Story by: Aniruddho Chakraborty
Art by: Tarun Kumar Sahu and Tadam Gayadu
Publisher: Chariot Comics
Age group: 12 +
Price: Rs 150
Almost a year back, Chariot Comics decided to come out with a soft reboot of Damned Series Damned #1: Vampire Monks of Piyang. Now, after the success of VRICA: Ascension Protocol and the fact that they are in a stage to expand their character roster – the decision to release Damned got finalised.
Here’s the synopsis of the comic:
The year is 2020 and the mysterious and enigmatic duo of Anga and Morphuz are hurtling down towards the Indo-China border in their desi truck. Not much is known about their origins or their intentions, save the fact that Anga has in his possession the Blue Lotus Crystal and both of them are meta-humans with very high levels of powers. Some say Anga and Morphuz are old gods – that cannot be confirmed. What is known is that Morphuz has a pretty bad credit rating.
Watch them face off against the Vampire Monks of Piyang – an ancient order of vampires that has it’s monastery across the border.
Aniruddho Chakraborty has worked on the story and character with inputs from his old editor Kate Lyons on one of the new characters. A couple of years back, the primary artwork had been done by Tarun Kumar Sahu and for a particular section, a talented and budding artist from North-east Tadam Gayadu has been introduced. Since two varied artist have worked on it, both have distinctive art-styles and colours which can be observed in the respective sections.
Following Chariot Comics style, this comic’s narrative too shall have a blend of history and real world. Speaking about the aspects the readers should look out for, Chakraborty chirps, “This one is different from VRICA and other titles out there, in the sense that it doesn’t necessarily take itself too seriously. We jump straight into the action from page one – without wasting any time on the origins. I think that was the fun part – a lack of a full origins narrative, builds an air of mystery and allows us to take new directions.”
Not to forget there’s something interesting in store for Chariot Comics lovers. There’s a Chariotverse in making. “Damned #1 is a solid step in the direction of a shared universe. Given our publishing pace and schedule, I will be looking at one more VRICA graphic novel and another Damned single before “Vanguards” comes in.” Teasingly Chakraborty adds, “It just makes much more sense for the overall story that way. But look out for the building blocks towards Vanguards (if we stick to that title name in the future) in Damned. :-)”
With new set of characters that are in a “different space” within Chariotverse, Chakraborty hopes to put in variety and fun in his new comic. And by the looks of it, it sure seems interesting and something readers should watch out for.
Damned #1 is set to release in the upcoming Comic Con India Hyderabad edition.
