India's Immortal Comic Books


Book Description

Combining entertainment and education, India's most beloved comic book series, Amar Chitra Katha, or "Immortal Picture Stories," is also an important cultural institution that has helped define, for several generations of readers, what it means to be Hindu and Indian. Karline McLain worked in the ACK production offices and had many conversations with Anant Pai, founder and publisher, and with artists, writers, and readers about why the comics are so popular and what messages they convey. In this intriguing study, she explores the making of the comic books and the kinds of editorial and ideological choices that go into their production.




The Book of Shiva


Book Description

Originally published in comic book form.




Rani of jhansi


Book Description

She ruled over a small kingdom, but dreamt of freedom for the whole country. In the great revolt of 1857, Lakshmibai, the Rani of Jhansi, matched wits and force with the best of British generals. The image of the brave Rani of Jhansi charging her steed through enemy lines, her sword raised for the next thrust, is forever imprinted in Indian hearts.




The Many Deaths of Laila Starr


Book Description

Humanity is on the verge of discovering immortality. As a result, the avatar of Death is cast down to Earth to live a mortal life in Mumbai as twenty-something Laila Starr. Struggling with her newfound mortality, Laila has found a way to be placed in the time and place where the creator of immortality will be born. Will Laila take her chance to stop mankind from permanently altering the cycle of life, or will death really become a thing of the past? A powerful new graphic novel from award-winning writer Ram V (These Savage Shores, Swamp Thing) and Filipe Andrade (Captain Marvel) that explores the fine line between living and dying through the lens of magical realism. Collects The Many Deaths of Laila Starr #1-5.




Anant Pai: Master Storyteller (Amar Chitra Katha)


Book Description

Anant Pai strode the Indian comics industry like a colossus. Using the comics format he told stories from mythology, history and literature to generations of children. Uncle Pai, as he was known, wanted Indian children to be familiar with their heritage. He believed that it helped build self-esteem and confidence. He also wanted to bring the children of this country together through stories. A chemical engineer by profession, Anant Pai gave up his job to follow his dream, a dream that led to the creation of Amar Chitra Katha and Tinkle. Amar Chitra Katha pays tribute to its creator and traces the story of the man who left behind a legacy of learning and laughter.




Shiva Parvati


Book Description

A powerful demon threatens the gods in their heaven. They need a saviour, who, Lord Brahma decrees, will be the son born to Shiva and Parvati. But Shiva – a badly-dressed, untidy, solitary ascetic – seems to enjoy bachelorhood. Even Parvati’s unmatched beauty aided by Kama, the god of love, seems unequal to the task of enchanting the stern lord. This illustrated classic is based on Kumara Sambhava of Kalidasa.




Immortal India


Book Description

Previously published in newpapers and magazines.




Media and the Transformation of Religion in South Asia


Book Description

This volume explores the effects of the religious transformation taking place in India as sacred symbols assume the shapes of media images. Lifted from their traditional forms and contexts, many religious symbols, beliefs, and practices are increasingly refracted through such media as god posters, comic books, audio recordings, and video programs. The ten original essays here examine the impact on India's traditional social and cultural structures of printed images, audio recordings, film, and video. Contributors: Lawrence A. Babb, Steve Derné, John Stratton Hawley, Stephen R. Inglis, John T. Little, Philip Lutgendorf, Scott L. Marcus, Frances W. Pritchett, Regula Burckhardt Qureshi, H. Daniel Smith, and Susan S. Wadley.




Immortal Weapons


Book Description

Collects Immortal Weapons #1-5. One volume packed with six thrilling tales of Kung Fu action. Follow Fat Cobra as he uncovers the true story behind his decades of adventure. See the action unfold as Bride of Nine Spiders is forced to confront her past after a disturbing relic surfaces at an exclusive auction house. Learn the mystery of Dog Brother #1 and how he may be involved in the string of disappearing orphans in Under-City. Then it’s Tiger’s Beautiful Daughter – her beauty is legendary; her kung fu, unmatched. Now learn how one of the most gorgeous women in the world also became one of its deadliest fighters! Plus: so many questions surround the Prince of Orphans. what is his mission on Earth? What is the nature of his incredible power? And is there anyone who can defeat his kung fu? When Iron Fist joins Aman on a life-or-death mission to fight monsters and banish ghosts, Danny may learn the answers to these questions...if he survives!




The Daily Struggles of an Immortal


Book Description

In a world where almost everyone has a superpower, Sam Archer finds himself with one of the most useless abilities of all - immortality. Sure, he can't die, but he sure as hell can't fight back either. If anything, the incapacity to die has turned out to be a hassle for Sam, with ridiculous requests for obnoxious favors being a primary concern. However, his coworker Lily Dodson is about to make his life a lot more interesting with her unique proposal. Buy the paperback and get the Kindle edition FREE through the Kindle Matchbook program. Warning: This book contains adult content that may not be suitable for all audiences, including suggestive adult scenes, slight harem elements, graphic violence, talk about self-harming behavior, and alcohol consumption/drug use. However, this book does not contain overly vulgar language, and it has parts you may find wholesome. Prologue I sent the message to my friend, and looked back up at her. "Okay, sounds good. That'll give me plenty of time to talk to Lily before tonight." I changed subjects. "So, what do you want to do until then?" She hesitated as she thought about it. "Well, I've told you the pressing issues. Do you want to hear about anything else right now...or can it wait?" I blinked at her in surprise. "Yeah, it can wait. Of course." "Then..." She bit her lower lip. "Can I take you to my place?" I smirked at her. "What? And play with me before you have to take me back to work?" She didn't smile. "Oh." I locked eyes with her, unexpectedly feeling nervous. She was completely serious. "Umm, okay." She stood up immediately, reaching her hand out towards me. She still wasn't smiling. Her gaze was intense. Damn, what was I getting myself into? The Daily Struggles of an Immortal is a full-length novel: ~ 85,000 words. Genre: Fantasy - Superhero Adventure / Superhero Romance / Humor