Devi (comics)
Encyclopedia
Devi is the fictional character created by Shekhar Kapur
and Virgin Comics, as part of their debut Shakti line, which focuses on Indian settings. The character is loosely based upon the mythological figure, Durga
.
in the 2nd century of man. When Bala rose again to threaten the universe, Devi was reborn within the body of a young woman named Tara Mehta.
The Devi entity had emerged within a warrior-woman of the Durapasya (human warriors of light) clan. She had led the armies of the gods and men on an all-out assault on Bala’s Fortress.
After defeating Bala through hand-to-hand combat, which led to the fallen god being blinded, captured, and imprisoned by Bodha, the supreme Lord of creation inside Jwala, the fortress of fire and stone (hidden deep within the earth) she had created a source to hold the prayers of humanity and channel them to Aakashik, the story's representation of heaven, thus replenishing the powers of the other pure gods.
The key to Bala's sarcophagus prison was entrusted to a creature of fire and stone called the Gatekeeper.
In the present, a woman by the name of Tara Mehta
, who is the unawakened Devi incarnate, lives a posh lifestyle alongside her boyfriend Iyam (who was the former favorite general of Bala during the ancient battle, and currently Sitapur’s most notorious ganglord). He also owns “the Abyss” night club.
An investigation by Inspector Rahul Singh, a functioning alcoholic of the Sitapur police who drinks alcohol in order to self medicate an overactive supernatural ability, leads to pinpointing Iyam as a culprit. Meanwhile, Kratha
, an Apsara - an assassin of heaven hired by Lord Bala using a woman named Amara Gaelle - goes to try to eliminate Tara Mehta before she becomes Devi. However, she is unsuccessful as the Durapasya kidnap and drug her before she can kill her target.
Tara comes into contact with the first Devi who attempts to lead Tara on the road to rebirth as the Devi. Inspector Rahul Singh follows Iyam to a private meeting with Amara
where he learns of the supposed assassination attempt.
Iyam and Kratha come to a truce ending with Iyam paying Kratha double the amount of what she was paid by her previous master. Amara, Lord Bala's contact, kills 2 of Iyam’s bodyguards who had captured Inspector Rahul thus freeing him and seemingly following her own agenda.
(Title meaning in English : The terrifying beauty)
writer : Siddharth Kotian
artist : Mukesh Singh
The story of the original Devi and her battle against Bala and his hordes in the 2nd century of man.
Issue #2 - DWIJA
(Title meaning in English : Twice born)
writer : Siddharth Kotian
artist : Mukesh Singh
Return of Bala in modern times and introduction of Tara Mehta
, the devi incarnate in the city of Sitapur
Issue #3 - NAMAHA
(Title meaning in English : Salutation)
writer : Samit Basu
artist : Mukesh Singh
Tara is kidnapped by the Durapasya, a cult of devi worshippers who initiate her transformation. The Apsara
assassin Kratha
arrives in Sitapur
to kill Tara Mehta
Issue #4 - PRARAMBH
(Title meaning in English : Beginning)
writer : Samit Basu
artist : Mukesh Singh
Tara is attacked by Kratha while still in trance and the priest Agantuk
whisks her away in the nick of time to Durapasya headquarters.
Issue #5 - AAGAMAN
(Title meaning in English : Arrival)
writer : Samit Basu
artist : Mukesh Singh
Tara's transformation into devi is complete, but as Kratha
and Iyam storm the Durapasya temple, the human and the divine coexist in Tara.
Issue #6 - SAMSARA
(Title meaning in English : The world at large)
writer : Samit Basu
artist : Aditya Chari
Issue #7 - SANDEHA
(Title meaning in English : Doubt)
writer : Samit Basu
artist : Aditya Chari
Issue #8 - AKS
(Title meaning in English : Reflection)
writer : Samit Basu
artist : Saumin Patel
Issue #9 - YUDH
(Title meaning in English : War)
writer : Samit Basu
artist : Saumin Patel
Battle royale between the forces of Durapasya and Bala's hordes begin.
Issue #10 - SAMVARA
(Title meaning in English : The slaying)
writer : Samit Basu
artist : Saumin Patel
The battle between Tara and Bala.
Issue #11 - ATEETA
(Title meaning in English : The past)
writer : Saurav Mohapatra
artist(s) : Saumin Patel Siddharth Kotian Edison George
An enigmatic supernatural being is drawn towards the new DEVI and we get glimpses of Tara, Rahul and Kratha's past through his eyes.
Issue #12 - AHWAAN
(Title meaning in English : The call)
writer : Saurav Mohapatra
artist(s) : Saumin Patel
Tara learns to control her DEVI powers to some degree and fights a dreaded mob boss who is trying to gain control of the Sitapur underworld.
Issue #13
writer : Saurav Mohapatra
artist(s) : Saumin Patel
Tara and Kratha clash as the White Horseman manifests in Rahul's body declaring his intention to kill the DEVI, who he considers an abomination.
Issue #14,15 & 16
These have been released. Please update the review of the same.
. Issue #11 onwards are written by Saurav Mohapatra
. Acclaimed creator Ron Marz
has signed on as story consultant and editor for the series.
:
Shekhar Kapur
Shekhar Kapur is an Indian film director and producer. A critically acclaimed director, he rose to popularity with the movie Bandit Queen...
and Virgin Comics, as part of their debut Shakti line, which focuses on Indian settings. The character is loosely based upon the mythological figure, Durga
Durga
For the 1985 Hindi Film of Rajesh Khanna see DurgaaIn Hinduism, Durga ; ; meaning "the inaccessible" or "the invincible"; , durga) or Maa Durga "one who can redeem in situations of utmost distress" is a form of Devi, the supremely radiant goddess, depicted as having eighteen arms, riding a lion...
.
Plot summary
Devi was a celestial warrior goddess created by the gods to fight the renegade god BalaBala (Virgin Comics)
Bala is a comic book character from the Devi comic book by Virgin Comics.-Biography:Bala was the son of Bodha, king of the gods, and became unsatisfied with his life in the heavens, deciding to instead conquer the people of the mortal realm, and feed off their worship, to become the most powerful god...
in the 2nd century of man. When Bala rose again to threaten the universe, Devi was reborn within the body of a young woman named Tara Mehta.
The Devi entity had emerged within a warrior-woman of the Durapasya (human warriors of light) clan. She had led the armies of the gods and men on an all-out assault on Bala’s Fortress.
After defeating Bala through hand-to-hand combat, which led to the fallen god being blinded, captured, and imprisoned by Bodha, the supreme Lord of creation inside Jwala, the fortress of fire and stone (hidden deep within the earth) she had created a source to hold the prayers of humanity and channel them to Aakashik, the story's representation of heaven, thus replenishing the powers of the other pure gods.
The key to Bala's sarcophagus prison was entrusted to a creature of fire and stone called the Gatekeeper.
In the present, a woman by the name of Tara Mehta
Tara Mehta
Tara Mehta is a comic book character from the Devi comic book by Virgin Comics.-Biography:Tara Mehta was the latest host for the avatar of the gods, Devi, who was incarnated onto the mortal plane every time the threat of Lord Bala presented itself...
, who is the unawakened Devi incarnate, lives a posh lifestyle alongside her boyfriend Iyam (who was the former favorite general of Bala during the ancient battle, and currently Sitapur’s most notorious ganglord). He also owns “the Abyss” night club.
An investigation by Inspector Rahul Singh, a functioning alcoholic of the Sitapur police who drinks alcohol in order to self medicate an overactive supernatural ability, leads to pinpointing Iyam as a culprit. Meanwhile, Kratha
Kratha
Kratha is a comic book character from the Devi comic book by Virgin Comics.-Biography:Kratha was a member of the Apsara group of assassins, sent by Bala to assassinate the latest incarnation of the Devi avatar, Tara Mehta....
, an Apsara - an assassin of heaven hired by Lord Bala using a woman named Amara Gaelle - goes to try to eliminate Tara Mehta before she becomes Devi. However, she is unsuccessful as the Durapasya kidnap and drug her before she can kill her target.
Tara comes into contact with the first Devi who attempts to lead Tara on the road to rebirth as the Devi. Inspector Rahul Singh follows Iyam to a private meeting with Amara
Amara
Amara, the sun beetles, are a large genus of carabid beetles, mostly holarctic, but a few species are neotropical or occurring in eastern Asia.These ground beetles are mostly black or bronze-coloured...
where he learns of the supposed assassination attempt.
Iyam and Kratha come to a truce ending with Iyam paying Kratha double the amount of what she was paid by her previous master. Amara, Lord Bala's contact, kills 2 of Iyam’s bodyguards who had captured Inspector Rahul thus freeing him and seemingly following her own agenda.
Characters
- DeviTara MehtaTara Mehta is a comic book character from the Devi comic book by Virgin Comics.-Biography:Tara Mehta was the latest host for the avatar of the gods, Devi, who was incarnated onto the mortal plane every time the threat of Lord Bala presented itself...
- A supernatural entity created by the gods to defeat their enemy, Lord Bala.
- Lord BalaBala (Virgin Comics)Bala is a comic book character from the Devi comic book by Virgin Comics.-Biography:Bala was the son of Bodha, king of the gods, and became unsatisfied with his life in the heavens, deciding to instead conquer the people of the mortal realm, and feed off their worship, to become the most powerful god...
- An evil god bent on conquering heaven and subjugating man to his will. He feeds on the forced worship of his followers and he plans to stop the modern era version of the Devi and also to find the Source so as to gain its power.
- Tara MehtaTara MehtaTara Mehta is a comic book character from the Devi comic book by Virgin Comics.-Biography:Tara Mehta was the latest host for the avatar of the gods, Devi, who was incarnated onto the mortal plane every time the threat of Lord Bala presented itself...
- A woman from the city of Sitapura who is said to become the next incarnation of Devi.
- Rahul Singh - A cynical burnt out alcoholic police officer who, by a strange turn of events, finds himself as the sidekick of the current Devi incarnate, Tara Mehta.
- KrathaKrathaKratha is a comic book character from the Devi comic book by Virgin Comics.-Biography:Kratha was a member of the Apsara group of assassins, sent by Bala to assassinate the latest incarnation of the Devi avatar, Tara Mehta....
- An apsaraApsaraAn Apsara , also known as Vidhya Dhari or Tep Apsar in Khmer, Accharā or A Bố Sa La Tư , Bidadari , Biradali , Widodari and Apson , is a female spirit of the clouds and waters in...
assassin hired by Lord Bala to kill Tara Mehta.
- Agantuk - A priest of the order of the Durapasya who advocates the "radical" idea of keeping the human host alive for the Devi entity. He is largely responsible for Tara's survival when the Devi entity manifests itself within her mind and body.
Issues
Issue #1 - BHAIRAVIBhairavi
Bhairavi is a fierce and terrifying aspect of the Devi virtually indistinguishable from Kali, except for her particular identification as the consort of the Bhairava.-Symbolism:...
(Title meaning in English : The terrifying beauty)
writer : Siddharth Kotian
artist : Mukesh Singh
The story of the original Devi and her battle against Bala and his hordes in the 2nd century of man.
Issue #2 - DWIJA
(Title meaning in English : Twice born)
writer : Siddharth Kotian
artist : Mukesh Singh
Return of Bala in modern times and introduction of Tara Mehta
Tara Mehta
Tara Mehta is a comic book character from the Devi comic book by Virgin Comics.-Biography:Tara Mehta was the latest host for the avatar of the gods, Devi, who was incarnated onto the mortal plane every time the threat of Lord Bala presented itself...
, the devi incarnate in the city of Sitapur
Issue #3 - NAMAHA
(Title meaning in English : Salutation)
writer : Samit Basu
Samit Basu
Samit Basu is the author of five novels: The Simoqin Prophecies, The Manticore's Secret and The Unwaba Revelations, the three parts of The GameWorld Trilogy, a fantasy trilogy published by Penguin Books, India, Terror on the Titanic a YA novel published by Scholastic India, and Turbulence, a...
artist : Mukesh Singh
Tara is kidnapped by the Durapasya, a cult of devi worshippers who initiate her transformation. The Apsara
Apsara
An Apsara , also known as Vidhya Dhari or Tep Apsar in Khmer, Accharā or A Bố Sa La Tư , Bidadari , Biradali , Widodari and Apson , is a female spirit of the clouds and waters in...
assassin Kratha
Kratha
Kratha is a comic book character from the Devi comic book by Virgin Comics.-Biography:Kratha was a member of the Apsara group of assassins, sent by Bala to assassinate the latest incarnation of the Devi avatar, Tara Mehta....
arrives in Sitapur
Sitapur
Sitapur formerly spelled as Citapore is a town and a municipal board in Sitapur district in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is in the Lucknow Division of Uttar Pradesh...
to kill Tara Mehta
Tara Mehta
Tara Mehta is a comic book character from the Devi comic book by Virgin Comics.-Biography:Tara Mehta was the latest host for the avatar of the gods, Devi, who was incarnated onto the mortal plane every time the threat of Lord Bala presented itself...
Issue #4 - PRARAMBH
(Title meaning in English : Beginning)
writer : Samit Basu
Samit Basu
Samit Basu is the author of five novels: The Simoqin Prophecies, The Manticore's Secret and The Unwaba Revelations, the three parts of The GameWorld Trilogy, a fantasy trilogy published by Penguin Books, India, Terror on the Titanic a YA novel published by Scholastic India, and Turbulence, a...
artist : Mukesh Singh
Tara is attacked by Kratha while still in trance and the priest Agantuk
Agantuk
Agantuk is a 1991 Bengali film directed by Satyajit Ray. It was Ray's last film, and is based on one of his short stories, Atithi .-Plot summary:...
whisks her away in the nick of time to Durapasya headquarters.
Issue #5 - AAGAMAN
(Title meaning in English : Arrival)
writer : Samit Basu
Samit Basu
Samit Basu is the author of five novels: The Simoqin Prophecies, The Manticore's Secret and The Unwaba Revelations, the three parts of The GameWorld Trilogy, a fantasy trilogy published by Penguin Books, India, Terror on the Titanic a YA novel published by Scholastic India, and Turbulence, a...
artist : Mukesh Singh
Tara's transformation into devi is complete, but as Kratha
Kratha
Kratha is a comic book character from the Devi comic book by Virgin Comics.-Biography:Kratha was a member of the Apsara group of assassins, sent by Bala to assassinate the latest incarnation of the Devi avatar, Tara Mehta....
and Iyam storm the Durapasya temple, the human and the divine coexist in Tara.
Issue #6 - SAMSARA
Samsara
thumb|right|200px|Traditional Tibetan painting or [[Thanka]] showing the [[wheel of life]] and realms of saṃsāraSaṅsāra or Saṃsāra , , literally meaning "continuous flow", is the cycle of birth, life, death, rebirth or reincarnation within Hinduism, Buddhism, Bön, Jainism, Sikhism, and other...
(Title meaning in English : The world at large)
writer : Samit Basu
Samit Basu
Samit Basu is the author of five novels: The Simoqin Prophecies, The Manticore's Secret and The Unwaba Revelations, the three parts of The GameWorld Trilogy, a fantasy trilogy published by Penguin Books, India, Terror on the Titanic a YA novel published by Scholastic India, and Turbulence, a...
artist : Aditya Chari
Issue #7 - SANDEHA
(Title meaning in English : Doubt)
writer : Samit Basu
Samit Basu
Samit Basu is the author of five novels: The Simoqin Prophecies, The Manticore's Secret and The Unwaba Revelations, the three parts of The GameWorld Trilogy, a fantasy trilogy published by Penguin Books, India, Terror on the Titanic a YA novel published by Scholastic India, and Turbulence, a...
artist : Aditya Chari
Issue #8 - AKS
Aks
Aks is a 2001 Hindi film directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra.-Synopsis:Aks is a supernatural thriller centering on two main characters - Manu Verma, the cop and Raghavan, the shadowy killer....
(Title meaning in English : Reflection)
writer : Samit Basu
Samit Basu
Samit Basu is the author of five novels: The Simoqin Prophecies, The Manticore's Secret and The Unwaba Revelations, the three parts of The GameWorld Trilogy, a fantasy trilogy published by Penguin Books, India, Terror on the Titanic a YA novel published by Scholastic India, and Turbulence, a...
artist : Saumin Patel
Issue #9 - YUDH
(Title meaning in English : War)
writer : Samit Basu
Samit Basu
Samit Basu is the author of five novels: The Simoqin Prophecies, The Manticore's Secret and The Unwaba Revelations, the three parts of The GameWorld Trilogy, a fantasy trilogy published by Penguin Books, India, Terror on the Titanic a YA novel published by Scholastic India, and Turbulence, a...
artist : Saumin Patel
Battle royale between the forces of Durapasya and Bala's hordes begin.
Issue #10 - SAMVARA
Samvara
Samvara is one of the tattva or the fundamental reality of the world as per the Jain philosophy. It means stoppage—the stoppage of the influx of the material karmas into the soul consciousness. The karmic process in Jainism is based on seven truths or fundamental principles of Jainism which...
(Title meaning in English : The slaying)
writer : Samit Basu
Samit Basu
Samit Basu is the author of five novels: The Simoqin Prophecies, The Manticore's Secret and The Unwaba Revelations, the three parts of The GameWorld Trilogy, a fantasy trilogy published by Penguin Books, India, Terror on the Titanic a YA novel published by Scholastic India, and Turbulence, a...
artist : Saumin Patel
The battle between Tara and Bala.
Issue #11 - ATEETA
(Title meaning in English : The past)
writer : Saurav Mohapatra
Saurav Mohapatra
Saurav Mohapatra is an Indian comic book writer based out of Massachusetts, USA. His credits include the Devi , The Sadhu : "The Silent Ones" and Deepak Chopra's India Authentic from Virgin Comics- Biography :...
artist(s) : Saumin Patel Siddharth Kotian Edison George
An enigmatic supernatural being is drawn towards the new DEVI and we get glimpses of Tara, Rahul and Kratha's past through his eyes.
Issue #12 - AHWAAN
(Title meaning in English : The call)
writer : Saurav Mohapatra
Saurav Mohapatra
Saurav Mohapatra is an Indian comic book writer based out of Massachusetts, USA. His credits include the Devi , The Sadhu : "The Silent Ones" and Deepak Chopra's India Authentic from Virgin Comics- Biography :...
artist(s) : Saumin Patel
Tara learns to control her DEVI powers to some degree and fights a dreaded mob boss who is trying to gain control of the Sitapur underworld.
Issue #13
writer : Saurav Mohapatra
Saurav Mohapatra
Saurav Mohapatra is an Indian comic book writer based out of Massachusetts, USA. His credits include the Devi , The Sadhu : "The Silent Ones" and Deepak Chopra's India Authentic from Virgin Comics- Biography :...
artist(s) : Saumin Patel
Tara and Kratha clash as the White Horseman manifests in Rahul's body declaring his intention to kill the DEVI, who he considers an abomination.
Issue #14,15 & 16
These have been released. Please update the review of the same.
Reception
Critical response to Devi has generally been positive, especially towards the artwork, which has drawn almost unanimous praise. The first two issues drew some criticism for lack of world development and cliché dialogue, but reviewers found these issues were resolved in Devi #3. In terms of sales, Devi seems to be the most popular comic of the Shakti line.Credits
Issues #1-#2 written by Siddharth Kotain, art and cover by Mukesh Singh, and colours by J Nanjan. Issues #3-#10 were written by Samit BasuSamit Basu
Samit Basu is the author of five novels: The Simoqin Prophecies, The Manticore's Secret and The Unwaba Revelations, the three parts of The GameWorld Trilogy, a fantasy trilogy published by Penguin Books, India, Terror on the Titanic a YA novel published by Scholastic India, and Turbulence, a...
. Issue #11 onwards are written by Saurav Mohapatra
Saurav Mohapatra
Saurav Mohapatra is an Indian comic book writer based out of Massachusetts, USA. His credits include the Devi , The Sadhu : "The Silent Ones" and Deepak Chopra's India Authentic from Virgin Comics- Biography :...
. Acclaimed creator Ron Marz
Ron Marz
Ron Marz is an American comic book writer, known for his work on titles such as Silver Surfer, Green Lantern, Marvel vs DC, Batman/Aliens and Witchblade.-Career:...
has signed on as story consultant and editor for the series.
Collections
The series is being collected as trade paperbacksTrade paperback (comics)
In comics, a trade paperback is a collection of stories originally published in comic books, reprinted in book format, usually capturing one story arc from a single title or a series of stories with a connected story arc or common theme from one or more titles...
:
- Volume 1 (collects #1-5, 144 pages, June 2007, ISBN 1934413003)
- Volume 2 (collects #6-10, 144 pages, October 2007, ISBN 1934413062)
- Volume 3 (collects #10-15, 144 pages, January 2008, ISBN 1934413119)
- Volume 4 (collects #16-20, 144 pages, July 2008, ISBN 1934413224)
See also
- Indian comicsIndian comicsIndian comics are comic books and graphic novels associated with the culture of India. India has a long tradition of comic readership, characters from centuries-old myths and folktales have adorned the covers of children's comic books in India for decades...
- Tara MehtaTara MehtaTara Mehta is a comic book character from the Devi comic book by Virgin Comics.-Biography:Tara Mehta was the latest host for the avatar of the gods, Devi, who was incarnated onto the mortal plane every time the threat of Lord Bala presented itself...
- BalaBala (Virgin Comics)Bala is a comic book character from the Devi comic book by Virgin Comics.-Biography:Bala was the son of Bodha, king of the gods, and became unsatisfied with his life in the heavens, deciding to instead conquer the people of the mortal realm, and feed off their worship, to become the most powerful god...
- Rahul Singh
- Iyam
- KrathaKrathaKratha is a comic book character from the Devi comic book by Virgin Comics.-Biography:Kratha was a member of the Apsara group of assassins, sent by Bala to assassinate the latest incarnation of the Devi avatar, Tara Mehta....
External links
- How Deepak Chopra's Virgin Comics is changing comic book industry
- Review of first trade, Silver Bullet Comic Books, August 29, 2007