Graphic novels have nuances of their own
Leo and Capri by M.L. Amarnath
hyderabad: Graphic novels have nuances of their own. A Bengaluru-based interior designer has taken memories from the past and given it a vision and a perky context with his series of Leo and Capri.
Graphic novelist M.L. Amarnath already has 26 other ideas for his series of books. Interestingly, he has included an Indian traditional boardgame at the end of the book to celebrate Indianess, “The aim was to rejuvenate the old board games of the past like chaturanga (chess) in modern times,” he feels.
The series tells the story of two parrots and their experiences in a world where everything from plants to animals are humanised and can speak and engage with humans. It’s a world which is familiar to children. He elaborates, “It all started when my first attempt with an animation studio of my own failed — we had managed to produce content that was interesting, explored India of the old, and created my series.”
He has also introduced zodiac signs into this novel. Amarnath adds, “The relationship between the parrots in the book is influenced by a relationship I had with a close friend. We have been the best of friends for the past 40 years and business partners for 38, we have gone through a lot together, and the book reflects our experiences.”
Amarnath hopes to attract readers towards animation through this series. He says, “I wanted it to be a like a collector’s item and also bring readership back to the animated form.”
The book is not only influenced by Indian classics, but also Tintin and Asterix and Obelix. “I loved the way they told the story of Europe, and was fascinated by the amount of research that went into these books. The historical facts may not have been accurate, but these books were one of my first inspirations,” he adds.
The 58-year-old is busy working on the next of the 12 part series. When he is not busy in parrot land, he loves helping his wife with her chocolate business.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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