‘Chacha Chaudhary’ or ‘Pinki’ has been a childhood favourite among the local comics for many. And English comics such as ‘Strangers’, ‘Sovereign Seven’, ‘Rom’, ‘Secret Weapons’, ‘Lobo’, ‘Star Trek’, ‘Eagle’ etc are very popular among the young generation.
However, Bangladesh is not very far in the comic race. There are amazing artists who have built their career in this comic line. Here are some of the most hyped Bangladeshi comics that the comic fans talk about ---
Basic Ali
‘Basic Ali’ is one of the best and most fan favourite comics. The creator Shahrier Khan introduced Basic Ali and his crazy family of father, mother, sister Nature, brother Magic and the fellow characters in 2006.
This is also a personal favourite. Basic Ali and his sort of dysfunctional yet utterly entertaining family is a great source of entertainment.
Though ‘Basic Ali’ comics can be bought as volumes from Panjeree Publications, it also comes as a daily dose of fun in "The Daily Prothom Alo" in little strips. Well, it initially started like that and later was compiled into volumes.
Babu
In ‘Babu’, Babu is a mischief yet intelligent college student. Babu came with his wit and funny remarks way back in 1985. It might be a bit old one but can make anyone laugh regardless of age.
Shahrier Khan is the creator of Babu as well. It can also be found at Panjeree Publication as volumes, and there are about four dozen of them.
Cube
‘Cube’ is another one of master creations by Shahrier Khan. This graphic novel is the third one by the creator.
‘Cube’ is the story of a geologist named Joy Ahmad. Joy accidentally meets Gitto and gets his hands on a special cube. This cube is full of super power.
With an amazing illustration and a thrilling storyline, Cube is surely a crowd catcher.
Ruhan Ruhan
The science fiction novel by Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, ‘Ruhan Ruhan’ has been adapted into a comic series under the same name. The art is done by Mehedi Haque.
In a post-apocalyptic Earth, human civilization is tormented and shattered. People are trying to make use of what is left functional and restoring order between scattered humans. Suddenly, an ordinary boy named Ruhan figures out that the civilization is actually going back to old age.
The main story starts when a group of human trafficker abducts him. It is up to him to restore humanity in a torn world.
The comic first came out in February, 2014. There are several volumes of it.
Durjoy
‘Durjoy’ is a must read, if you love action because it is a revenge story. The story of ‘Durjoy’ is about the protagonist Durjoy who is an underground fighter. After years of fighting for the creators of his identity, he finally stops following the orders and starts making them pay back.
‘Durjoy’ is both written and illustrated by Touhidul Iqbal Sampad.
Jitu
A very funny and science fiction comic is ‘Jitu’. He is a little boy who has a ghost inside him!
In a sci-fi futuristic world, school boy Jitu gets a wrong intergalactic delivery. As he opens the bag, he finds a ghost in it! The story is about the journey of Jitu finding the real owner of the package and the adventures with the ghost Ti.
‘Jitu’ is a fun and action based comic by Asifur Rahman Ratul.
Laily
Another famous comic by Shahrier Khan is ‘Laily’. It is the first graphic novel of Bangladesh.
Laily is an upright young beautiful lady, who knows martial art like Kung Fu, Tae kwon Do etc. She can easily beat up the eve-teasers in her area but a goon named Bhoton falls in love with her. Even though she beats him to crisp, he just comes back.
These Bangladeshi comics do not fall short on humour. The best part is they have the taste of home, original Bangladeshi flavour. So, if you haven't tried any yet, get started. Happy reading!
" ‘Cube’ is a nice sci-fi comic, quite different with the stories even there is a great love story in it. So eventually the comic was good."
— Annas Nazim
" ‘Basic Ali’ is a great comic like a really funny one, it's about a funny family with funny names and funny stuffs, but the bond of their family is really strong and the best part is that they all are 'Kipta'!"
— Fahad Hossain
" ‘Laily’ is super fun and witty. I loved Bhoton's 'ba ba ba' (as well as the reason behind his being like this in the flashback) and his gang. The Blind sidekick's attempt to escape with 'Ondho manush bhikkha den' was awesome and made me crack up every single time. In general, the villain and his shango pangos was the highlight of this. Hats off to Shahriar Khan, for starting the era of 'proper' comics in Bangladesh."
— Nadia Islam Nitol
"I read one volume of ‘Babu’ and I really liked it. I will finish the rest very soon!"
— Sourav Giri
