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Krishna: A Journey Within
A searing, human portrayal of Krishna, the god of all gods awaits you in A JOURNEY WITHIN. Journey along through his pastimes that have swayed the ages. The final confrontation between the fire of man's consuming greed to conquer all, and the supreme power of the Divine Spirit.
300 pages, Paperback
First published December 5, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
September 3, 2020
As much as I love Hindu mythology, the Mahabharata and always try to read as many retellings of the epic as I can, it’s always surprising when I discover something I didn’t know by an Indian author. So when I first saw some of the artwork from Abhishek Singh’s graphic novel Namaha shared by Shveta Thakrar on Twitter, I was slack jawed with awe because it was just so unexpected and stunning. And when I got the opportunity to read Krishna, I couldn’t let it go.
The art style here is very very unique and as someone who is not very acquainted with the medium of comics or animation, I can’t really tell you what this style alludes to or resembles. I just found it utterly captivating, and the colors used are so bright and vibrant that I kept gaping at them and had to immediately show it to my family and also recommend to my friends. I particularly adored the panels depicting the cities of Vrindavan, Mathura and Hastinapura. And the ones where we get to see His divine form are transcendent. My only minor complaint would be that I found the female characters’ portrayal a little uncomfortable. While the colors are so joyful, the writing has more of a melancholic air to it, with Lord Krishna contemplating over his own life and actions. The story itself concentrates on just two important chapters of Lord Krishna’s life, which just left me wanting more.
In the end, if you have a love for Hindu mythology and stunning artwork, this is the book for you. It’s not something you should read if you wanna know Lord Krishna’s story, but if you wanna experience a little of Him and His divinity through a visual medium. It’ll also make for a great addition to any collection, and I hope I’ll be able to buy it one day along with the author’s other works. For now, I’ll probably just go back to it and look at the art some more.
The art style here is very very unique and as someone who is not very acquainted with the medium of comics or animation, I can’t really tell you what this style alludes to or resembles. I just found it utterly captivating, and the colors used are so bright and vibrant that I kept gaping at them and had to immediately show it to my family and also recommend to my friends. I particularly adored the panels depicting the cities of Vrindavan, Mathura and Hastinapura. And the ones where we get to see His divine form are transcendent. My only minor complaint would be that I found the female characters’ portrayal a little uncomfortable. While the colors are so joyful, the writing has more of a melancholic air to it, with Lord Krishna contemplating over his own life and actions. The story itself concentrates on just two important chapters of Lord Krishna’s life, which just left me wanting more.
In the end, if you have a love for Hindu mythology and stunning artwork, this is the book for you. It’s not something you should read if you wanna know Lord Krishna’s story, but if you wanna experience a little of Him and His divinity through a visual medium. It’ll also make for a great addition to any collection, and I hope I’ll be able to buy it one day along with the author’s other works. For now, I’ll probably just go back to it and look at the art some more.
February 20, 2013
Brilliant artwork, simplicity throughout. A delight to read. Some pages soar to artistic expression that thrills while others seem like a kid playing with his favorite hero models. The text feels almost like an afterthought and I feel that I might just have enjoyed the book more if it was a set of silent stills and graphics with all meaning to be derived from your past readings while the imagery is being supplied by the author/artist.
Hardly anything is given any space in the book and it barely touches on the drama that is latent in it. This adds to the sense of a dreamy retelling that is not meant to amuse or to entertain but simply to lull you into a gentle nodding ascent, like how you used to listen to your grandmother tell these stories - the details never were to be told, they were to be enacted later in your imagination. The story plays out again and again only adding to itself by the dance of repetition and of adumbration. Abhishek has transmitted this sense of reading/listening into his artistry and catches us in that spell. This is certainly a rich successor to his previous works.
Hardly anything is given any space in the book and it barely touches on the drama that is latent in it. This adds to the sense of a dreamy retelling that is not meant to amuse or to entertain but simply to lull you into a gentle nodding ascent, like how you used to listen to your grandmother tell these stories - the details never were to be told, they were to be enacted later in your imagination. The story plays out again and again only adding to itself by the dance of repetition and of adumbration. Abhishek has transmitted this sense of reading/listening into his artistry and catches us in that spell. This is certainly a rich successor to his previous works.
February 20, 2013
The artwork is fabulous (tho the binding did fall in an awkward place on a few places). The pacing of the storyline is ... odd? slow? not what i was expecting? It's a mix of adventure story and meditation, and i'm not 100% sure it works. Also, for a person not familiar with Krishna, it's a bit annoying having to rely on the footnotes/definitions -- i wished the illustrations/text would have made things clear without needing to flip to the back of the book.
December 9, 2012
Wow, this graphic novel "Krishna: A Journey Within" by Abhishek Singh really blew my mind.... the writing, the graceful flow of the story, the art- I'm still processing it...
I hadn't seen this style of art used in graphic novels; the artist certainly had the spiritual understanding to translate the energy into the papers.
I hadn't seen this style of art used in graphic novels; the artist certainly had the spiritual understanding to translate the energy into the papers.
December 18, 2012
(More pictures on my blog)
Abhishek Singh's KRISHNA: A Journey Within is a spiritual tale told with artistry. It's visually captivating and I found myself engrossed in reading from beginning to end. I expected stories about deities to be more complicated but the storytelling here flows well, the writing is crisp, and there's a sense of magic attached to the world.
It's refreshing to see such a stylistic approach to Hindu mythology. The art is wonderful. I see a strong animation style, with the caricatured characters, occasional anime-style shadows, and the fluidity of the characters. The subject matter, especially religion, is handled tastefully.
My only gripe is the paper quality. It's the normal kind you see in comic books or magazines. It's not bad, but it's just normal. For art this good, I was expecting it to be printed on better paper. It's strange but I naturally associate that good art should be printed on good paper, and that was my first thought after seeing the first panel.
It's a comic book I can recommend wholeheartedly.
February 21, 2013
This book has a certain obvious appeal to me in particular, but I doubt anyone would argue that it isn't interesting and beautifully illustrated. The first person POV adds interest to an old story. Any one who is or was an Indian kid is going to be making the comparison to the much beloved Amar Chitra Katha comics that tell these and other stories. The art here is very different in style, I found myself eager to turn the page when I knew the iconic scenes approached. I wasn't disappointed.
January 16, 2013
Colorful and Soulful
February 25, 2016
In a story full of passions brimming over the rim, there was this one character who preached and practiced dispassion. Amidst a maelstrom of love, hatred and bloodshed he moved with a cold and calculative precision to restore what was dharma. For his seemingly ethereal way of life, this character was given the guise of a god as the ages went by. His sharp mind metamorphosed into a cosmic intelligence and his compassion for all living beings became a sort of divine love. Krishna has had many a role put upon him and the image of a god was but one of them and interestingly enough it is the one that stuck to him most. In Abhishek Singh’s graphic novel, it is this compassion of Krishna that attains a focal point around which all other attributes of the life and times of this blue god revolves.
The art work in the book is stunning and simply too good to be ignored. If you look at it with a critical eye, one can also say that it lacks a consistency in terms of visual style. One page might show great vistas of the Kurukshetra battlefield or the city of Mathura while in the next page the characters might be depicted as cartoonish, you move on to the page that follows it and the style of art effortlessly slips into the lines of south Indian murals. This to me as a reader was a clever move and rather than serving as a deterrent, it kept me engaged and interested in where the style of art would head next. Krishna also appears in three of his most popular roles in the book : the mischievous child, the young boy in love and the man who determined who would sit on the throne of Hastinapura. Underlying all these is Krishna’s understanding and acceptance of the world around him and of all the living beings that share the world with him. There is for instance the story of Kaliya – the giant serpent and his encounter with Krishna. Myths tell us that Krishna tap-danced away on Kaliya’s hoods until the living daylights went out of the snake. In this story however Krishna makes Kaliya see the wrongness of his ways and abashed, the serpent slinks away into the muddy depths of his watery realm. There are such hints dropped all through the book about the divine nature of the character and having seen, heard and read many a rendition of the character it was hardly surprising.
Do not make the mistake of making this your starting point to know about this wonderful character or the Mahabharata. If you start here and plan to work your way back to those stories, all of this would appear gibberish to you. Work it out the other way round and you will be find a visual treat in here. It would not add on any new layers to your understanding of these characters but on these pages you see them taking a life that you have only imagined in your mind. Most of the storylines are only hinted upon and are but superficial touches upon a grand tale. In my childhood, I had encountered a series of five books which told Krishna’s life in its entirety and in here all that is distilled into a good 200 plus pages.
Interestingly, Krishna even quotes Bertrand Russell once ! When the final negotiations with the Kauravas collapse, Krishna turns to Duryodhana and remarks ”Remember this, a war is not about who is right but who is left.” And so began that monumental war !
The art work in the book is stunning and simply too good to be ignored. If you look at it with a critical eye, one can also say that it lacks a consistency in terms of visual style. One page might show great vistas of the Kurukshetra battlefield or the city of Mathura while in the next page the characters might be depicted as cartoonish, you move on to the page that follows it and the style of art effortlessly slips into the lines of south Indian murals. This to me as a reader was a clever move and rather than serving as a deterrent, it kept me engaged and interested in where the style of art would head next. Krishna also appears in three of his most popular roles in the book : the mischievous child, the young boy in love and the man who determined who would sit on the throne of Hastinapura. Underlying all these is Krishna’s understanding and acceptance of the world around him and of all the living beings that share the world with him. There is for instance the story of Kaliya – the giant serpent and his encounter with Krishna. Myths tell us that Krishna tap-danced away on Kaliya’s hoods until the living daylights went out of the snake. In this story however Krishna makes Kaliya see the wrongness of his ways and abashed, the serpent slinks away into the muddy depths of his watery realm. There are such hints dropped all through the book about the divine nature of the character and having seen, heard and read many a rendition of the character it was hardly surprising.
Do not make the mistake of making this your starting point to know about this wonderful character or the Mahabharata. If you start here and plan to work your way back to those stories, all of this would appear gibberish to you. Work it out the other way round and you will be find a visual treat in here. It would not add on any new layers to your understanding of these characters but on these pages you see them taking a life that you have only imagined in your mind. Most of the storylines are only hinted upon and are but superficial touches upon a grand tale. In my childhood, I had encountered a series of five books which told Krishna’s life in its entirety and in here all that is distilled into a good 200 plus pages.
Interestingly, Krishna even quotes Bertrand Russell once ! When the final negotiations with the Kauravas collapse, Krishna turns to Duryodhana and remarks ”Remember this, a war is not about who is right but who is left.” And so began that monumental war !
May 31, 2016
its not only a GN but an experience for me.marvelous art with mindblowing colour.the art was so realistic and the plot was also good,accurate as the myth.
June 5, 2013
Krishna: A Journey Within is without a doubt one of the most stunning graphic novels I have ever read. Each page is edge to edge with full-color images so lovely and fantastic that you feel almost as if you are being drawn into the tale of Krishna.
You do not have subscribe to the Hindu religion to thoroughly enjoy the tale of Krishna, who according to Hinduism is the eighth avatar of the Supreme G-d Vishnu. This is a story about a boy with a destiny that cannot be denied. Told from a very unique first-person perspective, it is about the dichotomies in life, the balance between all things.
There is action, there are epic battles, and there is stunning imagery, yet underneath it all it tells us of human nature. The artwork draws you in, and it is all in such an unexpected package, you will forget about the spiritual connotations and be enveloped in the magic of a story well told. Abishek Singh has created a masterpiece.
Bottom Line: For a story with the scope of that of the life of Krishna, this is a brilliantly edited and beautifully presented tale you will be sure to enjoy and want to share with others.
**This review is based on a copy received via a Goodreads, First Reads giveaway. The honest opinions and comments expressed are my own and are in no way influenced by Goodreads, The Publisher, or the Author.**
You do not have subscribe to the Hindu religion to thoroughly enjoy the tale of Krishna, who according to Hinduism is the eighth avatar of the Supreme G-d Vishnu. This is a story about a boy with a destiny that cannot be denied. Told from a very unique first-person perspective, it is about the dichotomies in life, the balance between all things.
There is action, there are epic battles, and there is stunning imagery, yet underneath it all it tells us of human nature. The artwork draws you in, and it is all in such an unexpected package, you will forget about the spiritual connotations and be enveloped in the magic of a story well told. Abishek Singh has created a masterpiece.
Bottom Line: For a story with the scope of that of the life of Krishna, this is a brilliantly edited and beautifully presented tale you will be sure to enjoy and want to share with others.
**This review is based on a copy received via a Goodreads, First Reads giveaway. The honest opinions and comments expressed are my own and are in no way influenced by Goodreads, The Publisher, or the Author.**
February 20, 2013
Why Krishna?
And if Krishna, why any words at all?
Why a jarring contrast in image maturity, even in successive panels?
And if Krishna, why any words at all?
Why a jarring contrast in image maturity, even in successive panels?
June 8, 2017
One of the best books I have read
December 8, 2020
The artwork is absolutely and the story flows seamlessly like a stream of consciousness. Absolutely loved it!
February 4, 2021
Disegni meravigliosi per una storia intensa e coinvolgente, anche per un profano dell'induismo
March 28, 2023
The art in this is BEAUTIFUL
November 13, 2019
A divine experience.
August 2, 2015
I'll admit that I don't know a whole lot about Hinduism, but reading gorgeous comics such as these makes me hungry to learn more. I loved the dreamlike quality of the narration, drifting between linear plotted scenes and more abstract discussions of life. I feel like I mostly know Hinduism through its sagas, but not necessarily its philosophies per se, and Krishna definitely gave me more of an idea of its moral framework, beautifully conveyed through Singh's lush artwork. There is so much going on on every page, there were times I wished the book was larger so I could get a better look at everything.
I will say that the art had stylistic qualities akin to newer Disney animation, which I can't say whether I found as a benefit or drawback. On one hand, it's compelling me to look for animated Hindu tales (or hope that some will be made soon!) because these dramatic tales would lend themselves so effortlessly to that format; on the other, there were a few times where it detracted slightly from my engagement in the story. This occurred primarily with the depiction of women, who, more often than not, had that Disney-like hypersexualized form and very little agency. That, of course, may just be a by-product of the institution of the religion itself, but nevertheless took me out of the flow on occasion.
Regardless, I give this two enthusiastic thumbs up and am on the trail for more Hindu comics.
******
Counting as my "religion other than your own" comics for the Panels' Read Harder challenge.
I will say that the art had stylistic qualities akin to newer Disney animation, which I can't say whether I found as a benefit or drawback. On one hand, it's compelling me to look for animated Hindu tales (or hope that some will be made soon!) because these dramatic tales would lend themselves so effortlessly to that format; on the other, there were a few times where it detracted slightly from my engagement in the story. This occurred primarily with the depiction of women, who, more often than not, had that Disney-like hypersexualized form and very little agency. That, of course, may just be a by-product of the institution of the religion itself, but nevertheless took me out of the flow on occasion.
Regardless, I give this two enthusiastic thumbs up and am on the trail for more Hindu comics.
******
Counting as my "religion other than your own" comics for the Panels' Read Harder challenge.
July 29, 2015
I would like to emphasize that this is more suitable to readers who already know Krishna (via books or Indian movies where they depict his pastimes along with Mahabharata) or likes him. The author here, assumes that audience are aware about Krishna's way of life and familiar with Mahabharata. I was curious about the title phrase saying 'A Journey Within' as conveying such message in manga/comic is hard! The graphics were really good. He (author) hit the spot in portraying emotions and the dialogues (when Krishna himself talks) were short but sweet. There, he delivers the point! This probably might be little confusing again to readers who are not much familiar with the war and the side-stories behind it. After completion, I felt like: its a very good attempt but not dead-on! That said, this will be a good pastime reading as everything is depicted in a pleasant way... just like Krishna :)
If one doesn't know anything about Krishna, but still are curious---> I would recommend an introductory book or may be YouTube videos (they have animated versions too if you don't want serious ones) before hitting this!
If one doesn't know anything about Krishna, but still are curious---> I would recommend an introductory book or may be YouTube videos (they have animated versions too if you don't want serious ones) before hitting this!
May 8, 2013
I received this graphic novel thanks to the giveaway program of Goodreads.com.
When I first opened this book, the vivid colors and great details made a powerful impression on me.
While I was never too familiar with the historical backgrounds of Krishna or any things related, this graphic novel served to draw my interest in not just this particular story the book focused on. I truly did not think my interest could be piqued in such a delightful manner.
However, as great as the artwork and intent of this novel is, I felt that the story was condensed a little too much. Of course, the full scope of the history of Krishna could not possibly be contained in this graphic novel. So, when you pick up this novel, you have to consider that the story might not be as detailed or fluid as one would want it to be. But, nonetheless, if you go in considering its limits, you will be impressed by Singh's beautiful novel.
When I first opened this book, the vivid colors and great details made a powerful impression on me.
While I was never too familiar with the historical backgrounds of Krishna or any things related, this graphic novel served to draw my interest in not just this particular story the book focused on. I truly did not think my interest could be piqued in such a delightful manner.
However, as great as the artwork and intent of this novel is, I felt that the story was condensed a little too much. Of course, the full scope of the history of Krishna could not possibly be contained in this graphic novel. So, when you pick up this novel, you have to consider that the story might not be as detailed or fluid as one would want it to be. But, nonetheless, if you go in considering its limits, you will be impressed by Singh's beautiful novel.
August 28, 2013
"Il mio viaggio avrebbe sopportato la prova del tempo? Sarebbe sbocciato come un fiore solitario su un albero morente?
E mentre risuonava la mia canzone... qualcuno l'avrebbe ascoltata?"
Che intensità di parole ed immagini! Un'opera davvero spirituale e immensa, suggestiva e ricca di splendide immagini... per gli occhi, ma anche per la mente. Non conoscendo la leggenda di Krishna sicuramente mi son persa qualche citazione o dettaglio, ma vero è che, nonostante il fatto che la cultura induista sia abbastanza distante dalla nostra, l'autore riesce comunque attraverso le sue tavole (belle come quadri) e alle sue parole a farci immergere nel suo racconto e a trasmetterci il suo messaggio, o meglio, il messaggio di Krishna.
Dopo la visione/lettura vi sentirete arricchiti, perchè "arricchire" è il dharma di quest'opera.
E mentre risuonava la mia canzone... qualcuno l'avrebbe ascoltata?"
Che intensità di parole ed immagini! Un'opera davvero spirituale e immensa, suggestiva e ricca di splendide immagini... per gli occhi, ma anche per la mente. Non conoscendo la leggenda di Krishna sicuramente mi son persa qualche citazione o dettaglio, ma vero è che, nonostante il fatto che la cultura induista sia abbastanza distante dalla nostra, l'autore riesce comunque attraverso le sue tavole (belle come quadri) e alle sue parole a farci immergere nel suo racconto e a trasmetterci il suo messaggio, o meglio, il messaggio di Krishna.
Dopo la visione/lettura vi sentirete arricchiti, perchè "arricchire" è il dharma di quest'opera.
April 22, 2018
First and foremost, the art in this graphic novel is phenomenal. Printed in the U. S. by Image Comics, this follows the mythology of the Hindi god, Krishna, seen as a major deity and by some the supreme deity over others. There is a detailed glossary in the back of the book that highlights some traditional Hindi names and the names of other deities and places that someone unfamiliar with the culture would not recognize. This was helpful and unique. There are many stories involving Krishna's tie with nature, as well as his want for peace among the people of the world, as well as overcoming the prophecy of his birth. For someone interested in cultural mythology, this is a very interesting, elaborately presented graphic novel that shares just a small snippet into another culture. An excellent book to keep in the classroom on the "SSR" shelf to encourage learning about other cultures.
December 25, 2017
The first thing that struck me about this book was the artwork. The colors are very soft and appealing it has very meditative and almost dreamlike quality that make me think it is best enjoyed when you have a lot of time on your hands. I thought the storyline was fairly easy to follow and the characters had depth. I love reading about different mythologies and Hindu mythology was not one I was very familiar with, so this was a very enjoyable way for me to learn about it. The glossary in the back was also helpful for learning about the different terms and
deities mentioned.
I really recommend this to anyone who enjoys mythology or a good graphic novel.
I received my copy from the Goodreads giveaway.
deities mentioned.
I really recommend this to anyone who enjoys mythology or a good graphic novel.
I received my copy from the Goodreads giveaway.
October 15, 2021
First of all, the art is phenomenal, captivating, with almost a Disney animation-like quality to it. I felt like I was reading a storyboard in comic format. For the beauty of the work, I definitely wish the paper quality and formatting matched, as the art would sometimes get a little loss in the crease.
The words are poetic, philosophical - but the pacing was a bit odd. It’s a little hard to describe but if the book had been printed in a larger format, I think we would have been able to take in the story/art a bit easier. Though I did enjoy the story, I think it’s best read by really being able to soak in each part of the art —
Still this is one for my shelves. I am in love with Abhishek Singh’s artistic style and loved seeing the story of Krishna in sequential art form.
The words are poetic, philosophical - but the pacing was a bit odd. It’s a little hard to describe but if the book had been printed in a larger format, I think we would have been able to take in the story/art a bit easier. Though I did enjoy the story, I think it’s best read by really being able to soak in each part of the art —
Still this is one for my shelves. I am in love with Abhishek Singh’s artistic style and loved seeing the story of Krishna in sequential art form.
February 11, 2015
This book is beautiful in all areas. I was amazed by the detail the author put into the work. This is one of those books that is to be cherished and passed on from one generation to the next. The story closely followed the original, and the artwork was simply stunning. I read the book over and over and spent hours staring at the pictures. I recommend this book to everyone who wants to know more about Hinduism, or who want a work of art and beauty in their lives. I received this book through Goodreads. The opinions expressed within this review are mine.
November 14, 2013
The story of Krishna has been told countless times, with every author & artist rendering the tale his/her own vision & interpretation. This beautiful book, with its highly stylised, and yet extremely powerful and attractive visuals, allow the author to tell that story once again, but this time in a voice that resonates with our modern existence. It tells about events, emotions and ambitions that continue to shape our destiny. Most importantly, it asks us to face the real sources of evil rather than blaming it all upon convenient others. A superb book, and hence highly recommended.
August 17, 2015
I have never read a graphic novel before. Somehow, this book is the first one that I've read. And I am extremely happy about that. To say that this book is BRILLIANT is an understatement.
Indian mythology draws me in ever since I read Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni's The Palace of Illusions. Krishna is one character that attracts me and intrigues me at the same time. This book is a graphic exploration of Krishna's life from his birth to his "end". But Krishna never dies. He lives as long as there is hope in our hearts.
IN LOVE WITH THIS!
Indian mythology draws me in ever since I read Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni's The Palace of Illusions. Krishna is one character that attracts me and intrigues me at the same time. This book is a graphic exploration of Krishna's life from his birth to his "end". But Krishna never dies. He lives as long as there is hope in our hearts.
IN LOVE WITH THIS!
April 25, 2015
This book is quite possibly one of my all time favorites. A graphic novel that tells the story of the Hindu hero Krishna, the book is not just confined to one visual style. Each of the episodes of Krishna's life is told in vivid detail, but each episode is visually different. But the book as a whole is a joy to behold. Filled with lush characters, illustrations, and a poignant tale that will appeal to people of all ages and faiths, this book is one I treasure and encourage anyone to read.
November 15, 2016
A beautifully illustrated story of Krishna, the Hindu tale of the incarnation of Vishnu.
Gorgeous illustrations. Simple and stylistic writing.
This isn't going to give a reader a lot of insight to the Hindu culture, but the book is so beautifully done I think it could speak to the reader in a way that Krishna would want to be heard. I think this is going to be a book I read over and over again.
Gorgeous illustrations. Simple and stylistic writing.
This isn't going to give a reader a lot of insight to the Hindu culture, but the book is so beautifully done I think it could speak to the reader in a way that Krishna would want to be heard. I think this is going to be a book I read over and over again.
September 11, 2016
Beautiful book. There's a very personal touch to this book and it shows. The art is whimsical but not beyond conveying the remarkable. Krishna: A Journey Within is also a reminder, for those who study such things, that the gods and beings of some religions are indeed more human that those of others.
January 6, 2015
After reading Ramayan 3392 AD, Abhishek Singh's current collection of artwork is amazing. The depictions of Dashavatar and panoramic views of landscapes are fantastic. I devoured the Spanish edition of this work, however I could still understand the whole scenario as the facial expressions truly convey the emotions of each character.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews