Picture perfect

Comic book lovers of all ages are in for a treatu00a0-- Wilco Publishing has launched its first set of educational titles, ranging from Indian mythology and biographies to Jataka Tales

Decades ago, Amar Chitra Katha had sowed the seeds. Indian households were introduced to Indian mythology, Jataka Tales, courtroom dramas between Akbar and Birbal as well as hundreds of other personalities and role models from Indian life. With the market opening up and the comic book in particular witnessing a return in numerous avatars, Wilco Publishing's set of comic books promises to bring more joy not just to kids but alsou00a0 parents, teachers and librarians.


Pic/Shadab Khan

At least that's what Ajai Shah, Managing Director, Wilco Publishing believes -- "comics are no longer a taboo. It's an effective medium of education, what we like to call edutainment." Wilco, which has been in the wholesale book business for 52 years released 52 titles recently, and has plans to add to this list in good time.

"We intend to introduce titles under diverse topics, from inventions and Indian temples to festivals, air planes and computers." Presently, the titles vary from Hanuman and Krishna under mythology to leaders like Shivaji and Rana Pratap, Jataka Tales and tales from Akbar and Birbal.

Shah has a different take on the flood of players around -- "competition helps lift the market. Together, we can create an awareness of India and everything it offers. Besides, our titles are high-quality products; the language is simple too." With solid editorial inputs from experts, scholars and history books, Shah is confident that he has a winner on the bookshelf. He is hopeful that schools across India will warm up to this educational product, which goes by the motto -- to inspire, enrich and delight.

When we got our hands onu00a0 a set of twelve titles, we were struck by the clean storyboard format on each page. Crisp and easy-on-the-eye language and illustrations will draw in non-readers. Though we would've loved to see more dramatic illustrations in some of the scenes from the mythological titles. Still, the intent and the content is bound to find many takers across Indian homes and schools.

Indian Mythology & Tales/ History/ Divinity/ Biographies/ Poets/Leaders, Rs 50 (each title), Wilco Publishing. Available at leading bookstores.

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