Ravana: Roar of the Demon King is one of the recent Indian graphic novels that have become much popular amongst the Indian comics and graphic novel readers. The novel is published and distributed by Campfire Graphic Novels and printed solely in English in the year 2010. Ravana: Roar of the Demon King is written by Abhimanyu Singh Sisodia and illustrated by Sachin Nagar. The 96 pages full colour graphic novel, an adaptation of the Hindu epic Ramayana, retells the story of Ravana from his childhood years up to his becoming the King of Lanka. The story is represented through graphic artwork, narrative panels and vibrant colours that provides a unique look to the novel and increases its appeal to the readers.
Concept of Ravana: Roar of the Demon King
Ravana was the demon King of the kingdom of Lanka who was born out of a union between the holiest sage Vishrava or Vesamuni and his wife Kaikesi, a demon princess. Thus, Ravana was partly Brahmin and partly demon. He had risen from an ambiguous beginning at a hermitage and eventually conquered not only hell, but also heaven as well. Ravana was believed to be a dedicated follower of Lord Shiva and was also a proficient ruler, a great scholar and an expert of the Veena. His devotees considered Ravana a god.
In the graphic novel Ravana: Roar of the Demon King, he is portrayed as the absolute embodiment of evil to his rivals and enemies. The arrogant demon eradicated every hindrance that created obstacles in snatching his heart`s desire. The rage of Ravana was unleashed unbearable terror that seemed unstoppable to humans and gods alike. In the course of the story, Ravana abducts Sita, the wife of Lord Rama who was the exiled divine prince of Ayodhya. This becomes the sole mistake of Ravana`s life that begets unfavourable consequences.
Ravana: Roar of the Demon King is the tale of a demon that defied and challenged the gods and almost became one of the most powerful beings in the earth. The graphic novel depicts a tale which will rouse fear and awe simultaneously. The graphic novel takes a much deeper look into the life of the ruler of Lanka and explores the various aspects of Ravana`s life in order to ascertain if the Demon King was on the side of good or evil.