Comics Mela 2024: Keeping Dhaka’s comics scene alive

Have you ever stumbled upon something completely unexpected, only to discover a newfound obsession that continues to captivate you? And every time you encounter the very thing that sparked this passion, you can't help but smile, reminiscing about how it all began.

For me, my love for comic books started by pure chance. 

I was handed the graphic novel 'Sosemira' to review, and what began as a reluctant task turned into a fascinating journey through the world of Bangla comics—a genre I never imagined could capture my interest so deeply.

Fast forward to Comics Mela 2024 at Dhaka Comics' event in Mirpur's Riddhi Gallery, I found myself at Graphic Bangla's stall—the publishers of Sosemira. As I stood there, memories of my first encounter with the graphic novel came rushing back, reminding me of the serendipitous moment that ignited my fascination with comics.

While the modestly designed and spaced-out gallery offered a nostalgic trip down memory lane, Comics Mela holds a far deeper significance. It is not merely an event with stalls showcasing a variety of comic books for sale; it embodies a close-knit and passionate community of comic enthusiasts and cartoonists. These individuals, working with limited resources, are dedicated to preserving the culture of comics while inspiring and attracting the next generation of comic lovers.

The five-day event, which began on 16 December, featured a variety of workshops and lectures led by prominent figures in the industry. These sessions provided invaluable insight and guidance for aspiring comic writers and artists, ensuring the legacy of this art form continues to thrive.

What struck me as most fascinating was the availability of hour-long, specialised storytelling, drawing, and concept art and character design classes conducted by seasoned industry professionals—completely free of charge. These sessions offer invaluable guidance to budding enthusiasts, providing a rare and much-needed opportunity to learn from experts who have honed their craft over decades. Such initiatives are a remarkable way to nurture the next generation of talent, especially for those who might not easily access such resources. 

Of course, the stalls from various publishers were a treasure trove for comic enthusiasts, showcasing hundreds of titles—old classics, recent releases, and exciting upcoming works. Many of the books were heavily subsidised, making them an irresistible draw for guests. 

Notably, Dhaka Comics began taking pre-orders for their upcoming 96-page book, 'Shongshoptok', which had its cover unveiled during the event. The book promises to recount tales of courage and sacrifice by the seven Birshresthos of the Liberation War, adding a historical and emotional depth to its appeal.

Another standout was 'Unmad Volume 1', a hardcover collection of the first ten issues of Unmad from 1978 to 1985. This edition, with its slightly yellowed pages, evokes a nostalgic "back-in-the-day" charm, reminiscent of the era when these iconic issues were first released—a must-have for any serious collector.