilling aspects of the creative process in my case. Through the years, I have gathered an impressive quantity of books and files for visual reference on the subject, which I'm now putting into use.
The Prince of Ayodhya, Volume 1, Ashok K Banker and Enrique Alcatena, Penguin India, Rs 350. Available at leading bookstores
