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

Adaptations to graphic novel format can be a tough challenge. Particularly if the content in question is The Ramayana. And even more so if you have an Argentine illustrator to unravel the visual aesthetics. Ashok Banker, author of the bestselling Ramayana series tied up with celebrated illustrator Enrique Alcatena from Argentina to create Prince of Ayodhya Volume 1, the first in a series of stunningly recreated graphic novels based on this epic. Lucidly written against breathtaking visuals, the presentation is a refreshing look at one of India's most loved and popular epics.

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.