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Vyasa
On a huge battlefield stand two armies facing each other. The dust stirred by soldiers covers the sun.
Rain-clouds shower flesh and blood, drenching the troops. Along the ground a wind rises; the small stones that the wind carries with it, hit the warriors.With cinematic effects, full of cuts and intercuts, Vyasa -with 1600 electrifying visuals for hot-hearted adults-sets in motion the battlefield of Kurukshetra. From the birth of the Pandavas and Kauravas to the interpenetration of life instincts and death instincts, this first book in this graphic book series rolls out the beginning of interplay of lust and violence which gives to the tale of war, revenge and peace the unmatched regal look.
Rain-clouds shower flesh and blood, drenching the troops. Along the ground a wind rises; the small stones that the wind carries with it, hit the warriors.With cinematic effects, full of cuts and intercuts, Vyasa -with 1600 electrifying visuals for hot-hearted adults-sets in motion the battlefield of Kurukshetra. From the birth of the Pandavas and Kauravas to the interpenetration of life instincts and death instincts, this first book in this graphic book series rolls out the beginning of interplay of lust and violence which gives to the tale of war, revenge and peace the unmatched regal look.
216 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2017
9 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 22, 2022
A delighful read. Never before have I come across such captivating frames in an Indian graphic novel.
From the perspective of Ugrasrava - Sauti, it was a great narration.
Having read multiple retellings, some parts were still new... like the Pururava episode.
Overall: Superb frames, crisp editing, fast paced, not to be missed.
Can't wait to get started with the second part.
From the perspective of Ugrasrava - Sauti, it was a great narration.
Having read multiple retellings, some parts were still new... like the Pururava episode.
Overall: Superb frames, crisp editing, fast paced, not to be missed.
Can't wait to get started with the second part.
June 29, 2023
Graphic novels, I find, are tough to rate based on the story. As far as art goes, this book does something new with Indian characters of Mahabharata - making them almost like Greek characters in appearance. The sense you get from reading this book is one of a very dark version of a novel.
Since it is the story of Mahabharata - even before the time of Vyasa - the book takes it's time in establishing lineage with known stories. What was a turn off for me was the colloquialism which could have been avoided. I mean, i don't want Dronacharya saying "Mesays" or people swearing at others as "Old Geezer" or "Fogey". The dissonance of an Indian epic in colloquial English was a bit scratchy.
I did know most of the tales already and so this take on the story did not add much. Plus, the art with changing times did not change much - shouldn't it given we see so much changes every decade? It's too easy to pass comments - but the work of art is surely of high class.
Maybe the intended audience is for generations not exposed to other versions of Mahabharata.
Since it is the story of Mahabharata - even before the time of Vyasa - the book takes it's time in establishing lineage with known stories. What was a turn off for me was the colloquialism which could have been avoided. I mean, i don't want Dronacharya saying "Mesays" or people swearing at others as "Old Geezer" or "Fogey". The dissonance of an Indian epic in colloquial English was a bit scratchy.
I did know most of the tales already and so this take on the story did not add much. Plus, the art with changing times did not change much - shouldn't it given we see so much changes every decade? It's too easy to pass comments - but the work of art is surely of high class.
Maybe the intended audience is for generations not exposed to other versions of Mahabharata.
January 30, 2018
Amruta Patil’s graphic retelling of the Mahabharata came out in splendid hard back editions. The cheap looking paperback cover of this book made me a reluctant buyer. But as soon as I began reading, I felt that Penguin erred in not bringing this out in a hardback as it’s a worthy work. What stands out is the artistic style of integrating controversial statements. “Did Bhishma secretly envy Chitrangada’s ascent to the throne” and “Did he sow the seeds for the Kuru-Panchala enmity by recruiting Drona?” were some glimpses portraying a fascinating dimension.
The Adi Parva has a large part devoted to the genealogies of the Kurus. Through family trees and pictures, the lineages become easier to grasp. Sauti’s rendition of the epic to the Brahmins at the Naimisha forest was also superbly rendered. With the rest of the series to be published over time, I think that Amar Chitra Katha’s 42 issue series on the Mahabharat will get a worthy companion if not competitor.
The Adi Parva has a large part devoted to the genealogies of the Kurus. Through family trees and pictures, the lineages become easier to grasp. Sauti’s rendition of the epic to the Brahmins at the Naimisha forest was also superbly rendered. With the rest of the series to be published over time, I think that Amar Chitra Katha’s 42 issue series on the Mahabharat will get a worthy companion if not competitor.
August 28, 2022
I have read Mahabharata umpteen times and in umpteen forms from a very young age. Being a Hindu, there's no escape from Mahabharata.
But I wonder whether other religions and other Nationalities will get the same exposure as Hindus do ..and if so whether they will be able to enjoy books based on Mahabharata as we do.
This is because no offshoot can capture the full essence of the epic , and most books appear disjoint and incomplete.
Even this story was quite fractured and segmented. I wouldn't recommend it to a novice... but anyone who's well versed with Mahabharata is sure to enjoy a different facet of it.
What I enjoyed most was the magnificent art . I could stare at the pictures and frames for minutes together .
I have become a fan of Sankha Banerjee and have promptly bought 'Panchali- a roll of dice' to be savored next.
Would recommend this book to anyone with a basic knowledge of Mahabharata.
But I wonder whether other religions and other Nationalities will get the same exposure as Hindus do ..and if so whether they will be able to enjoy books based on Mahabharata as we do.
This is because no offshoot can capture the full essence of the epic , and most books appear disjoint and incomplete.
Even this story was quite fractured and segmented. I wouldn't recommend it to a novice... but anyone who's well versed with Mahabharata is sure to enjoy a different facet of it.
What I enjoyed most was the magnificent art . I could stare at the pictures and frames for minutes together .
I have become a fan of Sankha Banerjee and have promptly bought 'Panchali- a roll of dice' to be savored next.
Would recommend this book to anyone with a basic knowledge of Mahabharata.
June 7, 2023
Not a big fan.but the graphics were good. Did not like the way of narration. Too sly, too vindictive, felt it somewhat abusive as well.
December 26, 2019
My First Graphic novel.
I picked this up after looking at the cover and guess what I didnt know it was graphic novel..
Cover seemed interesting and retelling of mahabharata what else I need to buy a book 😉 (except that I got it for ₹100😂😂)
.
.
I liked this retelling
There were many things which I didn't know earlier were added in this version.
Like the story of king Pururava.
Specially the story of Yayati and Puru was new and interesting to me. ( I had heard it but couldn't remember it)
.
.
Then this book also has explanation to the formation of classes (varna) other than the 4 varnas. Like how the Suta (charioteers class) and Nishada Tribe (tribe of eklavya) came into being.
It was very interesting. Which are in itself an example of Hypergamy and Hypogamy.
.
.
The language was such that connects to the youngsters i.e. It was the language that we use daily.
Like
"Are you off your rocker? "
I laughed after reading this as we can't imagine such language to be used 5000 years ago. But to get the interest of the young generation it is important to convey the matter in their language.
The reason behind graphic representation is also to connect with the today's youth.
.
.
But this is not full Mahabharata it is
Only half I wish the next part comes out soon..
I picked this up after looking at the cover and guess what I didnt know it was graphic novel..
Cover seemed interesting and retelling of mahabharata what else I need to buy a book 😉 (except that I got it for ₹100😂😂)
.
.
I liked this retelling
There were many things which I didn't know earlier were added in this version.
Like the story of king Pururava.
Specially the story of Yayati and Puru was new and interesting to me. ( I had heard it but couldn't remember it)
.
.
Then this book also has explanation to the formation of classes (varna) other than the 4 varnas. Like how the Suta (charioteers class) and Nishada Tribe (tribe of eklavya) came into being.
It was very interesting. Which are in itself an example of Hypergamy and Hypogamy.
.
.
The language was such that connects to the youngsters i.e. It was the language that we use daily.
Like
"Are you off your rocker? "
I laughed after reading this as we can't imagine such language to be used 5000 years ago. But to get the interest of the young generation it is important to convey the matter in their language.
The reason behind graphic representation is also to connect with the today's youth.
.
.
But this is not full Mahabharata it is
Only half I wish the next part comes out soon..
June 2, 2022
A graphic novel version of Mahabharata. After seeing the second part of this book on someone’s Instagram stories, I looked this series up. One can never go wrong with Mahabharata and its retellings. And only an Agatha Christie book or Mahabharata retelling can usually get me out of a reading rut.
This graphic novel was a quick read with just enough detail and a lot of nice illustrations. Definitely not kid friendly (this is no Amar Chitra Katha), and the back stories are interwoven from time to time.
A good artistic refresher of Mahabharata this is. And I learnt a few things too!
This graphic novel was a quick read with just enough detail and a lot of nice illustrations. Definitely not kid friendly (this is no Amar Chitra Katha), and the back stories are interwoven from time to time.
A good artistic refresher of Mahabharata this is. And I learnt a few things too!
May 31, 2025
নৈমিষারণ্যে সূত এসে গেছে।একদল উদগ্রীব সাধু-ঋষিদের মহাভারতের মণি-মাণিক্যের সন্ধান দিচ্ছে সে।শৌতি নামক এই সূত মহাভারতের বিচিত্র অলিগলির সন্ধান এমন অভিনব কায়দায় দিচ্ছেন যে শ্রোতা সাধুদের সাথে আমরা পাঠকরাও সাক্ষাত ঘটনাবলি দেখতে পাচ্ছি।
আটটি পর্বে মহাভারতের বিভিন্ন ঘটনা শোনায় সে ।
শুরু হয় মৎসরাজ কন্যা সত্যবতীর যোজনগন্ধ্যা হয়ে উঠার গল্প দিয়ে। সত্যবতী কঠিন প্রতিজ্ঞায় আবদ্ধ করে ভীষ্মকে। এরপর প্রসাদে প্রবেশ করে রাজনীতিতে জড়িয়ে পড়েন সত্যবতী। তার পুত্রবধূদের সন্তান জন্ম দিতে তিনি ব্যবহার করেন কুমারী অবস্থায় জন্ম দেওয়া সন্তান ব্যাসকে। এই সন্তানরাই পাণ্ডু , ধৃতরাষ্ট্র ও বিদুর।
পাণ্ডু ও বিদুরের সন্তানরা পরবর্তীতে পাণ্ডব ও কৌরব নামে পরিচিত হন। পরবর্তীতে দ্রোণের অস্ত্র শিক্ষায় পারদর্শী পাণ্ডব ও কৌরবা মুখোমুখি হন অস্ত্র শিক্ষা প্রদর্শনে। শেষমেষ কর্ণের রণভূমিতে প্রবেশের মাধ্যমে পরিস্থিতি পরিবর্তিত হয়ে যায়।
এখানেই মুলত শেষ হয় সিরিজের প্রথম বইয়ের আখ্যান। এছাড়া আরো অনেক ছোটখাটো সাবপ্লটও ছিল বইতে।
সবশেষে, ড্রইং নিয়ে কোনো কথা হবে না। এককথায় লা-জবাব।
আটটি পর্বে মহাভারতের বিভিন্ন ঘটনা শোনায় সে ।
শুরু হয় মৎসরাজ কন্যা সত্যবতীর যোজনগন্ধ্যা হয়ে উঠার গল্প দিয়ে। সত্যবতী কঠিন প্রতিজ্ঞায় আবদ্ধ করে ভীষ্মকে। এরপর প্রসাদে প্রবেশ করে রাজনীতিতে জড়িয়ে পড়েন সত্যবতী। তার পুত্রবধূদের সন্তান জন্ম দিতে তিনি ব্যবহার করেন কুমারী অবস্থায় জন্ম দেওয়া সন্তান ব্যাসকে। এই সন্তানরাই পাণ্ডু , ধৃতরাষ্ট্র ও বিদুর।
পাণ্ডু ও বিদুরের সন্তানরা পরবর্তীতে পাণ্ডব ও কৌরব নামে পরিচিত হন। পরবর্তীতে দ্রোণের অস্ত্র শিক্ষায় পারদর্শী পাণ্ডব ও কৌরবা মুখোমুখি হন অস্ত্র শিক্ষা প্রদর্শনে। শেষমেষ কর্ণের রণভূমিতে প্রবেশের মাধ্যমে পরিস্থিতি পরিবর্তিত হয়ে যায়।
এখানেই মুলত শেষ হয় সিরিজের প্রথম বইয়ের আখ্যান। এছাড়া আরো অনেক ছোটখাটো সাবপ্লটও ছিল বইতে।
সবশেষে, ড্রইং নিয়ে কোনো কথা হবে না। এককথায় লা-জবাব।
June 3, 2019
This book wasn't what I expected it to be.The title is kind of misleading.I thought that this would be about Vyasa mostly but it's more about the various incidents in the Mahabharata.Graphically,this book is very exciting.The art is great and I loved the look.However,this book has a lot of controversial statements and one has to ponder over them.I liked the way the story was presented because it wasn't a conventional retelling of the great epic and the narration was fresh.
October 4, 2022
This book is a brilliant showcase of an epic Saga through dramatic Art and Words. Nothing remains simple and straight when you read this masterpiece. Shattering core beliefs and questioning every deeds, revenge, sacrifice,ego, moral, lust.. Writer Sibaji Bandopadhyay retained exhilaration till the end . "OH! PEACE, PEACE...LET ME CATCH A WINK BEFORE I OPEN MY MOUTH AGAIN..."
January 18, 2020
This book is on the Indian epic Mahabharata, a personal favourite. The story is by Sibaji Bandyopadhyay and the art is by Sankha Banerjee. The way this book was written was amazing. I loved the recurrent jumps in time and the overall framing structure that combined the stories within the story. However, it was only the first part and I was left dangling. Now I am eagerly waiting for the sequel to Vyasa: The Beginning. The art in this book is stunning as well and I was spellbound throughout. The fact that I finally have pictures that can accompany the stories I, and we all, grew up with, was a wonder in itself. I absolutely loved this book and I rated it 4.5 star read for me.
January 3, 2018
The illustrations are exquisite but the storytelling is insensitive to women. While I understand that epics might have been patriarchal and misogynistic but I don't agree that their recreations in 2017 have to be so. There is no compulsion. In fact, I would argue that today's authors must use their prerogative as artists to exclude dialogues that show women as petty brides to be kidnapped. Read this for the beautiful illustrations.
January 9, 2018
Though I understand from a standpoint what @Fictionhead suggests in its review, I would like to disagree with the same.
Yes, the writers/illustrators/makers of this graphic novel may have chosen a leaner way to show the discrimination metted out to women. In most of the cases, the way the male counterparts act around the females are insensitive, mean and straightway disgusting. Yet, that is what we find in the main Ved-Vyasa story. And for each of the episodes and scenes, you get a reference at the end appendices, singling out the incident for better perspective.
If today's authors would use their prerogative as artists and in their newly gained freedom they would exclude dialogues that show women as petty brides to be kidnapped, for the sake of redefining a story, then the most nearest good thing one would get is a fiction-based-newly-created saga like the Amish Trilogy of Shiva or the new Ikshavaku series.
That would instead belie the whole notion and idea of the title of the book : Vyasa.
For me it would have failed the brilliant cover that shows him, with all his foreboding of the impending doom and the eyes resembling thunders of war, as I turn one page after another to recount the horrors and marvels of the beginning of the grand tell he tells.
One point of keeping these untoward incidents may also be because they work as major plot points which one can't ignore or escape from. Being said the same, these incidents are not praised but shown as they must be : with contempt and in dark-humour, much what is needed in a graphic novel.
It felt much better in my eyes to get the story, as was composed by Vyasa and as it was deferentially told by the various bards : Sauti, Vaisampayana, Saunaka, or even the great Sage. The illustrations are out of this world and one can easily lost her/himself in it. Along with it, the writings/re-writing have been juxtaposed in the most sensible and perfect manner. All kudos to Shibaji Bandopadhyay and Sankha Banerjee.
I know that this kind of master storytelling needs patience to work upon and the next installments would take time, but after having this first bite, I am only craving for more. Must recommended if you are a graphic-novel fan :)
Yes, the writers/illustrators/makers of this graphic novel may have chosen a leaner way to show the discrimination metted out to women. In most of the cases, the way the male counterparts act around the females are insensitive, mean and straightway disgusting. Yet, that is what we find in the main Ved-Vyasa story. And for each of the episodes and scenes, you get a reference at the end appendices, singling out the incident for better perspective.
If today's authors would use their prerogative as artists and in their newly gained freedom they would exclude dialogues that show women as petty brides to be kidnapped, for the sake of redefining a story, then the most nearest good thing one would get is a fiction-based-newly-created saga like the Amish Trilogy of Shiva or the new Ikshavaku series.
That would instead belie the whole notion and idea of the title of the book : Vyasa.
For me it would have failed the brilliant cover that shows him, with all his foreboding of the impending doom and the eyes resembling thunders of war, as I turn one page after another to recount the horrors and marvels of the beginning of the grand tell he tells.
One point of keeping these untoward incidents may also be because they work as major plot points which one can't ignore or escape from. Being said the same, these incidents are not praised but shown as they must be : with contempt and in dark-humour, much what is needed in a graphic novel.
It felt much better in my eyes to get the story, as was composed by Vyasa and as it was deferentially told by the various bards : Sauti, Vaisampayana, Saunaka, or even the great Sage. The illustrations are out of this world and one can easily lost her/himself in it. Along with it, the writings/re-writing have been juxtaposed in the most sensible and perfect manner. All kudos to Shibaji Bandopadhyay and Sankha Banerjee.
I know that this kind of master storytelling needs patience to work upon and the next installments would take time, but after having this first bite, I am only craving for more. Must recommended if you are a graphic-novel fan :)
December 21, 2025
This beautiful paperback has a lot of water colour illustrations bringing to life episodes from the epic Mahabharat.
It's rare to get a chance to enjoy art which is so different and captivating. I am sure this has been a labour of love and the beautiful illustrations testify to that.
Most of the stories are well known to me since I have devoured Mahabharat since my childhood however the author brings in new perspectives and earlier lesser remembered tales making this an enjoyable experience.
This paperback focusses on the earlier parts of the Mahabharat which has many small stories about the ancestors of the ruling family.
With so many characters and so many events this is indeed an epic. It also touches upon the caste system prevalent thousands of years ago and many topics about Human behaviour and greed.
Later in the last thirty percent of the book, we get to witness the birth and rivalry of the young Kaurav and Pandav princes.
The language used here was a bit modern, colloquial english which did not suit the era and stories so it kind of stood out like a sore thumb at a few points.
There will be a second part continuing the story for sure and I will try to get that in the future.
It will be fun for those who are unfamiliar with the legendary epic although my recommendation would always be to read it first in it's entirety and then to start this graphic novel later.
It's rare to get a chance to enjoy art which is so different and captivating. I am sure this has been a labour of love and the beautiful illustrations testify to that.
Most of the stories are well known to me since I have devoured Mahabharat since my childhood however the author brings in new perspectives and earlier lesser remembered tales making this an enjoyable experience.
This paperback focusses on the earlier parts of the Mahabharat which has many small stories about the ancestors of the ruling family.
With so many characters and so many events this is indeed an epic. It also touches upon the caste system prevalent thousands of years ago and many topics about Human behaviour and greed.
Later in the last thirty percent of the book, we get to witness the birth and rivalry of the young Kaurav and Pandav princes.
The language used here was a bit modern, colloquial english which did not suit the era and stories so it kind of stood out like a sore thumb at a few points.
There will be a second part continuing the story for sure and I will try to get that in the future.
It will be fun for those who are unfamiliar with the legendary epic although my recommendation would always be to read it first in it's entirety and then to start this graphic novel later.
April 29, 2018
If the book is true to the original text, and I don't see any reason why it shouldn't be, the rampant misogyny in most of the anecdotes the book covers is quite disturbing. I hope this is by design, to elicit a sense of repulsion at the abysmally low depth patriarchy had ended up putting women, robbing them from all sense of agency.
Also, I expected the book to be a story of the early life of Vyasa, which it certainly is not. Rather, it's the story of Mahabharata, told in short anecdotes by a professional storyteller. Great plot device, but not what the title conveys.
The book piqued my curiosity to know the authentic text. The graphics are fascinating, the supporting text: not so much.
Also, I expected the book to be a story of the early life of Vyasa, which it certainly is not. Rather, it's the story of Mahabharata, told in short anecdotes by a professional storyteller. Great plot device, but not what the title conveys.
The book piqued my curiosity to know the authentic text. The graphics are fascinating, the supporting text: not so much.
July 27, 2023
Beautiful graphic illustrations and artwork!
Sibaji Bandyopadhyay’s Vyasa: The Beginning is an interesting and innovative modern retelling of the ancient Indian epic The Mahabharata, which was composed by the sage Vysya.
May 2, 2020
This graphic novel is narrated by Sauti - a professional storyteller to a group of hermits. What I really liked about this book is that it's not a plain narration. Instead, the narration is occasionally interrupted by the hermits' questions - questions that we've all had while listening to this story and Sauti's answers to them.
With beautiful illustrations, this book mainly concentrates on the stories of the ancestors of the Kauravas such as Pururava, Yayati, Bharatha, Bhishma and ofcourse, Vyasa. The language used is today's slang which makes it easier to understand the emotions of the characters. All in all, a good graphic novel for those looking to read Indian mythology.
With beautiful illustrations, this book mainly concentrates on the stories of the ancestors of the Kauravas such as Pururava, Yayati, Bharatha, Bhishma and ofcourse, Vyasa. The language used is today's slang which makes it easier to understand the emotions of the characters. All in all, a good graphic novel for those looking to read Indian mythology.
January 10, 2023
It took me a couple of days to finish this one. And after the first hour into it, I thought it would be tougher picking it up each time and getting re-acquainted with the world and language and moods it delves in. But I took it as a challenge and surprisingly lapped it up from page 60 to the very end on a night reading session. It wasn't a forced read, but I actually started enjoying the irreverential tone. It is quite an intriguing take on Mahabharata, it celebrates its grandeur, its layers yet the tone is very approachable.
Looking forward to reading Panchali, the sequel.
Looking forward to reading Panchali, the sequel.
February 28, 2018
The artwork is beautiful but the story telling leaves a lot to be desired. I like the fact that the narrator of the Mahabharata is also a character in the story and so we feel that the story we are being told is now “how it was” but “how it was remembered”. However, the story doesn’t flow very smoothly.. characters come and go... and maybe that is because this is just the set up for the main story.. in that hope I’m looking forward to the next volume.
January 24, 2022
Mahabharata can be a bit confusing. It is not at all concerned with making sense per say, it is more concerned with just 'being'. You can interpret it in different ways. Extremely casteist and mind numbingly non linear, it can either be a feast for your senses or a fricking shit-show. It all depends on your mood.
This iteration is of the graphic variety and I loved it. The style is good and I hope they are bringing out the next books in the series.
This iteration is of the graphic variety and I loved it. The style is good and I hope they are bringing out the next books in the series.
December 31, 2025
Mahabharat as a graphic novel as a concept is enough to sell me on a book.
This delivers.
Imma go and read the next one now.
Apart from being an immersive experience, this has the added value of you can pick up and turn to any random page marvel at the art.
Overall: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑.
This delivers.
Imma go and read the next one now.
Apart from being an immersive experience, this has the added value of you can pick up and turn to any random page marvel at the art.
Overall: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑.
October 27, 2018
Well written. Great artwork. Waiting for the next part
July 1, 2019
First of all, the artwork is amazing!
I love reading the Mahabharata in every form, and I enjoyed reading this one as well.
I love reading the Mahabharata in every form, and I enjoyed reading this one as well.
October 13, 2019
A retelling of the Mahabharata in a graphic format. The artwork is really nice and the colors blend seemlessly is a few pages. A good quick read.
January 23, 2021
Awesome illustrations
January 4, 2026
Absolutely wonderful retelling of Adi Parva. This and Amruta Patil’s book together are great addition to any library.
November 17, 2020
The graphic novel concept was appealing.. lovely illustrations and storytelling made for an engaging read. Thoroughly enjoyed the book.
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October 26, 2025This book is a visual treat.
so nicely written with the stories I never heard before like the stories of yayati and puru were a whole new concept to me this book was on my shelf from so long glad I finally picked it up
so nicely written with the stories I never heard before like the stories of yayati and puru were a whole new concept to me this book was on my shelf from so long glad I finally picked it up
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