Week 15 - Reflections

Looking back on this class, I would say that the primary thing that I can take away or say that I learned is that I actually enjoy a little bit of creative writing. Before the class started all I knew is that there would for sure be some reading and learning about Indian literature. I wasn't quite aware of the amount of writing, especially creative writing, that would take place. I have very much enjoyed the writing that I have done and the storytelling posts were definitely the thing that I looked forward to doing every week. The writing helped me learn more about myself as well as helped me realize that I enjoy it. For anyone that has enjoyed some of my writing: thanks for reading!

Week 14 - Reading Diary B

This diary is covering the second half of the Ramayan 3392 AD, Volume 3 graphic novel.

Ramayana 3392 AD, Volume 3

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The second half of this graphic novel starts out with the rebel force being ambushed by the forces of Baali the Monster. They were sent out to capture Angad, the son of Baali. They successfully fight back the great strength of Rama and his group and end up capturing Angad.

Rama and his group of rebels make a plan with Shugreave, Baali's brother, to somehow sneak into Kishkindha and rescue Angad. They plan to do this by flying an ancient aircraft through the cover of the clouds into Kishkindha. In doing so their aircraft becomes damaged and they crash land in Kishkindha.

After landing in Kishkindha, the group talks Baali into a "Fight of the Champions" to determine the fate of the rebels and of the future of Kishkindha. Rama, Lakshman, and Viv-Shan fight against the thanes of Baali which end up in a tie. This is where the third volume leaves off.

Overall, I very much enjoyed reading this graphic novel. Like I have stated before, the illustrations are much more detailed and colorful compared to the first volume. I really like how the author and illustrator include the "ancient" aircraft technology; the illustration looks makes it look like a World War II era fighter aircraft. I look forward to completing the storytelling from this graphic novel.

Week 14 - Reading Diary A

This week I will be reading Ramayan 3392 AD, Volume 3. I enjoyed reading the first two novels very much so I decided to get the third volume.

Ramayana 3392 AD, Volume 3
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The first half of this graphic novel starts off with explaining the history of Baali the Magnificent and how he ended up becoming Baali the monster. He was a great ruler of Kishkindha and waged war against the Asuras. He even fought against Asura Prime himself. He held his ground but eventually fell Asura Primes otherworldly powers. The story picks up where Rama and Lakshman have joined a nephew of Baali the Monster. He escaped the wrath of Baali and decided to recruit some of the best mercenaries in order to fight his uncle. While traveling through the jungle the group is ambushed by a group of genetically mutated beasts and begin fighting.

One of the things that I really like about this graphic novel so far is the improved detail of illustrations compared to volume 1. Volume 2 also showed, in my opinion, more detailed illustrations. The colors and the detail are great. I look forward to reading the second half of this graphic novel.

Week 13 - Storytelling - Rambo and the Raiders

“I think this one will work” Rambo said, putting the last wheel back on the wagon.

“I hope so” replied Laksho.

It looked old as if it had been abandoned for a couple years. The wood structure looked slightly rotted in some places but was still solid. With some minor repairs to the wheels they got it back to working order. Rambo, Sinthia, and Laksho had been traveling for days with only one horse. They were trying to avoid the raiders that roamed this region of the mountains and traveling at foot speed didn’t provide them with any advantage. They were lucky to find an abandoned wagon that was actually still working. The irony in the situation is that the wagon had probably been left behind by some travelers or merchants who had been captured or killed by the same raiders. It didn’t matter though; they hooked up their horse and got on their way.

Busted wagon wheel
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It didn’t take long for them to realize that they had in fact been spotted by a raider scout at the last pass. They were traveling for some half a day before they heard the raiders slowly catching up behind them. Their draft horse moved quite well along this rough terrain but the raiders were all on their own Quarter Horses.

“Looks like trouble,” Laksho said, seeing their followers for the first time. “It’s definitely raiders.”

You could always tell the raiders because they usually wore colored bands around their waist to help them differentiate themselves in the heat of combat. Their bright red bands stood out against the green and grey surroundings. Rambo whipped the reins and the horse picked up the pace. Laksho watched as the first raider slowly approached the wagon at full speed. He attempted to jump onto the wagon but simply misjudged the jump. His leading foot missed the wagon completely which caused him to fall forward and hit his head on the wagon. Laksho chuckled at this but Sinthia was not amused. In his desperate attempt to grab on to something, the raider somehow threw his satchel which landed in the bed of the wagon.

The situation began to escalate, however. More raiders were approaching quickly. The next raider actually made in onto the wagon. Laksho reacted quickly and pushed him off the wagon before he could get his balance. The raider pulled him along with him though and he did everything he could to grab onto the wagon and hang on. Sinthia helped pull him up and back into the wagon. Laksho wiped the sweat off his brow.

“Okay, enough of this,” Rambo said. “Laksho, take the reins.”

Laksho jumped into the front seat next to Rambo and grabbed the reins. Rambo then jumped into the bed of the wagon and found his .44 Magnum lever-action rifle. He aimed it at the next raider who barely had a chance to realize what was happening. Rambo fired the first shot with great effect, knocking the raider off of his horse completely. He repeated this; two more shots and two more dead raiders. There almost seemed like an endless supply of raiders, though, and Rambo only had three more bullets. All the while, Sinthia had found the raiderss bag in the wagon and found a stick of dynamite inside along with a flint.

“Rambo, look here,” she said, holding up the dynamite.

Rambo smiled and nodded. “Perfect!”

Laksho chuckled and whipped the reins. “It’s narrow up ahead. Get that thing ready,” he yelled.

Sinthia struggled to light the fuse but succeeded in lighting it just in time. She handed the lit dynamite to Rambo who threw it out just as the road narrowed along a cliff. This was the perfect moment to use the dynamite. They kept moving at full speed and waited. Rambo began to think that it was a dud but his thought was interrupted by one of the loudest sounds he had ever heard. The dynamite knocked enough rock loose to block the road and even hit one or two raiders. The road was clear and they carried on.

Author: Shamik Dasgupta
Artist: Jeevan Kang
Title: Ramayan 3392 AD Vol. 2: Reloaded / Tome of the Wastelands
Year: 2008

Author’s Note

This is yet another story that I decided to retell in the Western style. This original story comes from the Ramayan 3392 AD: Reloaded. It was an interesting read and I thought that this would be fun to turn into a Western. I left the plot pretty much the same, which is what I usually do. The names obviously are changed to be more Western. The background to this is nothing special. I pretty much wanted to stick to telling these stories in a Western setting for my Storybook Portfolio. The image here, as with many of the images I have used for these Western style stories, was chosen in large part because there weren’t many pictures that would suit the nature of this story while still being labeled for re-use. Still, the images works just fine with the story pretty much all taking place while traveling on a wagon. This story was actually somewhat difficult to get started in terms of creativity. This graphic novel was a very fun and interesting read but I had trouble finding a story that was, in my eyes, suitable to be changed into an action packed Western-style story. Overall, it turned out pretty good and I enjoyed writing this very much.

Week 13 - Reading Diary B

This week I am reading the second volume to Ramayan 3382 AD. It is simply titled "Ramayan 3392 AD Reloaded." This reading diary is for the second half of this graphic novel.

Ramayan 3392 AD Vol.2
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The second half of this novel really picks up the pace in terms of telling the story. Rama, Lakshman, Vishwamitra, and Seeta are traveling underground the city of Panchvati. They intended to flee when the time was right but they were captured. Rama and Lakshman are forced into gladiator style combat to please the masses. Seeta flees and meets Vishwamitra. Vishwamitra empowers Seeta to use her powers to wipe out Panchvati but ends up showing that he is actually the Asura Prime. 

One of the things I liked about this story was how Rama and Lakshman use the mob to get trick their captors into fighting them in the arena. The other thing I really liked about this story, as I mentioned in the diary covering the first half of this graphic novel, is how much better the illustrations are compared to Volume 1. 

Week 13 - Reading Diary A

This week I am reading the second volume to Ramayan 3382 AD. It is simply titled "Ramayan 3392 AD Reloaded."

Ramayan 3392 AD Vol.2
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The first half of this graphic novel essentially picks up where the first volume of leaves off. Rama an Lakshman were transported from Mithila to a junkyard where they encounter Seeta. Seeta is needed to help heal Rama from his dangerous fight with Devan-Tak. After being miraculously healed, Rama, Lakshman, and Seeta continue on in an attempt to flee capture. In the process, they end up running into Vishwamitra who helps them find safety.

I think the thing I like the most about this graphic novel are the improved illustrations compared to those in the first volume. These images show more detail and are more colorful.

Storytelling Portfolio

1. Brothers in Blood - Here is a story of how the two brothers challenge and defeat a mighty demon that has haunted the jungle for ages.

2. Billy Raven's Death - This story follows the final battle between a nefarious kidnapper and two brothers out for justice. The question is... will justice prevail?

3. Ben and His New Rifle - This story follows Ben and his brothers on a camping trip. Ben's trip changes quickly but turns out for better

4. The Lawman Riders - This story follows Kristopher and Baldrik to a bronc riding competition where they encounter corruption. What will become of them when the mayor decides he doesn't want them around?

5. No Man's Land - This story follows Lakshman wandering through the Jara Waste. Lakshman, tired and thirsty, is being followed. Are they trying to help or capture him?

6. Rambo and the Raiders - Rambo, Laksho, and Sinthia are chased down by some raiders. Check out the explosive ending to this wild ride.