Tell us about Avatarex.
In Avatarex, the epic world collides with the realities and cultural upheavals of contemporary India.
Why the decision to move east with superheroes and comics?
I wanted to explore the reactionary soldiers who arise from cultures with more faith in tomorrow unlike the west, where the future is to be feared.
You’ve now worked on two comics with Graphic India.
Yes and the work I have done with amazing Indian artists is changing my perception of Indian graphic novels.
Why are you collaborating with Humble Bundle, an online comic portal that divides the proceeds between creators and NGOs?
It gives me a chance to make a difference in the all-important fight against poverty and illiteracy.
Tell us about your first comic book series: 18 Days in India.
18 Days is a reimagining of the Mahabharata, turning it into science-fiction.
You have worked with ‘traditional-on paper’ comics. What about comics going digital?
While I love my traditional paper, I like the democracy of digital comics.
Avatarex is your first digital comic. What are the challenges you faced?
I had to work out a process to think of shorter episode breaks.
Comics, of late, are going through an image makeover—with Spiderman being black, and Kevin in Archie’s being gay.
I am delighted to see younger creative talent breaking the established character images.
If you were a superhero, which one would you want to be and why?
Flash. His simple, sleek costumes, chunky yellow boots, gorgeous emblems made him a favourite.
More plans of writing India-based comics?
My plans for India are getting started.
