The ninth edition of Mumbai Comic-Con has begun, bringing together the best of comic books, cosplay, workshops, gaming tournaments and experiential zones. Apart from offering a grander show, the two-day annual extravaganza will be hosting international creators such as UK-based comic book artist Alison Sampson known for Hit-Girl and Sri Lankan graphic novel creator Sachi Ediriweera.
A first for both Sampson and Ediriweera, the artists are thrilled about their visit to India as they come bearing colourful image of the city. While Ediriweera is keen on exploring the rich art history of India reflected in local comic creators, for Sampson, it is a homecoming for her comic Hit Girl: Mumbai. Written by Peter Milligan and illustration by Sampson, the Hit-Girl: Vol 6 brings to life the character of Mindy who has landed in Mumbai looking for a new mission and soon enough, finds one. “I have not been to India before, but I’ve spent so long thinking about Mumbai. I want to see if I have got it right. I always undertake research on where my comics are set and use the information to help tell the story. Being a guest in the city, both in the making of the book and in visiting, I would like people to see it, and hopefully, enjoy it,” smiles architect turned illustrator. As she makes her way to the city, the artist is busy finalising the colouring on the last issue of Hit-Girl: Mumbai and is, “Reviewing pages and making tiny corrections on the way.”
Sri Lankan filmmaker and illustrator Ediriweera who shot to fame with Lanka’s first English graphic novel Lionborn, that re-imagines the Sri Lankan legend of Sinhabahu, credits his background in filmmaking to have pulled him through his debut graphic novel. “Being in film line taught me how to be economic with storytelling, as I used to tailor my scripts to fit the budgets. But with comic books I can easily set a scene in an exotic location with huge explosions taking place and not sweat about the budget or the logistics of making it happen,” explains the artist who has directed short films Wildlings Within and Garden of Bones.
Though just one novel under his name, Ediriweera emphasises on making visual storytelling a key part of his illustrations. “When it comes to comic book art, I think there’s a range of art styles now and just when you think you've seen it all, you’d discover another obscure artist who is doing something entirely different. And I must add, the use of digital tools has played a huge part in enhancing illustrations,” he says.
As for Sampson, she loves making art that people can enjoy and is accessible. Moreover, she regards comic art as her spiritual getaway. “I have lots of things I need to do in my life, like looking after people and my house. But when I work on art then that is all I am doing. I can focus and just put all the other things out of my mind. You need a lot of concentration,” smiles the artist of GENESIS.
While real places, with or without architecture, and people of all ages, shapes, and sizes inspire Sampson; to Ediriweera, anything artistic muses him. However, in case of a creative block, he prefers taking long walks to clear his mind.
In their future endavours, Sampson is drawing the adaptation of Stephen and Owen King’s novel, Sleeping Beauties that will be out by April 2020. And the Sri Lankan artist post his debut novel and few short web comics is currently, “Writing and drawing a sci-fi adventure story set in a futuristic version of Sri Lanka,” he concludes.
