'Batman is a metaphor'

Artistic impressions

Civil engineering post graduate Tamal Saha grew up reading comics but the 9/11 tragedy prompted him to come up with his own creation. Over a decade later, this brought him his first project.

The Bengaluru-based artist who can’t remember when he started doodling talks to Chetana Divya Vasudev about the titles he started off his journey with and the characters he’d like to meet.

Tell us something about yourself.

I’ve been an avid reader of comics since my childhood but had no intention of becoming an artist. I came to Bengaluru to pursue my bachelors in civil engineering and then masters in the same field. In 2009, I posted some of my art work on Facebook and  got an offer from a company. I thought I’d give it a shot. Now, this is what I do full time.

How far back can you trace your love for art to?

Ummm...I can’t really tell. For as long as I can remember, art has been my second nature. I remember drawing as a two- or three-year-old and winning a competition in Class 1. Back then, I mostly drew cars and human beings.

When did you transition to comic book art?

It was after the 9/11 attack that I tried something that resembled a comic — some work ruing the war, terrorism and destruction around us. In 2012, Chariot Comics offered me a project — ‘The Templar’, only one issue of which came out. Since, I have worked on several projects for US-based indie comics as well as Speech Bubble Entertainment’s ‘TaraNath Tantrik’ series, which I believe is a cut above any other Indian title.

How would describe your style?

My art is more realistic than cartoon-like. This is a visual medium which, I believe, has to stay sort of true to reality.

Which comics did you grow up with?

I lived in Kolkata; my uncle gifted me with a pile of comics, mostly consisting of Amar Chirta Katha and Indrajal titles. The former set was mostly Ramayan and Mahabharat, while the latter introduced me to ‘Bahadur’, ‘Phantom’, ‘Mandrake’ and ‘Garth’. I also read some Diamond Comics and Raj Comics titles.

Your favourite character of all time.

Batman. He’s a metaphor of sorts — he has no great powers; he simply hones his skills to do what he does. I think that’s something all of us can take away from him. And no other superhero has as rich a back story as Batman does.

Three comic characters you’d like to meet.

Batman, of course. Superman: He’s god-like but lives amid humans; I want to ask him how he can be so humble. And Daredevil: I want to see how he sleeps.

Do you get time to work on your own creations?

Actually, I’m working on something at the moment. It has got to do with the superhero mask. Most wear it to protect their identity and so that their loved ones don’t get in the crosshairs. But what if a superhero had to wear a mask to fit into society, to seem normal while not on a mission to save the world? These are some questions I’m exploring though my work.

Your advice for budding artists?

Just shut up and keep drawing. Hang in there for a few years; don’t give up if your first project or two don’t make it big.

Tamal Saha,  born and brought up in Kolkata, moved to the city in 2004 to pursue a degree in civil engineer. While he was doing his Masters, a company here offered him a project that started him off on his present comic art career. Among other titles, the 29-year-old has worked on those part of the popular ‘TaraNath Tantrik’ series.