From superhero “fan boy” to becoming a published artist, Rahil Mohsin is living his childhood dreams.
Growing up watching cartoons and filling sketchbooks with superheroes, the comic book creator always wanted to pursue his passion.
Now, it’s his job and he’s published three graphic novels since finishing his animation studies, with plenty also in the pipeline. The Bengalurean is one of the guests at this Sunday’s Comic-Con workshop in Indiranagar, giving future comic artists a chance to work on their skills. He has been a regular at Comic-Con events around India since 2011 and credits them for helping him get where he is today.
It’s a great opportunity to connect with other artists and writers, as well as make headway in the industry, he says.
“For me to see so many homegrown comics start getting a lot of attention, as a fan myself this really pushed me to take my passion further,” he says. “This has been a really good push for artists like me to take the next step.” “Everything about the medium of animation is appealing”, Rahil says.
Having complete control of creations and working on projects is invigorating, he says, and it’s in part because he was once a reader of comic books himself. “I grew up on comics and was a big fanboy,” he recalls.
“This is a big dream and has been ever since I could hold a piece of chalk or a pencil,” he adds.
“Being able to realise that dream and earn a livelihood is one of the best things that can happen to me.”
While Rahil hasn’t made it to any international Comic-Con events as yet, his books have. His first book was presented at a San Diego event, and ended up in the hands of author Greg Thompson, Rahil’s “idol”.
“He gave me some feedback. That was one of the best things that could ever happen to me. “Even though I couldn’t meet the man to know that a part of me is resting on his bookshelf is enough.”
He went through his share of challenges too. Comic art is growing in India, but he was often told it was a “dying” industry when he was studying.
To be able to make a career of animation and sustain himself with art has been justifying for the critics, he says.
“It’s always been a challenge to make people understand why drawing is something I do for a living.” “It’s an actual profession . . . It’s hard work and a lot of people don’t understand that.” Along with other graphic novels, Rahil is also working on a comic strip series and says he wants to pursue as many styles of animation as he can.
Comics 101 Workshop is free and will be held on October 28 at 3 pm at Monkey Bar, Indiranagar.