Neelakshi: the graphic novel

Neelakshi is our new graphic novel project, the realization of the dreams of two comic book fans.

Magic comes from magic. One of the oldest stories in Hindu mythology is the churning of the ocean of milk. Gods and demons churned that ocean in the pursuit of Amrit. Mrit means death, similar to the Latin mors, meaning death, as in mortal. Amrit is immortality. Divine tools used to churn were the tallest mountain, a giant tortoise and the lord of all snakes.

Many were the magical gifts thrown up by the churning but the gods and demons kept at it till Amrit, the nectar of immortality emerged from the white depths.

Asvin Srivatsangam and I, decided to churn our thoughts and love of comics one day and magic happened. Neelakshi emerged from the depths of our brainstorm.

Motifs from Hindu Mythology

Hindu mythology is just like an ocean of milk; it is the repository of millions of stories and motifs. Modern storytellers still create derivative stories drawn from the depths of this ocean. Asvin and I wanted to explore a different route and not just retell existing legends or epics. There are many who take that road.

We decided to create a brave new heroine, who is drawn into the three worlds of Hindu myth: the worlds of the demons, demigods and mortals. And see what happens when a dash of scifi is added to mythology. And also infuse it with our wish for universal peace. We created Neelakshi, the blue-eyed one. We hope you fall in love with her.

For a graphic novel, a good story is not enough. Good art is paramount. Asvin is the creator and visionary, I am the writer, Judit Tondora is one of those rare artists who are also good readers and contribute in many bonus ways to the final form of the book and Roland Pilcz , our amazing colourist. We have been lucky enough to enlist the services of these two wonderful artists. Everyone in the team is enthused, and it shows. Please visit their sites to appreciate how lucky we are.

We need funds

After interesting a leading comicbook publisher, we have started production. We also put up this project in kickstarter, with the idea of asking the internet public for support. We were happily surprised to find generous souls who readily contributed to the project. We need more, and have promised gifts in return. We are giving pinups, poster, copies of the graphic novels and a pendant as worn by our heroine. We are also considering making the highest contributor a good character in our next graphic novel. For we don't intend to stop creating books in this genre with Neelakshi. If you feel generous, please contribute, however much you can. Your contribution is tax-exempted. Sharing the kickstarter link with comicbook fans and friends is also welcome. Padmini Raman, who creates the most beautiful jewellery in the world has generously offered to make Neelakshi's special oxymoronic peace pendant: swords forming the peace symbol. Please visit Padmini's blog to see the beauty she creates.