Future- A void, an unknown phenomenon that holds a lot of mystery. And that’s what we, humans are most concerned as well as afraid of-the fear of the unknown.
Over the centuries, people have in their ways tried to assess and possibly predict the future that ranged from science, to mythology, to art and much more. This thirst of knowing what’s beyond our grasp, is so driving that few people find themselves immersed in it taking the help of their vivid imagination. Independent comic artists Arko Chakraborty and Sourav Chakraborty, have attempted to find an answer in their own ways about the same, through their upcoming comic series D.E.B.I.
Slated to be released on the day of ‘Mahalaya’ (the day that marks the beginning of Durga Puja) on their Facebook page ‘Troll Bongo’ this October, D.E.B.I. is a post-apocalyptic take on the mythological event of Mahishasuramardini.
This will be their first serious comic as they usually make funny troll comics for their page apart from an upcoming project based on Satyajit Ray’s short stories.
“Preferably in Bengali, D.E.B.I is about artificial intelligence uprising in the year 3157 in Kolkata. The reason we are releasing it on Mahalaya is because it is loosely based on the mythological event where Durga killed Mahishasura,” mentioned Arko.
Science and mythology have found common grounds in various works of art. Coming together, they have provided a new dimension and essence to how we perceive both the subjects. D.E.B.I has a lot to do with bengali culture and will be the duo’s first serious project in this field.
Currently at its nascent stage, D.E.B.I is penned by Sourav and Arko has worked on art. The strip derives its title from the abbreviation of the protagonist. That’s all what the makers shared about its unique title without giving away any spoiler. We can assume that the title has its connection to ‘Devi’ as it blends science and mythology, perhaps in an age where machines have taken on natural life.
Speaking to AnimationXpress the duo exclaimed about the inspiration behind this series: “We’re very much influenced by the cyberpunk themed movies and animes, like Blade Runner, Akira and Ghost in the Shell. And of course it’s based on a particular mythological story. So we tried to blend both in the basic styling of the characters and the environment.”
Such an imaginative and creative project is full of new experiences. Sourav noted, “We learned so many new things about comic book making along the way. I would say for me it was a great experience working with Arko, both professionally and personally.”
“We both are pop culture maniacs, our likeness in many things are quite similar, so we both compliment each other and it really helps in the work process,” added Arka on the same line.
D.E.B.I promises to be a treat in this genre and with independent artists like them who have such a creative mind, it only gets better for the industry.
