Post-millennial comics anthologies in India: the long haul to Longform. Issue 6 (2nd November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: De, Pinaki
• Is Part Of: Journal of graphic novels & comics. Volume 12:Issue 6(2021)
• Page Start: 1410
• Page End: 1422
• Publication Date: 2021-11-02
• Subjects: Indian comics -- comics anthology -- comics collective -- Drighangchoo -- Longform; Graphic novels -- Periodicals; Comic books, strips, etc -- Periodicals; Popular culture -- Periodicals; Art, Modern -- 21st century -- Periodicals; Art, Modern; Comic books, strips, etc; Graphic novels; Popular culture; Comicroman; Comic; Periodicals; 741.5
• DOI: 10.1080/21504857.2021.2010981
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2150-4857

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The essay traces the growth of comics anthologies in India after Independence to the present time. The post-millennial works are particularly interesting as they break away from conventional subjects and experiment both in terms of content and form. The ideological trigger that most often draws the collaborators together results in subversive shorter pieces that allow the creators to express themselves in an unfettered way. This trajectory of evolution also provides a context to the personal experience of the author, a key member of the Longform Collective. The journey from Drighangchoo, a comics magazine that originated in Jadavpur University, Kolkata to Longform: An Anthology of Graphic Narratives Vol 1 is a long one, full of trials and tribulations. The processes and the work-flows that are involved in the making of Longform while it sought to cater to readers across the country and abroad are discussed here which in turn provide a robust template of how such potential collaborations can happen in future.