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 - 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.

Week 12 - Reading Diary B

This is covering the last section of Ramayana 3392 AD.

Ramayana: 3392 AD

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This last section covers the events that are experienced by Bahrat and Shatrugan as Kalemni is about to assume the new position of Maharaj of Armagarh. At first, it shows how Kalemni slowly gained power in Armagarh through deception and use of the Asuras. Shatrugan eventually escape and plan to stop Kalemni before he can completely gain control as the new Maharaj. They decide to split up in order to both expose the Asuras and stop Kalemni. They accomplish their mission and Bahrat assumes his role as Kind of Armagarh.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this graphic novel. The retelling of this story in this dystopian setting is very enjoyable and I really liked the colorful and interesting illustrations. I would recommend that anyone read through this graphic novel to gain a new and different perspective of the Ramayana. 

Week 12 - Reading Diary A

This week I will be finishing up the graphic novel Ramayana 3392AD.

Ramayana: 3392 AD
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The third section starts off by completing the story about Rama traveling to and finding Mithila.  Mithila ends up being a strange place where normal physics change. Everything is underwater, so to speak, but it's as if there was no water. Rama and Lakshman defeat some of  Ravan's lead officers so he sends his own offspring to find and capture Seeta. Seeta is a living person, gifted by the earth itself. She has special abilities. While Ravan's offspring are battling Rama and Lakshman, Seeta cries out for the fightint to stop and the local plants end up swallowing and devouring Ravan's offsprings into the environment. This part of the graphic novel ends when Ravan shows up himself to destory everyone.

The second part of this third section is titled "Armagarh: Secrets from the underground." This story starts out as Mandavi and her father skulk through the deeply hidden computer vaults of Rajmahal. They end up finding that the "gods" that they were always taught to believe in were in fact computer programs created by humans from a long time ago. I'm certainly looking forward to finishing this book, it's getting pretty interesting.

Week 11 - Reading Diary B

This covers the second section of Ramayana: 3392 AD.

Ramayana: 3393 AD
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Again I am really enjoying this graphic novel. This section begins with Lakshman running into an ancient seer named Vishwamitra. Vishwamitra is looking for Rama and Lakshman ends up helping Vishwamitra find him. They end up finding him far off in another land and head towards a place where rakshasas are looking for a special place.

The things that stand out to me in this graphic novel are the illustrations and the retelling of this story in the futuristic dystopian setting. The illustrations are very colorful and they constantly show the bad places showing a very contrasting color compared to Rama who represents purity and dharma. The good places tend to be green and blue and far more fitting in with Rama. The futuristic technologies and dystopian setting make this retelling gritty which I like and it fits perfectly with this story.

I’m looking forward to the second half of this book!

Week 11 - Reading Diary A

For the next two weeks I will be reading Ramayana: 3392 AD. It is a retelling of the Ramayana in a dystopian setting. A dystopia is a place that is the opposite of a utopia. It generally refers to a place where the vast majority of people are unhappy and afraid, usually because they are treated unfairly by means of oppression and control.

After reading the first of four sections, this graphic novel is living up to the expectations I had for it. I thoroughly enjoy the dystopian films that I have watched in the past such as Blade Runner, Equilibrium, and the Matrix trilogy. One of my favorite video games of all time, Half Life 2, is a dystopian story.

Ramayana: 3392 AD
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The first thing I noticed about this graphic novel are the illustrations. It shows a futuristic setting with technology and advanced architecture. The lighting, however, is dark in most of the images. It helps to show the gloominess of this world. The writing is very good too. This first section covers the Ramayana up to the point where Rama is cast out into the wilderness for 14 years.

I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this graphic novel.

Week 10 - Reading Diary B

This reading diary covers the fourth and final section of the graphic novel Krishna, Defender of Dharma. It covers pages 102 - 151.

Krishna, Defender of Dharma

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The first story in the fourth section of this book is about the great battle of Kurukshetra. In this battle, the feud between the  Pandavas and Kauravas comes to a violent conclusion. Krishna gives aid to Yudhishthira by providing him guidance and wisdom about the coming battle. Krishna also gives guidance to Arjuna and other Pandavas in order to be successful in battle. After all of the fighting was done, the vast majority of both families had been slain in battle. One of the big things that stuck out to me about all of this was how Krishna spoke about the ideas of Dharma and Adharma. Dharma is essentially the idea that justice and righteousness will always prevail but only when people do what is necessary, even if it means doing something that doesn’t normally seem right. It makes me think of the phrase, “little evil for greater good.”

The second story in this section is about the finality of the Yadu dynasty. After the war of the Pandavas and the Kauravas was over, peace had spread all over the land. Dwarka had been affected by this as well but not in a good way. The warriors of this new peaceful era had grown lazy and arrogant and became complacent. A curse placed on Krishna set off a series of events that led to Krishna himself killing everyone while on their way to a ritual Krishna knew that the time had come for him to return to heaven and for the city of Dwarka to be reclaimed by the sea. To me, this story is about the finality of all things, even things that are good. One of the things that stuck out to me was how in peace, everyone had become arrogant and complacent. To me it shows that justice and righteousness often have to be fought for and earned.

I very much enjoyed reading this graphic novel. It provided colorful and interesting illustrations to add to everything that I was reading about the life of Krishna.

Week 10 - Reading Diary A

This reading diary covers the third of four sections from the graphic novel Krishna, Defender of Dharma. It covers pages 69 - 101.

Krishna, Defender of Dharma
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The third section covers two different stories. The first story is about how Krishna saved all of the people of Mathura from the armies of Jarasandha and Kalayavana. These two kings had decided to attack in surprise in order to overpower Krishna and take over Mathura. Krishna uses his divine powers to instantly transport all of the people from Mathura to the safe and hidden city of Dwarka. Through all of this, Krishna encounters Rukmini. She is the daughter of King Bishmaka. Rukmin, her brother, wishes for her to marry someone else. Krishna saves Rukmini from this arranged marriage and incites the rage of Rukmin and who he later defeats in combat. One of the things I really enjoyed about this story was how he was able to use his abilities to transport all of the people of Mathura to safety. It is a good illustration of his divine powers that he uses for good.

The other story covered in this section involves the Kingdom of Indraprastha. Yudhishthira was the king of Indraprastha and had requested the help of Krishna in order to properly carry out a ritual. Yudhisthira needed to be able to gain the acceptance of all of the other kingdoms before he could appropriately carry out the ritual. This would require him or someone from his kingdom of Indraprastha to defeat Jarasandha in single combat. Bheema, Arjuna, and Krishna set out to challenge Jarasandha and Bheema eventually defeats him after fighting for almost a whole month. This story helped show how wise Krishna is as well as how everyone, even the Pandavas, would seek out his guidance in their affairs.

Overall, I’m thoroughly enjoying this graphic novel. I’m looking forward to reading the last of the four sections of this book.

Week 9 - Reading Diary B

This reading diary is covering the second section of Krishna, Defender of Dharma. It covers pages 37 - 68.



Krishna, Defender of Dharma
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Immediately, one of the things that stood out to me was right on the first page of the second section. Young Krishna's mother saw that he was chewing on something. When she looked into his mouth she saw the universe. This stuck out to me because it helps to illustrate that Krishna is no ordinary boy. Most of this second section is about Krishna's exploits during his adolescence while living in Vrinadavan. He and his brother Balarama are constantly attacked by Kansa's assassins but they come out victorious every single time. Eventually, the two brothers go to a wrestling competition in Mathura and because very famous. In doing so they gain the attention of Kansa who calls them out and challenges them. Krishna uses this moment to strike out at Kansa and kill him, fulfilling a prophesy about his death. Krishna and Balarama end up being deified because of this.

I enjoyed this section as it details Krishna's exploits and victories of evil. I look forward to reading the second half of this graphic novel.

Week 9 - Reading Diary A

I will be reading Krishna, Defender of Dharma for the next two weeks. This is a graphic novel written by Shweta Taneja and illustrated by Rajesh Nagulakonda.

Krishna, Defender of Dharma
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Section 1 - Pages 1-36

This is a very neat and interesting graphic novel. I like how the illustrations show more detail to add to what I'm reading on the page. This first section shows how Indra called on the help of Vishnu in order to bring peace back to the land. It also shows the origin of Vishnu's avatar Krishna. Kansa however was aware of his own demise and set out to have Krishna killed before he could grow up. He does this by sending out demons to kill all of the newborns in the village of Gokul. The end of this section shows where the villagers of Gokul decide to move to a more peaceful area in order to escape the obvious threat to Krishna and everyone else around.

Overall i'm enjoying this graphic novel so far. The writing is easy to follow and the illustrations are very colorful and detailed.

Week 7 Reading Diary A

63. Abhimanyu and Jayadratha
Once again this is a story that I found interesting because it was filled with combat. While it is a saddening account, I liked the detail and description of the passing of Abhimanyu. I also liked how hearing of Arjuna’s vow for vengeance made Jayadratha tremble with fear. It was as if he immediately knew that it was a terrible thing that Arjuna would be thirsty and vengeful. The account of Arjuna’s search for Jayadratha was also full of excitement because he did not relent until he found his target.

64. Ghatotkacha
This story is about the fall of the Rakshasa son of Bhima. The description of the battlefield in this story makes it sound absolutely dreadful; the darkness, the confusion, the blood stained field. These things really paint a picture of an epic battle. The son of Bhima, Ghatotkacha, was in the midst of battle and slayed many Kaurava warriors but eventually fought and fell at the hands of Karna. Karna did however have to use his special celestial dart gifted to him by Indra.

65. Death of Drona
I’m really enjoying this part of the Mahabharata. This story picks up where Bhima now wants revenge for the death of his son. I liked how they resorted to trickery in order to bring Drona into a mindset of despair and sadness. They tricked him into thinking that his son had been slain. After hearing of the news the was nearly beside himself in despair and a great Pandava general was able to slay him.

The Death of Drona

Week 6 - Reading Diary B

43. Arjuna and Shiva

This is a story about Arjuna having a chance meeting with the "Great God". Arjuna set out into the Himalayas and began to offer worship to the Great God. Arjuna was interrupted by a boar while he was worshiping and decided to kill the boar. Both he and another huntsman who was actually the Great God shot the boar at the same time and fought over the boar. Through their meeting, Arjuna discovers that the huntsman was in fact the Great God himself. I think this story is interesting because it was almost as if the Great God was visiting Arjuna while he was offering worship. He then seems to test him by going after the boar at the same time.

52. Bhima and Kichaka

This story is about how Sairandhri (Draupadi) was sent to deliver food to the fierce warrior prince named Kichaka. Kichaka set out to be with Draupadi and harassed her. When she took this issue to the King Virata he overlooked the problem altogether out of his own fear of Prince Kichaka. Draupadi then went to Bhima who killed Kichaka without hesitation and with ease. I like this story because it shows how important family is to the Pandavas. Bhima set out to protect his wife without hesitation. I also enjoyed how Bhima pretty much taunted Kichaka for his poor treatment of Draupadi before he slayed him.

57. Krishna and Karna

This story is about the revelations that come to Karna about his origin. Krishna pleaded with Karna to join him and the Pandavas in the coming war. Krishna did not convince Karna to abandon his original friends so Kunti then set out to plead with Karna next. Even she did not succeed in getting Karna to change his mind. This story is interesting because I find that while Karna is probably making a poor decision, he is at least sticking to his principle and being honorable by staying allied with the Kauravas.

Karna

Week 6 - Reading Diary A

22. Bhima and Hidimba
I like this story about the Pandavas fleeing into the jungle. I really liked the description of Bhima traveling through the forest at high speed. It was also interesting to read about the sister of the Rakshasa and how she tried to seduce Bhima. Bhima, like a boss, completely stood tall and turned her down and then defeated Hidimba. He even dragged Hidimba away so that their fighting wouldn’t awaken the others.

Bhima fights with Hidimba

 

23. Bhima and Hidimbi
This story picks up where the previous story left off. HidimbI is speaking with the Pandavas and overhear Bhima and Hidimba fighting. Bhima finally defeats Hidimba by breaking his back. Bhima had such an effect on Hidimbi the sister of the Rakshasa Hidimba, that she convinced Kunti to speak on her behalf. Kunti spoke to Bhima and it was agreed that Bhima and Hidimbi would get married. They end up having a son.

34. The Burning of the Forest
This one is an interesting story that occurs while Krishna was visiting the Pandavas. They had a picnic and enjoyed much food and drink. A Brahmin approached the party. This Brahmin was actually a fire god and needed to feed on the Khandava forest in order to regain his strength. The Brahmin whose name was Agni finally made a deal in exchange for celestial weapons. This is an odd story because Krishna and Arjuna help Angi and pretty much enable him to consume and destroy a whole forest with fire.

Week 5 Reading Diary

8. Kunti and Her Son
This story is about the origin of the character named Karna, who is the son of Kunti and the god of the sun, Surya. Kunti gave birth to Karna before she was with Kind Pandu. I like this story because it is an interesting origin story and I liked how Karna was empowered with special earrings and armor that protected him. Another thing about this story that stood out to me was a similarity to the story of Moses from the Bible with both being placed in a basket as a baby and sent down a river to be found.

Surya, the sun god

12. Pandavas and Kauravas
This story is about the brothers Pandavas and the borhters Kauravas and their upbringing. In it is described how they grew up together and learned skills and trained. I like this story because it shows the change of the sons of Pandu from boys to young men. I like how, as they arrived back at Hastinapura, they are described as godly beings with the bearings of lions.

13. Bhima and the Nagas
This story is about how Bhima had an attempt on his life but the turn of events ended up producing completely different results. Bhima came in contact with the Nagas who ended up offering him the chance to gain a special strength. He obliged and drank a special draught which imbued him with strength of giants. I like this story because like in the Ramayana, justice always seems to find a way. When Duryodhana tried to kill Bhima, Bhima actually grew more powerful!

Week 4 - Reading Diary A: PDE

Ramayana PDE 61-80

63. Indrajit
This story may be my favorite yet. It again seems to be one of those times where "justice finds a way". The brothers and the monkeys attack Lanka and are succeeding until dark. In darkness is when Rakshasas are in their strongest forms. Indrajit also ends up using his deceit and trickery to bind the two brothers. Ravana then shows them to Sita and she falls into despair, believing that they are defeated.
Then the moment occurs where justice finds a way. Garuda whose origin or purpose is not yet known, appears and heals the brothers. This boosts the morale of the monkeys and they prepare to freshen their attack on Lanka.

71. Ravana's Death
I like this story because Rama and Lakshmana are finally able to overcome Ravana and defeat him. Rama struggled at first to attack Ravana effectively. He kept striking and cutting off the heads of Ravana but new heads kept appearing. Rama finally used a special flaming weapon to pierce and cut the heart of Ravana. This proved to be a quick death for Ravana.

Rama and Lakshmana attack Ravana

78. Valmiki's Hermitage

This is a sad story. The many people of the kingdom of Ayodhya no longer believed that Sita was pure and fit for Rama. Rama addresses this by banishing Sita to the jungle to stay at the hermitage of Valmiki for some time. It was so long in fact that the sons of Rama and Sita grew to be of age, beyond the knowledge of Rama.

Week 3 - Reading Diary B

48. Sampati

This story is about the monkeys that Sugriva had sent out in search of Sita on the behalf of Rama. The group of monkeys that were sent south had reached the ocean and were wary of returning with no sign of Sita, much less without any information. This is where the monkeys came in contact with Sampati, Jatayu’s brother, who provided them with the exact information they needed.

I like this story because here, like many other stories so far, justice and love always seems to find a way in some form or fashion. Just when the monkeys thought that the search for Sita had failed, there all of a sudden arose a new development.

50. Hanuman’s Leap

This story is about the great Hanuman rising to the occasion. to me it seems that every great story has a moment like this but the words written in the version struck me in a good way. The paragraph about Hanuman climbing Mahendra was very awe inspiring. They way Hanuman grew to the occasion was awesome (in the actual sense of the word). I like very much how the author described the situation.

57. The Burning of Lanka

This is another story about Hanuman. In this story Hanuman has made it to Lanka and finds Sita, only to be captured. The Rakshasas set Hanumans tail on fire but made a mistake by bounding his hands a second time which actually loosened his hands. While his tail was on fire, Hanuman broke his bounds, grew to a great size again, and razed half of Lanka.

I like this story because Hanuman is again able to use his abilities to grow and while he tail was on fire, was able to defeat many rakshasas on his own.

Hanuman and Lanka on fire
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Week 3 - Ready Diary A

26. Viradha

I liked the twist provided in this story, how the Rakshasa Viradha, was not capable of being slain by weapons. Rama and Lakshmana loosed many arrows with extreme accuracy, which would have defeated any other kind of Rakshasa or beast. While the arrows did penetrate and draw blood, they seemingly had no effect on Viradha. The brothers then attacked Viradha with their swords to the same effect. Only by throwing Viradha into a large pit, were they able to defeat the Rakshasa.

I also liked how in securing Viradha’s defeat, the brothers were essentially able to release him from a curse that was cast upon him and he was able to return to heaven.

Viradha
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29. Lakshmana and Shurpanakha

Again I seem to gravitate towards the conflicts and battles. While there isn’t an epic and detailed battle here, is it said that Rama slain 14 rakshsasas with celestial arrows. It goes to show that Rama is very powerful.

Lakshmana too is described with a little detail in how he struck down Shurpanakha. He is described as being as fast as lightning.

I’m definitely interested to see if and how this battle with 14,000 rakshasas will go down. Just a little side note, I noticed how at first Khara sent 14 rakshasas then called for 14,000. I’m wondering if there is something special about the number 14.

36. Jatayu and Ravana

In this story Sita is carried off by Ravana. Sita sees and calls upon Jatayu, a great vulture, for aid. Jatayu does his best in order to help Sita by attacking Ravana and slowing their flight. Jatayu is no match for Ravana who pierces him with many arrows and cuts off his wings.

What I like about this story is how willing and unafraid Jatayu is in offering aid to Sita, even to the point of death.

Reading Diary A: PDE

I have decided to read the Ramayana Online: Public Domain Edition partly because I am interested to see the different ways that the various authors have interpreted the Ramayana.

One of the first things that stuck out to me, right in the first page is the description of the palace of Dasharatha. This was a palace that projected strength and power and I enjoyed description of the fierceness of its guards.

I also enjoyed it quite a bit when Rama was able to obtain the celestial weapons from Vishwamitra after defeating Thataka. It was new and interesting to me that they appeared as spirits

Rama and Lakshmana battle the Rakshasas

Another story that I thought was interesting was when Rama was able to complete the challenge of King Janaka with ease. It reminded me very much of the story of the sword in the stone, where only one good person, true in heart and mind, could take hold and remove a sword that was thrust into a stone and anvil. Rama is only rajah that seems to be capable of handling the bow and thus wins the right to take and marry Sita.

Generally speaking, I do enjoy how important the bow and archery seems to be in these stories.