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Priya's Shakti #1
Priya's Shakti
A mortal woman and the Goddess Parvati fight against sexual violence in India and around the world in this epic vivid augmented reality comic book involving the Hindu gods. Innovative and interactive storytelling. Received the Tribeca Film Institute New Media Fund from the Ford Foundation and Ms. Foundation.
32 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 22, 2014
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304 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
May 10, 2020
I loved the message and the art. You don't see a comic on rape often. The way Priya urges people to "speak without shame" is a much-needed mindset.
What I didn't like was the diversion from the topic at hand. I really didn't want to read about the Gods and their reactions as much as I wanted to read about what the victim goes through.
It is a 32-page comic, so it does feel rushed. I would still give this one 4 stars for the attempt and the topic. Highly recommended!
What I didn't like was the diversion from the topic at hand. I really didn't want to read about the Gods and their reactions as much as I wanted to read about what the victim goes through.
It is a 32-page comic, so it does feel rushed. I would still give this one 4 stars for the attempt and the topic. Highly recommended!
March 16, 2017
The topic is extremely important, that goes without saying, and the concept of the comic is very much appreciated. I just felt that the execution could have been better. The art is wonderfully vibrant and colourful, but the story itself is much too rushed and feels superficial and crushed underneath the heavy message.
March 20, 2023
The art and the idea behind the story is awesome.
I'm not sure about religious part, seemed a bit odd that the gods didn't notice/care about injustice & violence before.
Available for FREE
http://www.priyashakti.com/portfolio/...
I'm not sure about religious part, seemed a bit odd that the gods didn't notice/care about injustice & violence before.
Available for FREE
http://www.priyashakti.com/portfolio/...
June 11, 2017
It's an interesting concept. I'm not sure how I feel about the war in the heavens idea, but the whole use of gender violence was very well done.
October 3, 2017
The artwork is excellent -- it combines photo (or photorealistic) backgrounds/settings with illustrated characters, to a wonderful effect. The illustrations themselves are beautiful (and appropriately scary at times). I particularly liked that the panels were not traditional rectangular or sharp-edged panels, but instead had curved edges and more of a smooth flow to them.
The subject may be a bit triggering, or at least upsetting, for some people, but it's an important topic that I'm glad to see addressed. I appreciated the incorporation of traditional Indian deities -- who needs made up superheroes when you can draw on such a rich history of colorful, powerful, and interesting beings?
I haven't yet explored any of the interactive elements (you can download an app and then scan pages to access extra content), but I think it's an interesting idea and, especially for a subject like this, a valuable addition.
The subject may be a bit triggering, or at least upsetting, for some people, but it's an important topic that I'm glad to see addressed. I appreciated the incorporation of traditional Indian deities -- who needs made up superheroes when you can draw on such a rich history of colorful, powerful, and interesting beings?
I haven't yet explored any of the interactive elements (you can download an app and then scan pages to access extra content), but I think it's an interesting idea and, especially for a subject like this, a valuable addition.
May 12, 2020
The concept was good but executed poorly. It was like a comic strip for kids aged 7-10. I'd have loved to see it as a full length graphic novel that could deal with the technicalities of rape trials and the problems faced by victims along with the dramatic involvement of gods. But in this 32 paged comic everything seemed rushed and superficial.
October 19, 2020
This comic book was good. I loved the artwork and the advocacy massage
January 7, 2015
My favorite literature is the kind that does something more than entertain. It moves me, or makes me think, or, as in the case of Priya's Shakti, it seeks to effect change. This short comic addresses rape specifically and the denigration of women generally. Set in India, we meet Priya, a young woman denied education by her father, gang raped by a group of men, and shunned by her family. With the help of goddess Parvati, Priya regains power over her life and helps change people's perceptions of women.
Although the artwork style isn't one of my favorites, there were some beautiful images in the story, and I enjoyed the wavy panels used in the comic.
I found the story a bit heavy handed in the end, and I wish this was a series rather than a one off. I'd like to see more of Priya, and a series where she confronts misogyny as it happens would have kept the ending from having to be so singsong perfect. Generally, though, I enjoyed the story and Priya's triumph.
The full comic is available for free download at priyashakti.com.
Although the artwork style isn't one of my favorites, there were some beautiful images in the story, and I enjoyed the wavy panels used in the comic.
I found the story a bit heavy handed in the end, and I wish this was a series rather than a one off. I'd like to see more of Priya, and a series where she confronts misogyny as it happens would have kept the ending from having to be so singsong perfect. Generally, though, I enjoyed the story and Priya's triumph.
The full comic is available for free download at priyashakti.com.
April 22, 2019
I am absolutely 100% on board with the message of this story. I love the art, I love the message, I just wish there was a little bit more plot. It seemed very rushed, more like a summary than anything else. This could be even better with both plot and character development.
I would have liked to see more of Priya's journey, including more of how she grew up, what he life was like and how things changed after the violence she experienced. This was all included but in flashes that are over too soon.
I know how difficult this topic is, but I think that seeing the struggle and the pain she had to endure and how this could easily happen to anybody, would have been more impactful (especially to non-believers and those who feel the need to victim blame).
That being said, I wish this comic and the writer/artist all the best and success.
(Reviewing: 2019 Fancon Artists and Comics)
I would have liked to see more of Priya's journey, including more of how she grew up, what he life was like and how things changed after the violence she experienced. This was all included but in flashes that are over too soon.
I know how difficult this topic is, but I think that seeing the struggle and the pain she had to endure and how this could easily happen to anybody, would have been more impactful (especially to non-believers and those who feel the need to victim blame).
That being said, I wish this comic and the writer/artist all the best and success.
(Reviewing: 2019 Fancon Artists and Comics)
February 10, 2020
Love the message, but wish it was more relatable to ALL Indians, not just Hindu Indians. That said, perhaps future issues will be more inclusive. I think the gods part could be less involved and hopefully have more input from women.
I love that what looks like a main team of men is trying to relate to and spread the word about womens' stories, but I personally have heard enough from men. I want to see work by women doing what is being done here, and doing it with women at the center. Still, I feel like this is meant to reach men, so perhaps I am not the main audience of this comic.
I love that what looks like a main team of men is trying to relate to and spread the word about womens' stories, but I personally have heard enough from men. I want to see work by women doing what is being done here, and doing it with women at the center. Still, I feel like this is meant to reach men, so perhaps I am not the main audience of this comic.
December 31, 2014
I love that this is something being written about and distributed freely to the public. I'm still a literary nut and wasn't crazy about the way it was written and some other trivial aspects (trivial compared to the larger overall theme and message to the story)
February 20, 2018
2 stars for the story. I don’t know who thought using real pictures as a backdrop for comic book drawn characters was a good idea, but it looks terrible, like some B-grade BS you would see on late night MTV in the 90s.
March 5, 2015
A beautifully drawn story of power, justice, and equality.
April 18, 2019
This was too simplistic and superficial to be any good, as well as not really centering the experiences of women. I added an extra star for the "necessity" and "boldness" of the topic.
May 25, 2018
The art in this was gorgeous which was a harsh juxtaposition to the subject matter. I'm not sure I even read the description for this book, I probably saw the cover, saw it was free on Comixology and went for it. It's about battling rape culture in India and touches on Gods and Goddesses. I thought it was very well done, a little bit sad, informational as far as learning about different religions, and even a little hopeful.
December 30, 2021
The illustrations were vibrant. The storyline is brutal. It's about a rape in Indian that the goddess Parvati is called upon to help this young "heal". Once Priya has learns love, courage, self worth, etc, she wants to help other women. Priya has bestowed a shakti ( a tiger). With this companion, she takes to villages where other women need help
March 12, 2023
I really wanted to like this one. The message is so important, and some of the drawings are amazing, but that’s kind of where it stops for me. It seems rushed and unfinished, and I sadly didn’t enjoy it much.
April 21, 2024
Beautiful political art piece and work done by filmmaker Ram Devineni in honour of Jyoti Singh and her legacy. This is obviously not a high-end/high-budget comic, but the real-life context and messages are obvious and so it feels important and memorable.
December 30, 2018
A beautifully themed and illustrated comic book on stopping violence against women in India
March 19, 2019
It had the makings of a really compelling longer story. But it opened my eyes (and readers) that change begins with people on the ground, not with policy makers.
Read
February 25, 2021Too bad the blippar collab ended (or something).
August 30, 2021
Brilliant.
December 31, 2021
I enjoyed the re-theologizing of Sanatan Dharma that results in this work bringing popular murti bhakti Hinduism in direct confrontation with tough situations today.
September 8, 2022
A beautiful vindication of survivors of sexual violence and expression of faith in the humanity that so often enables it. I note that the graphics imply rather than show most of that violence.
May 26, 2022
Egalitarian
Though I find it difficult to stand with Feminism, as it is not only a vast overcorrection, but a new age sophistry often a case of ignoring sexual identity altogether, a vast (mostly-male taxpayer funded) soapbox that seems intent on speaking for both parties, capable of gynocentric sexism, such as censoring an entire gender's right to speak out on their own issues (Men's Rights Movement) under the two-word platitude, 'Hate Speech,' without ever refuting their arguments--which is a case of attacking the movement, not refuting, or discussing, openly, their points: a form of "male silencing," while 30% of men now blame Feminism for their issues as men, and many more are afraid to speak because women, with the upper hand in sexual market value, silence them further by removing sex from the equation, incel-shaming, publicly ridiculing, censoring, and characting assassinating (i.e. running "smear campaigns" on these men), which in itself is a form of narcissism, incapable of introspecting on one's own flaws, while broadly generalizing and projecting on "all men," then gaslighting that "Feminism is about equality," it needs to be acknowledged that rape, along with sexual abuse, has always been wrong, forbidden, illegal, and punishable, even in Patriarchal civilizations--and blaming the victim is adding insult to injury by twisting said knife. Abused people do not need abuse added to abuse. They require trust, comfort, and boundaries to recover, and should never be shamed out of reporting or buying a rape kit to prosecute the 1 in 100 children that are born with psychopath brains. I stress this applies to both sexes, but as women also have the upper hand in sexual market value, and women and children are vulnerable, as children are helpless against larger adults, one must never castigate by making someone else's sin the fault of said victim. Those without empathy require exposure, then total alienation from civilization, and the punishment along with the crime, along with the total abandonment, trust, protection, and support of the tribal unit, as they are a vast liability to everyone until stopped. Again, psychopaths exist in both sexes, but this does not distract from making people responsible for said actions. Those without empathy deserve none.
I have seen men raped, a homosexual student by his female teacher, to then commit suicide. The abused deserve the shoulder of the strong to comfort and guide them.
As an abuse victim (non-sexual, but equal in some respects, munchhausen-by-proxy, stockholm syndrome, brainwashing), the more we silence others rather than openly embracing each other's wounds, the more we segregate, grow apart, rather than heal, and grow together. Opinions never diminished by being shared, just as one candle can light another without losing its flame. The end goal of discussion is progress, not victory.
If you are an abuse survivor, it has nothing to do with you, everything to do with your offender.
And, if you are a woman, especially, or even an easily targetable male, please get firearm training, or at least a taser or pepper spray to increase your chances of defending yourself, especially in dangerous hours and places.
Children, I can only pity.
Few things aside, sexual assault is the most heinous abuse, and certainly on par with other said abuses of power.
Anger is justified. As is the self-esteem and self-respect to assume your own power and autonomy again. You are not your abuser. You were their target, and thus justified.
Violence begets violence.
Giving this 5x *****s as an abuse survivor.
Though I find it difficult to stand with Feminism, as it is not only a vast overcorrection, but a new age sophistry often a case of ignoring sexual identity altogether, a vast (mostly-male taxpayer funded) soapbox that seems intent on speaking for both parties, capable of gynocentric sexism, such as censoring an entire gender's right to speak out on their own issues (Men's Rights Movement) under the two-word platitude, 'Hate Speech,' without ever refuting their arguments--which is a case of attacking the movement, not refuting, or discussing, openly, their points: a form of "male silencing," while 30% of men now blame Feminism for their issues as men, and many more are afraid to speak because women, with the upper hand in sexual market value, silence them further by removing sex from the equation, incel-shaming, publicly ridiculing, censoring, and characting assassinating (i.e. running "smear campaigns" on these men), which in itself is a form of narcissism, incapable of introspecting on one's own flaws, while broadly generalizing and projecting on "all men," then gaslighting that "Feminism is about equality," it needs to be acknowledged that rape, along with sexual abuse, has always been wrong, forbidden, illegal, and punishable, even in Patriarchal civilizations--and blaming the victim is adding insult to injury by twisting said knife. Abused people do not need abuse added to abuse. They require trust, comfort, and boundaries to recover, and should never be shamed out of reporting or buying a rape kit to prosecute the 1 in 100 children that are born with psychopath brains. I stress this applies to both sexes, but as women also have the upper hand in sexual market value, and women and children are vulnerable, as children are helpless against larger adults, one must never castigate by making someone else's sin the fault of said victim. Those without empathy require exposure, then total alienation from civilization, and the punishment along with the crime, along with the total abandonment, trust, protection, and support of the tribal unit, as they are a vast liability to everyone until stopped. Again, psychopaths exist in both sexes, but this does not distract from making people responsible for said actions. Those without empathy deserve none.
I have seen men raped, a homosexual student by his female teacher, to then commit suicide. The abused deserve the shoulder of the strong to comfort and guide them.
As an abuse victim (non-sexual, but equal in some respects, munchhausen-by-proxy, stockholm syndrome, brainwashing), the more we silence others rather than openly embracing each other's wounds, the more we segregate, grow apart, rather than heal, and grow together. Opinions never diminished by being shared, just as one candle can light another without losing its flame. The end goal of discussion is progress, not victory.
If you are an abuse survivor, it has nothing to do with you, everything to do with your offender.
And, if you are a woman, especially, or even an easily targetable male, please get firearm training, or at least a taser or pepper spray to increase your chances of defending yourself, especially in dangerous hours and places.
Children, I can only pity.
Few things aside, sexual assault is the most heinous abuse, and certainly on par with other said abuses of power.
Anger is justified. As is the self-esteem and self-respect to assume your own power and autonomy again. You are not your abuser. You were their target, and thus justified.
Violence begets violence.
Giving this 5x *****s as an abuse survivor.
March 22, 2017
This comic deals with the heavy issue of rape and sexual violence in India, and more specifically, how victims are shamed instead of supported when they do come forward. A rape victim named Priya prays to the goddess Parvati, who helps her take up this cause and spread the word so that victims will not be shamed anymore.
The vibrant colors and excellent composition make this even more of a joy to read. It includes "Augmented Reality" content that is available through an app, and encourages sharing on social media with the hashtag #StandWithPriya. This is a timely and important project that aims to take away the shame in conversations about sexual violence.
I read the PDF version which is available for free at the official website. I would love to buy a hard copy, but for now I can't find one...
The vibrant colors and excellent composition make this even more of a joy to read. It includes "Augmented Reality" content that is available through an app, and encourages sharing on social media with the hashtag #StandWithPriya. This is a timely and important project that aims to take away the shame in conversations about sexual violence.
I read the PDF version which is available for free at the official website. I would love to buy a hard copy, but for now I can't find one...
May 15, 2015
Being raised in a hippie-ish commune in the early 80's, I grew up reading Amar Chitra Katha comic books often about the lives and adventures of Hindu gods. I was obsessed with these brightly colored, highly detailed tales of power, revenge and spirituality. When I put a name to the divine, which doesn't happen often, it is still god and goddess like I learned from all those books.
This book brings back all of those wonderful memories in a blazing, glorious color. It also makes equality a divine decree from the mighty, but kind Goddess Parvati. It's a battle cry for feminism, without the rage or vengeance typically associated with war.
Everyone should read it. C'mon, it's a 32 page comic. Share it with your older kids too and keep teaching them that every person has the exact same value to the world and to the gods.
This book brings back all of those wonderful memories in a blazing, glorious color. It also makes equality a divine decree from the mighty, but kind Goddess Parvati. It's a battle cry for feminism, without the rage or vengeance typically associated with war.
Everyone should read it. C'mon, it's a 32 page comic. Share it with your older kids too and keep teaching them that every person has the exact same value to the world and to the gods.
September 8, 2016
As far as origin stories go, I'm not the best judge since I don't read many superhero comics. HOWEVER, I like a bit of righteous anger and vengeful gods in my literature. The depiction of Kali was fantastically intimidating, very effective. The tone of the story shifted kind of strangely between rage and forgiveness. I don't know if that was meant to mimic a process of healing that some women experience, or if the authors just changed their minds halfway, or maybe the gods are supposed to be in balance so sometimes destruction dominates and sometimes peace dominates . . . I have no idea. The story didn't really play out in a way that made sense to me.
August 6, 2015
No se aun que pensar de este cómic, me gusta la idea de este proyecto y lo que promueve, pero no estoy segura sobre como me siento por la manera en que se desarrollo. Creo que mi mayor problema es que no me esperaba para nada la aparición de deidades y eso me saco un poco de "onda" , aunque entiendo que en el contexto del país nativo de la autora pudo ser hasta necesario.
En conclusión, el cómic es entretenido, las ilustraciones son nuevas para mi, y tiene un mensaje que vale la pena seguir difundiendo.
Pd. Se puede leer online
En conclusión, el cómic es entretenido, las ilustraciones son nuevas para mi, y tiene un mensaje que vale la pena seguir difundiendo.
Pd. Se puede leer online
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews