In a first, singer-producer Tarana Marwah launches her new comic book

Two panels featuring Kiane from Komorebi’s comic, The Fall

Many children dream to live in a comic book. The fantastic flights to space, cool suits and superpowers that are an escape from dull reality. For musician and visual artist Tarana Marwah AKA Komorebi, that dream came true this Sunday at Bandra. In July this year, the singer launched her album, The Fall, with the promise of a new comic book connected to the storyline.

The story of Kiane from Candyland who dreams of journeying past the reaches of her home planet is a coming-of-age story that ties up with her journey through self-discovery, love and growth. The book is conceptualised by Trina Gupta, with illustrations by Neelav Ghosh. "The story is a journey of self-discovery. It is emotionally resonant with the experience of a 20-year-old trying to figure out her place in the world. It has a quarter-life crisis to it; a very human theme told from an alien perspective," the singer explains, while handling a soundcheck.

Tarana Marwah AKA Komorebi in performance

Admitting that as a child, she often dreamed of creating a comic book, Marwah says, "I have always intuitively been into this medium. So, writing a story was far easier. With all the uncertainty of life around, it is nice to have one thing that allows you to express yourself completely and understand yourself better. It was always a comfort to return to." The book, and its story, took a year to plan and design.
Popping with its hyper-pink colours, Marwah points out that the book has influences that have stayed with the singer through her creative journey.

"I often turn to Cartoon Network and manga comics for inspiration. I love the futuristic cyberpunk elements, neon, love for space, and existentialist questions in the story. The symbolism is all through space, celestial bodies and all of the things and discovering your own place through it," says the Delhi-based singer who is a fan of series such as Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood and Naruto Shippuden. The Japanese influence is not surprising, since she named her alter-ego, Komorebi - the Japanese term for sunlight leaking through the trees.

For now, her eyes are set on travelling with the comic book to ComicCons across the country. "When you are a child and have dreams, you do not often realise the work that goes into bringing them to life. In some way, a childhood reality has finally come true," she signs off, gleefully.

Log on to: thecomicbookstore.in
Cost: Rs 299