An ‘Extra-Ordinary’ feat
Following on from last week’s feature of Sachi Ediriweera’s “Lionborn” graphic novel, this week the Mirror Magazine shines the spotlight on the ingenious comic book artists and writers Thilani Samarasinha and Nimesh Niyomal- the minds behind the “Extra Ordinary” comic.
Pic courtesy Thilani Samarasinha
A unique aspect of the comic “Extra-Ordinary” is that it will be published in English, Sinhala and Tamil. The concept behind the comic’s tri-lingual publishing is very simple, Thilani explains “We have a rich tradition of comics in Sinhala and Tamil from way back in the 70’s and 80’s. Sri Lanka is one of the most literate countries in Asia and you only need to look at the ocean of people who descend on the annual book fair at BMICH to know that kids and adults in this country love to read.”
Thilani, a founding members of the Geek Club of Sri Lanka (GCSL) and principal organizer of Lanka Comic Con is a Lawyer by day and Geek by night. Recently, the Lanka Comic Con Trust was awarded a grant by the US State Department to initiate a nonprofit comic book press in Sri Lanka. Thilani, the brains behind the initiative envisioned to create a sustainable comic book industry which can offer creators print and translation services at affordable price points.
Her love for comics goes way back to when she was 9-10 years as she flipped through her father’s comic “War Picture Library” (A British 64 page Pocket Library published from 1958 to 1984 by Amalgamated Press/Fleetway (now owned by IPC Magazines).
Thilani says that she’s “always been a writer” albeit not a “very disciplined one” which is why she says comics are her “perfect fit”. “[Comics] allow you to tell a story succinctly and I love the challenge that telling a story in this form presents,” however she confesses “My drawing skills would embarrass a three year old so I don’t do any illustrations!”
Enter freelance digital and comic book artist Nimesh Niyomal, the artist who collaborates with Thilani (the writer) for the launch of their first comic produced by the Lanka Comic Con Press.
Whilst Thilani is taking full reign for the writing portion of the comic Nimesh has been given “total artistic control” where layouts, paneling and colour are concerned. The shy artist Nimesh shares his desire to get into comics with local content, mythology and history of Sri Lanka.
“Extra Ordinary”- according to Thilani was a mere idea for a while “floating around,” she adds “I’ve always wanted to do a contemporary Sri Lankan comic, but not a superhero one.” However, a comic based on local culture, history and mythology she says was the thinking. The story line of ‘Extra-Ordinary’ is just as the name describes it. “It’s easy to do big things if you have a super power like magic (Dr Strange) or bazillions of dollars (Like Tony Stark). But how would ordinary people step into the situations superheroes face – if they didn’t have those powers. If they were just, literally- extraordinarily ordinary?”
(L-R) Sachi Ediriweera, Nimesh and Thilani. Photo courtesy Anjana Nishal Dharmasiri
Adding to this Thilani confesses “people fascinate me so I write about people” Her thought provoking story explores the facets of Ordinary people who are called upon to undertake things that are far from the mundane and how they react to those situations. Inspired by a vast collection of comic books “which celebrate the strength to be found in friendship and diversity among people of very different backgrounds. And being a Sri Lankan that’s a message that resonates very strongly with me.”
Enriched with diversity “Extra- Ordinary” may resonate in the hearts and minds of readers. As this is the first issue, the writer doesn’t wish to give too much away.
Thilani is hoping to run Extra Ordinary into about 20 issues and is currently working on her next comic. To other aspiring comic book artists and writers Thilani’s advice is simple “Write what you love and what you believe in– not what you think other people would want to read” She adds “Don’t be afraid to be original or different. The best comics, are fun and enjoyable but they are also thought provoking and moving and inspiring.”
For all those aspiring creators who wish to launch their own work contact the Lanka Comic Con press via email at lankacomiccon@gmail.com