Kolkata witnessed a vibrant explosion of pop culture as its inaugural Comic Con took over the Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan on February 22nd and 23rd. The air crackled with excitement as thousands of fans, young and old, gathered to celebrate the magic of comics, storytelling, and art. A kaleidoscope of cosplayers, sporting meticulously crafted costumes, transformed the venue into a living, breathing comic book universe. The energy was infectious, a testament to the enduring power of imagination and shared fandom.
Amidst the dazzling displays and immersive experiences, one stall stood out, a beacon of nostalgia and local pride: the Make Calcutta Relevant Again (MCRA) stall, aptly titled “Timeless Toons”. In collaboration with Techno India University‘s Ecole Intuit Lab and ESEDS School of Design, MCRA aimed to reignite the flame of Bengali comic culture. A captivating “Wall of Fame” showcased the iconic characters that have shaped generations, reminding attendees of the rich legacy of West Bengal’s comic scene. MCRA was the only stall dedicated to the wonder of Bengali comics, it was a mission to show everyone how prolific the Bengali comic scene has always been.
Visitors were treated to a journey through time, rediscovering beloved characters and sharing their cherished memories. Interviews revealed a deep-seated affection for these homegrown heroes, a testament to their enduring appeal.
The MCRA stall was more than just a trip down memory lane, it was a showcase of cutting-edge creativity. Ecole Intuit Lab presented a captivating interactive experience, using TouchDesigner and Mediapipe to map body motions and gestures, creating a mesmerizing “confidence meter” simulation and psychedelic effects. They also showed off the main plot of their game, “Ride and Die”, a first person shooter where the protagonist works for a malevolent tv corporation, and has to record himself doing stunts and killing zombies on his bike. The game, created by Pranoy Chatterjee of Unquittable Studios, has been in development for 1.5 years and was shown after IGDC 2023 and 2024.
ESEDS School of Design brought a vibrant fusion of comics and fashion. Their display was a riot of color and creativity, showcasing student artwork and garments inspired by iconic characters. Visitors were treated to a spectacle of design, from a hand-beaded snake upcycled jacket inspired by Rattler of Marvel comics, to anime inspired draped jackets and manga inspired gowns. Notably, Supriti Chatterjee’s avant-garde jacket, crafted from upcycled materials and featuring hand-painted Bantul and Handa Bhonda characters, was a highlight, having been worn by Hollywood actress Kat Graham. This piece was a tribute to the legendary Narayan Debnath, celebrating his timeless creations. The student volunteers, Caroline Chang and Aashea Jain, along with the HOD of fashion and interior design Ms. Deeksha Banerjee, Prity Mullick and admissions manager Ms. Varnaylee Dasgupta, were all present, interacting with visitors and students.
The MCRA stall, with the combined efforts of Ecole and ESEDS, truly captured the spirit of Comic Con, bridging the gap between nostalgia and innovation. It was a powerful reminder of the enduring power of storytelling, whether through the pages of a comic book or the pixels of a video game, or through wearable art.
The two-day extravaganza was a resounding success, leaving attendees buzzing with excitement. For the Techno India team and the MCRA team, it was an unforgettable experience, a testament to the power of collaboration and a shared passion for creativity. As the curtains closed on Kolkata’s first Comic Con, there was a collective hope for many more to come, a promise of a future where the city’s rich cultural heritage continues to thrive and inspire.