Ramayan 3392 AD, Vol. 1

RAMAYAN 3392 AD (single issues) #1-8

by Shamik Dasgupta, Abhishek Singh (Art), Satish Tayade (Art)

"This is a triumph of imagination. The core characters and story of one of the world's greatest epics, the Ramayan, has been respectfully converted into a futuristic, post-apocalyptic tale, which blazes along at a blistering pace. The illustrations are breathtaking and add flourish to a rich story. A must read!"
- Amish Tripathi, bestselling author of THE SHIVA TRILOGY

IN AN AGE OF APOCALYPSE, THE LEGENDARY BATTLE BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL CONTINUES IN A NEW EPIC ADVENTURE!

1300 years into the future, the world has suffered apocalyptic devastation. Only two nations survive: Aryavarta, where the last vestiges of humankind dwells; and Nark, a dark continent ruled by the savage Asuras.

Ravan, the demonic ruler of Nark, threatens Aryavarta with his desire for world domination, as his legions march forth and spread his evil empire.

But hope remains in the form of four brothers, the princes of Aryavarta: Bharat, Shatrughan, Lakshman and Prince Rama. They remain duty-bound to protect the war-torn outposts of Aryavarta from Ravan’s forces, but as the battle rages, Prince Rama must choose between duty and the survival of his people.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Mythology, India, Fiction, Graphic Novels Comics

216 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Jerecho · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 - Graphics
3.75 - Story

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice artwork, but found the story a bit off (and I am famliar with the original).

[Ashkin Ayub · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the title of this book implies, this is an extremely colorful comic, both in narrative and illustrations. That's the most stunning comics I've seen in Indian comic scene so far. The visuals are absolutely fascinating, exactly like Hindu art with a hint of modern grunge effect. I really enjoy the plot, which is a mix of Hindu folklore and the modern SCIFI.

[Carlex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three and a half stars

According to the prologue, this science fiction/fantasy story adapts to one of the great myths of India (which I did not know). The drawings are very good, but a bit confusing at times. The end is a cliffhanger, it is the first of a series.

Very interesting.

[Mahatab Rashid · Rating 4 out of 5]

events of the epic Ramayan taking place in a dystopian/post-apocalyptic future. Liked the interesting sci fi rendition of the main story. The event does't follow just like main epic, many changes have appeared, so it makes the reading more interesting. The character developements of the four Suryabanshi brothers; Rama, Lakshman, Bharat and Shatrughna are pretty good. The artworks are nice too, but too dark in my opinion, personally I'm not a fan of this style. Allover, it's a pretty nice sci fi retelling of the main story. If you're a fan of the main Epic itself, you will have a good time reading this for sure.
rating - 3.8 out of 5.

[Sookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this ages ago when they were printed in issue format. Its fascinating to read re-telling of a story in a dystopian world with a slightly different perspective. Going into the story knowing what was going to happen, didn't stop me from being breathless every once in a while. The art is stellar and the writing is intelligent and witty.

[Mohit Parikh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delicious. A smart re-imagination of Ramayan with some mesmerising artwork. Definitely influenced by the western counterparts.
I own a paperback and the the printing isn't half as good as, I presume, the high definition images are (when the colours are dark, details are not discernible). Maybe they can invest in the print and paper quality, raise the prise. Can't harm their lackadaisical sales anyway.
Deserves to be read widely.
Recommended. (Not recommended for those not familiar with Ramayana story.)
There is an official app called Graphics India where you can read it - I think reading digitally would be more fun. I am going to try it for their other works.

[Arnab Ghosh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it quite a bit. The art was fascinating and the story was different enough for me to not get bored. I look forward to the next installment.

[Kanti · Rating 5 out of 5]

For one who grew up in a place strongly influenced by Hindu culture, Ramayan and Mahabharat are some of the stories that build consciousness of the world order. In some occasion, its text even considered sacred: a small act of subvert can bring the government to get involved. While actually, through acculturation, the story told might be diverse already from the defined version.

Ramayan, translated Indonesian version from a Balinese writer, was one of the first thick books without illustration I read other than the story of the islamic Prophets. I knew it by heart since I was still a toddler.

This piece of comic is another reinterpretation of it in American superhero comics format, with some influences from the Lord of the Ring and the Matrix.

At first, it is weird to see the 'wayang' action in a gloomy deppresingly polluted futuristic landscape... and some details that I thought should have been considered important was changed; maybe to make the story more focus, or to underline that this is a different product than the conventional ones.

But the description of the character is quite entertaining: Rama is the obviously cool wise, Lakshmana is quite rebellious and interestingly narcist; Bharat is the strong type but weak to women, Sathrughna is not described as a twin brother of Lakshmana but as a chubby youngest prince who is also clever and tactical. Their close intimate relationship is shown by arguing a lot, while all secretly devoted to their older blue brother.

The story was also rearranged in an intriguing way. Rama was disposed from Armagarh (not Ayodyaphala) long before he met Sita, because he lost to the scary but wise general Vibishana in the country border; while in my account they would actually encounter Vibishana long after the other turning point incidents.

There were even not any sign of SWAYAMVARA episode! Why, is that considered old-fashioned, or degrading women, not fitting the 3rd milennium timeline? In this comic version, Rama broke his bow on purpose, as a sign of angriness for the injustice judgment of the Deva that actually is a ... And he met Sita in the beautiful land of Mithila not through any competition, but in an accidental misunderstanding that turns them to loathe each other rightaway (!)

I surely hoped that the villain ten-faced Ravana would be slightly humanized and given a point of view here, but in this first book it seems that he is just purely a lab-made creature of superpower with no mercy. The concept of Rakshasha that should have been a pious race who are often misunderstood, here become a shifty daemon out of nowhere.

In the next book, they said that they will focus more on the inner feelings of each characters while retelling the story. Just can't wait to see Hanuman!

Quite promising. Meanwhile, Indonesian comic researchers have long planned to do a retelling of Mahabharat in such kind, how come there is no realization yet?

[Nidhi Srivastava · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm giving this 3 stars for the artwork which is spectacular and clever.

As for the story itself, I don't have much to recommend. Modern approach to Ramayana necessarily brings up the problematic relationship between Ram and Sita. Ram of the mythological Ramayana has more or less been decreed as an obviously grey character. My problem with this Ramayana 3392 is that it glosses over these problematic areas by removing those plot elements altogether!!! I am wont to blame the all-male team behind this comic book, but what can i say what their motivations really were? Maybe they just wanted an epic superhero novel that would neither pander to nor offend the feminists.

So R-3392 depicts events similar to the mythological Ramayana happening in a post-apocalyptic world where continents have merged and mutants exist and racial segregation is back in place. Rama has been "white-washed" by which I mean his character has approximately zero shades of moral grey. Oddly enough, these shades of grey now appear in his side-kick brothers. At first it seems laughable and even perverted, but like with any work of fiction you have to suspend disbelief and see this work as having been "inspired" by Ramayana at most.

"Seeta", at the risk of giving out a spoiler, is still treated as an object, though this time it's not on Rama alone. Rama with all his moral perfection wants nothing to do with her and she feels the same way for him. I suppose this is supposed to indicate sexual tension. So, actually, it does offend the feminists a slight bit unless Seeta "magically" develops agency in the sequel(s).

I'm not saying that every tale inspired or based on the Ramayana has to address the issues I personally care the most about. This one, for example, addresses a moral dilemma that is pretty relevant by itself, but somehow I doubt if it was even existent in the original version. Anyway, I still fail to see how you can attempt a retelling of Ramayana (and even call it that) in these contemporary times by glossing over some aspects altogether. Hopefully these will be dealt with in the sequel(s), but I'm not sure if that will make me sit through another one of this.

Which brings us to another thing I did not particularly enjoy in this book. The awkward mash-up of sci-fi with magic and mythology, and of Hindi with English. It feels awkward even though most Marvel/DC comics will call for similar stretches of imagination. That doesn't make it any less painful for me to sit through the hyperbole and questionable science. And in that I include Marvel/DC too.

In conclusion, this is not something I would recommend for those looking for social commentary on the feminist issues in Ramayana. If you are looking for some rad art and a scifi-mythology mash-up that is at par with international standards, then this is pretty much it.

[Vikas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the modern retelling of Ramayan set in year 3392 AD as the title suggests. This is a post-apocalyptic story where in entire world is gone the way of Dodo expect for two countries Aryavarta and Nark. Aryavarta is ruled by Dashratha and Nark is ruled by Ravan. What happens when Ravan sets his eyes on Aryavarta? Story is known to everyone in India so I knew where the story is going of course but still there are enough new elements in the story to keep it interesting. Art work is very good though very dark at few places. This book also had a sub-series at the end of the Vol. 1 which explained the events which happened in Aryavarta while Rama and Lakshman were having their adventure. Over all very good start but the cover came out as soon as I opened the book same with the second volume. Third volume is pasted much better but the company should do a better job making sure that our beloved books can last us couple additional reading sessions not one time tryst.

I have always loved comics, and I hope that I will always love them. Even though I grew up reading local Indian comics like Raj Comics or Diamond Comics or even Manoj Comics, now's the time to catch up on the international and classic comics and Graphic novels. I am on my quest to read as many comics as I can. I Love comics to bit, may comics never leave my side. I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.

[Arjun Iyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an avid reader of Graphic Novels and Mangas, I judge the quality of any such book on two basic parameters: Artwork and Story. The following review is for all three collected volumes of Ramayana 3392 AD.

Coming to the artwork, it is, in a word 'exquisite'. The level of detail that has gone into creating every character is staggering, and in a time of Marvel & DC, it is easy (and shameful) to forget homegrown Indian talent like this. The expressions change with the mood, the panels are drawn neatly with some portions of overlapping text and the colors are vibrant and well chosen.

With regards to the story, well I cannot give the creators much credit for the basic story as it is already an Indian Epic. I shall, however, commend them on their re-imagining of the epic. The combination of technology and mysticism provides great scope for the creation of the world and the people in it. Vol 2 & 3 in particular, seem to borrow quite a few elements from the Mad Max franchise, but while the dystopian setting character design may have been influenced by the Hollywood movies, the characters in themselves never lost their own distinctive identities. My only complaint with the story would be that it is not progressing fast enough for people like me, whose appetite is bordering on frustration.

[Namratha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book shall stand testimony to the fact that I shall no longer be swayed by bad reviews. If a book from my favourite genre "calls out" to me, I will lay my hands on it immediately and enjoy it to the hilt.

To reiterate, I LOVED THIS BOOK. It was everything that I would want a tweaked, post-apocalyptic, re-imagined mythological classic to be. Finely nuanced characters, stunning artwork and a devastatingly fresh take on a much adored classic makes this book a true gem.

Sequel splendor, here I come!

[MasterSal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most of the book is a first chapter in the retelling of the Ramayan. There a a few side stories which I didn’t like so that brought the rating down.

As someone familiar with the story is was interesting to see it transposed in the futuristic setting. However the world building was a little shaken. The use of the post apocalyptic setting was window dressing than a transformative change. It was to justify some of the happening not give it another slant. This could have been Presented traditionally without much issue. Some of the visuals too are pretty traditional - example the use of swords instead of guns. The clothes Ram wear are hardly futuristic.

There is a heavy use of Hindi / Sanskrit terms in the dialogue. I am not sure I liked it - it broke the flow of what was being said. I get why they did it - it gives a flavour to the world which makes it less euro-centric. I am not sure that the flavour worked for me.

Despite all that I really like the visuals. The line work wasn’t clear which give this blurry effect to the artwork. That effect gives a flowly feel to some of the action and especially in the depiction of Ram. When he rests the artwork centres on his physique which makes him very impressive. Still on the fence of Sita’s design though.

Overall this was interesting and I am looking forward to the next volume.

[Rakesh Unnithan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Other than the names, some lore and the occasional similarities, this series can be called anything. Maybe written at a time where Mythology sells (even now that remains the same, take the likes of movies like adipurush to boot), this reimagining of Ramayana is extremely captivating. The art is too good and the character development is amazing. Maybe some occasional plot lines end with the "it is what it is as this is what it was in Ramayana", the plot twists from the original Ramayana story line changing to something else really surprised me and pleasantly as well.

This is a amazing series, and ends in 3 volume incomplete on a cliff hanger. This would have been a pop culture classic from India based on Ramayana and much advanced of the times it was released.
I dont expect this to come back and finish the story, but Hope someday i would read the rest.

[Biswajit Patnaik · Rating 5 out of 5]

A different take on Ramayana. Set in the future this Ramayana is equipped with some futuristic technologies and dangerous Asuras. The graphic work is very beautiful.

The story line is new but the storytellers did not change the base of Ramayana. The action is too violent and has been very beautifully described.

If you are looking for a different version of Ramayana, this one is a must read.

[Bittu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

[Srikar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good first volume of a promising series (and a promising genre)

[Parvesh Ansari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved it. It got action, drama, and a good level of character development. Must read!!

[Suka · Rating 5 out of 5]

These 16 isues were genuinely one of the best comics ive ever read, breaks my heart to realize that its unfinished and on indefinite hiatus for 12 years, probably never to continue.

[Vinayak Joshi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Useless. Waste of money. Artwork is good at places. However most of it is very dark and very difficult to read. Black text over dark backgrounds. Story is insipid. Stay away.

[Rohit Raut · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover may give you an inkling of what you should expect inside Ramayana 3392 A.D. with Ram preparing to fire a massively large bow, but once you are hit with the sheer kinetic imagery, you will be transported wholly to the war-torn, bloodied, violent and utterly beautiful futuristic reimagining of one of the biggest epics of all time.

Circa 3392, the world is at war owing to the demonic machinations of an evil warlord, Ravana. It falls to the Sons of the princely kingdom of Ayodhya- Rama and Lakshmana, aided by their brothers, to foil these plans.

There is no telling how great this comic would've gone on to become had it been allowed to complete a full run, but whatever has been published in this series is in one word - INCREDIBLETASTICALLYAWESOME. The characters look badass, the battles are epic, and the dialogues are suitably devoid of cheesiness.

It is worth a look, if only to see the new Ayodhya. You'll believe it when you see it.

[Sachin Dev · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed slightly with the art work and the cliched dialogues - but the epic scope and fantastical vision of imagination did make me a fan!

Post Apocalyptic war against the Asuras who are manifestations of a fused machine-demon-human experiment with detailed explainations of how the world works - cutting a thin edge between info-dumping and keeping the pace heady - just about worked.

The art work - excepting the glorious masterpiece cover that has Rama, the Super Warrior bending his astral weapon to shoot some nuclear-warhead at the demons? Kickass!
But dont get carried away as the art inside is a little too dark and blurred - more like unfinished pencil work that got a little smudged over during the print process. Not too impressive. while the story line has been tweaked enough to bring in the post-apocalyptic dimension to the tale, the dialogues are a let-down and smack of a half-heartedness.

Overall - the opening salvo of an ambitious project still doesnt sparkle so much!

[Etienne · Rating 2 out of 5]

A post-apocalyptic retelling of an Indian epic may sound good in theory, but this adaptation of the classic tale takes much too long to hit its stride. Dasgupta has inexplicably decided to include as much patois as humanly possible; the translations provided directly in the panels break the flow and clutter the page (a glossary at the end of the book would have been less intrusive and more respectful of the readers' intelligence).

For the most part, the art struggles to convey action; the colours do have a luminous, oneiric quality, but this frequently adds to the confusion.

[Chandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Art work is of international standard . That's a big plus for me .
But that's all worth talking , the story seems ambitious from where it takes place.
But as it progresses you can see that it is going nowhere.
And although the art work is fantastic it is slightly darker than what it should be.
On a whole I will remember this book for its concept and its artwork .
As for the story I would recommend you go for "100 bullets" or "sandman" and "witch blade" .

[Joshlynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, crappy good time. The art is extraordinary for the first hundred or so pages, only to fall prey to mind-numbing Liefeldism later on. The worldbuilding is decent, the writing mediocre throughout. The covers credit for Alex Ross is misleading since he only did the gloriously over-the-top piece shown on the front. Worth checking out just for the gorgeous creatures, ships, and cityscapes.

[Sree · Rating 5 out of 5]

It takes not only imagination but courage to redefine mythology and religion and portray it in a brand new light. Sensational! The plot is thick and deep. Everything from weapons to the environment has been taken care of. Unfortunately, the series was left unfinished. Hope I can get some closure sometime soon.

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the idea of a futuristic retelling of the Ramayana. As a story, the text works great. The shifting artists throughout the chapters does make the book a bit harder to enjoy.

Still, a great way to consume one of India's two great epic poems.

[Tejas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good interpretation of the original epic. My only wish is that one of the most interesting characters, that os Sita is way too undercooked. Special mention to the artwork. The illustrations, art, characterizations pay a nod to LOTR, Avatar and whole lot.

[Matt Kelland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very much in two minds about this. I'll see how I feel after reading the next one. I like the idea, but so far it feels too much like standard comic book fare with Hindu names, and not enough like the Ramayana reworked.