Bengaluru is all set to host the 12th edition of Comic Con India on January 18 and 19 at KTPO Whitefield, promising a fun-filled weekend for fans of comics, anime, gaming and pop culture. From celebrity guests and exclusive merchandise to the country’s best cosplayers and live performances, organizers promise that this year’s event will be bigger and better than ever.
With a massive gaming zone, immersive experiential zones and geek shopping opportunities, Comic Con Bangalore 2025 promises to satisfy every fan’s passion. Attendees can expect a panel of comedy stalwarts including Ron Marz and Jamal Igle as well as homegrown creators who are reshaping the Indian storytelling landscape.
Amidst the star-studded line-up, we highlight four different comic artists: Tinkle veteran Savio Mascarenhas, Sufi comic artist Mohammad Ali Wakil, Dakhni storyteller Rahil Mohsin, and Marvel artist Tadam Gyadu.
(Bengaluru Comic Con 2025 will take place on January 18 and 19 at KTPO Trade Centre, Whitefield. For more details, visit comicconindia.com. Tickets at Insider.in)
Mohammad Ali Vakil (Sufi Comics)
Sufi Comics | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Mohammad Ali Wakil, along with his brother Mohammad Arif Wakil, holds a unique place in the Indian comics scene as they have combined comics with Sufism. co-creator of sufi comicsThe duo’s journey began in 2011 with their first book, 40 sufi comicsWhich brings centuries-old Islamic stories to life in a format that seeks to bridge cultures and generations.
For Muhammad Ali, the seeds of storytelling were sown during his childhood in Dubai. He recalls that comics were not just entertainment but a window into Indian culture and a medium to explore the stories he learned in madrassa. “The stories I grew up with shaped my morals and worldview,” he says. When he came to India in 2002 and years later, he discovered his talent for art, this skill was developed through storytelling. It felt natural to add to the saying.
The Vakil brothers’ comics are more than just stories – they are tools for understanding. At an early Comic Con, a parent expressed gratitude for his work, saying it made Islamic stories accessible to curious young minds. “Comics are powerful. They tell spiritual and philosophical stories in a format that connects deeply,” explains Muhammad Ali.
His work, inspired by Persian and Turkish miniature art, is steeped in tradition yet tailored for a contemporary audience. “We include a verse from the Quran in each comic, written in Arabic calligraphy by one of India’s finest calligraphers here in Bengaluru,” he explains. These verses, coupled with visually evocative narratives, provide a spiritual And create a bridge between the scenes.
Embracing the digital age, his latest project, 40 Sufi Comics Volume ThreeInstagram was designed with that in mind. “We tailored each story to a carousel format and released them weekly,” he says, adding that the platform helped him grow from 3,000 to 70,000 followers in just two years.
For him, comics are more than just a medium; They are a bridge between worlds, a way to share timeless stories in a format that resonates with today’s readers. “Comics tell stories and we humans love stories,” he says.
To view Sufi Comics’ work visit suficomics.com
Savio Mascarenhas (Tinkle Magazine)
Hunter Shambhu in Tinkle Magazine Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
For over three decades, Savio Mascarenhas has been the cornerstone of Tinkle, one of India’s most iconic children’s magazines. His journey as a comic book illustrator began in 1982 and since then, he has breathed life into characters that have become household names, including the beloved hunter Shambhu. Growing up, Savio was greatly influenced by the works of Ram Verkar and Pradeep Sathe of Amar Chitra Katha as well as Tinkle’s colorful illustrations. He would often find himself doodling with sketches in his favorite comics.
After a stint as a copywriter in advertising, a newspaper ad led him to chime“I showed him my cartoons, and he offered me ₹50 per drawing. This is how my freelance journey began.” His life changed forever on New Year’s Eve in the mid-90s chimeThe famous Ananth Pai, founder of , offered him a full-time role. “He asked me what really makes me happy,” Savio recalls. “I realized it was the drawing.”
In 1997, another milestone came when he was handed over the reins hunter shambhu Following the retirement of its original artist Vasant Halbe. “It was tremendous. I didn’t think I would be able to do justice to Shambhu,” he recalls. But Halbe’s advice – “Make Shambhu in your style, not mine” – inspired him. Over time, Savio made the character his own and transformed Shambhu from a hunter into a conservationist. Guns were swapped out for tranquilizer darts, and stories began advocating wildlife conservation.
Savio has also helped chime Develop with time. “Children today are exposed to global standards. Our stories tackle issues like mental health, gender equality and inclusivity, but we weave these messages into fun stories.
Now guiding the next generation of artists, he encourages young talents to take up art. “Art is a career without boundaries. With tools like YouTube and Coursera, learning has never been easier,” he says.
For Savio, his journey chime Nothing less than destiny. “It doesn’t feel like a job. It’s a gift,” he says.
You can follow Savio Mascarenhas on Instagram at mascarenhas.savio
Rahil Mohsin (Hallubol)
say hallu Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
For Rahil Mohsin, co-producer of hallubolStorytelling is both a creative passion and a cultural mission. With over 13 years of experience as a comic book artist, Mohsin along with his partner Alankrita launched the world’s first Deccani comic book series. “Growing up in Shivaji Nagar, Bengaluru, speaking Dakhni often resulted in low self-esteem,” recalls Rahil. “We were made fun of and the representation of Dakhni people in the media only reinforced stereotypes.”
Determined to challenge this narrative, the pair created hallubolA bilingual series that makes the Deccani language accessible to a wider audience. For each Dakhani dialogue, an English translation is provided, allowing non-Dakhani readers to connect with the stories. “Representation matters,” he explains. “When someone from a Dakhni background tells Dakhni stories, it challenges the misconceptions spread by outsiders.”
The series highlights universal themes through a distinctly Dakhni lens. His first book, become a manExplores toxic masculinity, generational trauma and parental abuse, offering a sensitive portrayal of Dakhni men. follow up, abba aricontinues this narrative, highlighting a dysfunctional family disrupted by the return of a toxic patriarchy.
Based on reality, the comics depict the actual locations of Rahil’s childhood in Bengaluru. “The house in the comic is based on where I spent my teenage years,” he says. This authenticity not only humanizes the Dakhni people, but also gives readers a vivid glimpse into the lives of the city’s Dakhni-speaking communities. Provides.
Beyond addressing stereotypes, hallubol Committed to incorporating social commentary into its narratives. “Our stories tackle big issues—gender equality, mental health, toxic family dynamics—but we present them in an engaging way,” Rahil says.
Despite their success in cities like Hyderabad and Mumbai, the reception in Bengaluru has been surprisingly lukewarm. “It is surprising,” admits Mohsin. “Being from Bengaluru and having a strong Dakhni circle here, I expected more enthusiasm. Maybe this year will bring change.”
For more information, visit Hallubol.com
Tadam Gyadu (Marvel Comics)
spider man Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
For Tadam Gyadu, becoming a comic book artist was a childhood dream nurtured by many Raj ComicsGrowing up in Arunachal Pradesh, Gyadu immersed himself in the exploits of Nagraj, super commandos Dhruv and Doga. Later, films introduced him to Western superheroes, beginning his lifelong obsession. “Comic book fans have always dreamed of creating their own comics,” he says. “I’m no different.”
Fast forward to 2023, and Gyadu is living that dream, creating art for Marvel Comics. His recent projects include contributing ghost rider and illustration spider man indiaA character revived after the beginning of 2005. “When Sony decided to release Spider-Man India across the spider-verseMarvel relaunched the character with a new comic series. They wanted Indian creators for the project, so the writer, artist and I all have Indian roots,” explains Gyadu.
Although Tadam’s art is influenced by Western comics, he still incorporates subtle Indian elements – Hindi signs on the walls or Indian characters in crowd scenes. However, he resists being typecast as a North Eastern artist. “There is less representation from the North East because it is a remote region,” he admits, “but I don’t feel pressure to represent it in my work. My stories from the North East come from its rich storytelling traditions, no need for symbolism.
Beyond his Marvel projects, Tadam is developing creator-owned comics with a writer friend. “We want to tell our stories, which are based in the North East but with universal appeal,” he says.
Working with Marvel presented challenges, particularly tight deadlines. “In India, publishers are more flexible. But Marvel works on a strict monthly schedule,” he shares. Still, the creative freedom he gets at Marvel takes the pressure off. “They don’t point out mistakes. Once I get the script, I am free to interpret it in my own way.”
Tadam’s art remains extremely personal. The locations in his paintings often reflect his own life, even if the stories do not directly reference Arunachal Pradesh. He sees Comic Con as an opportunity to connect with fans and peers, and he is excited to showcase his work in Bengaluru.
You can follow Tadamm Gyadu on his Instagram page _tadammeh_
published – January 09, 2025 02:13 PM IST
