Book review: Ditch the cape, lungi is cooler

Deep in the Indian Ocean a crab is ready to depart for a vacation on a firstclass seahorse journey to the Atlantic Suddenly hersquos surrounded by paparazzi and fins Fans he thinks so typical as he gives them his autograph His moment of gloating is shortlived ldquoWatakatturdquo Gilly his companion screams and the hero of the ocean is called to duty once again to keep the marine life crimefree This superhero crab mind you wears a lungiNishka Bhansali reads the book at her residenceAuthor Saahil S Sharmarsquos latest book for kids The Legends of Watakattu Claws of Justice Alpha Comics illustrated by Rishi Bhardwaj reimagines the superhero stories in the marine life of the water bodies of the world ldquoThe first volume is set in the Indian Ocean Every time Watakattu longs for a vacation and prepares to set off a villain crops up and spoils his plans In the second and the third volumes you will also see the superhero explore the lengths of the Andaman and the Atlanticrdquo Sharma revealsThe book also explores a love storyWhen GirgaumbasedNishka Bhansali gets her hands on the book she is barely able to put it down The eightyearold completes the book in one go ldquoI loved the illustrations the most They kept me engaged from the very beginning I didnrsquot know heroes wear lungisrdquo The child shares excitedly ldquoThe story begins in the Indian Ocean near the Inter Ocean Bus Stop and a sea horse who becomes the vehicle for Indian Ocean Roadways Just when Watakattu plans to take a holiday Gilly informs him about a robberyWatakattu the superheroThe Electric Earl the villain of the story is backrdquo Bhansali explains the plot of the story to the writer While she loves Watakattursquos character she particularly enjoys Gillyrsquos comical role and the many other marine animals mdash like sharks puffers clownfish whom she recognises as Nemo and sea grass mdash she gets introduced to ldquoThere were several words that I couldnrsquot understand but were interesting to learn once I was told what they meantrdquo she concludesEntry of the villain Electric Earl ILLUSTRATIONS COURTESYRishi BhardwajThe idea of creating a South Indian superhero emerged from Sharmarsquos trip to Chennai ldquoI am an environment enthusiast and love watching the Planet Earth Series by Sir David Attenborough I have always wanted to write about marine life The name Watakattu is actually a South Indian surname I have always wanted to create a series of stories based on marine lifeSaahil S SharmaThis series will further shed light on pollution and how it impacts marine life activity One such villain is born after he was trapped in a net for a long time Another volume will explore Andaman Crab Fest on a fivestar cruise where Watakattu is invited as well Little does he know that because it is a crab fest he will be the one who will be cookedrdquo Sharma revealsThe legend of Watakattu Claws of JusticeAge Group 6 to 13 yearsPrice Rs 199Ratings 34Log on to alphacomicsin amazoninAlso Read Book review Faith is everywhere