As we step into 2025, Indian comics and graphic novels continue to capture the essence of timeless stories, blending tradition with contemporary perspectives. From epic retellings of ancient myths to gritty, modern-day explorations of social justice, the year ahead promises a rich collection of graphic narratives that offer readers a deep dive into India’s vibrant literary and cultural heritage. Whether you’re revisiting the wisdom of Swami Vivekananda, uncovering the struggles of revolutionaries like Bhimrao Ambedkar, or journeying through the mythological landscapes of Krishna and Sita, these nine graphic novels and comics offer something for every reader. Join us as we explore the best Indian comics and graphic novels to read in 2025, where each page invites you to witness the fusion of art, history, and storytelling.
1. Divine Justice And The Tale Of Two Oxen by Munshi Premchand
Munshi Premchand’s timeless tales come alive in a vibrant new graphic format, blending rich storytelling with stunning visuals. The Divine Justice (Khudai Fauzdar) explores greed, power, morality, and justice through the story of Seth Nanakchand, a wealthy but morally flawed man who, after receiving threatening letters, faces a twist of fate where justice is delivered by three constables. In The Tale of Two Oxen (Do Bailon Ki Katha), the resilience, loyalty, and camaraderie of Heera and Moti, two oxen, highlight the profound bond between humans and animals, showcasing themes of compassion and justice. These contemporary adaptations breathe fresh life into Premchand’s classics, making them a must-read for graphic novel enthusiasts and lovers of literary masterpieces alike.
2. Kari by Amruta Patil
Ruth and Kari were inseparable—until the day they jumped. Ruth, saved by safety nets, leaves the city behind, while Kari, rescued by a sewer, returns to confront life’s chaos. With Angel, Lazarus, and the girls of Crystal Palace as her chorus, Kari ventures into the dark heart of Smog City, navigating loneliness, fleeting success, death, and the lingering void left by her absent Other. Sensuously illustrated and laced with sharp, wry insights on life and love, Kari introduces a bold new voice to Indian graphic fiction, offering a thought-provoking journey for readers of all ages.
3. The Life Of Swami Vivekananda by Westland
This captivating comic-style biography takes you on a vibrant journey through the life of Swami Vivekananda, from his early days as the curious young Narendranath in colonial India to the dynamic monk who left the world spellbound with his historic speech at the Parliament of the World’s Religions. It highlights his mission to share India’s spiritual wisdom and the concept of universal tolerance with the West, while igniting a cultural and spiritual revival in his homeland. Drawing from his writings and speeches, and reflecting on the key moments and influences that shaped his journey, this beautifully illustrated, well-researched account offers a powerful introduction to the visionary monk who championed unity, compassion, self-realization, and the timeless teachings of India.
4. Sita: Daughter of the Earth by Saraswati Nagpal
In an ancient era when gods and mortals walked side by side, Sita, the compassionate and intelligent princess of Videha, is married to Rama, the noble prince of Ayodhya. Their life, filled with happiness, soon turns tragic as Sita is forced to abandon the luxury of her royal life and live in the perilous forest, where danger lurks at every turn. Captured by the evil demon-king Ravana and taken to Lanka, Sita’s fate hangs in the balance. As Rama gathers an army to rescue her, Sita faces a harsh choice—return to her kingdom and her husband or live in isolation, haunted by suspicion. Adapted from the Ramayana, this timeless tale of love, honor, and sacrifice reveals the incredible strength of a woman in an unforgiving world.
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5. Bhimayana by Subhash Vyam Srividya Natarajan, S. Anand, Durgabai Vyam
Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (1891–1956) stands as one of India’s most impactful revolutionaries. Born into the untouchable caste, he rose above immense adversity to earn multiple doctorates and dedicate his life to fighting social injustice and the caste system. Ambedkar’s crowning achievement was drafting the Constitution of India, but his journey was fraught with relentless discrimination—from the harsh treatment he faced at the age of 10 in school, to the challenges he encountered in Baroda after his studies at Columbia University, and even during his travels later in life. Despite his extraordinary accomplishments, the discrimination Ambedkar faced still echoes today, with millions of Dalits in India—currently numbering over 170 million—still denied basic rights such as water, shelter, and dignity. In this powerful work, Pardhan-Gond artists Durgabai Vyam and Subhash Vyam merge historical milestones with modern-day struggles, breathing new life into the graphic tradition with their enchanting artwork.
6. Krishna: Defender of Dharma by Shweta Taneja
The malevolent Rakshasa Kalanemi has returned to Earth, this time assuming the form of Kansa, the ruthless king of Mathura. To defeat him and his army of dark creatures, Lord Vishnu incarnates as his eighth avatar — Krishna, the protector of righteousness. From the moment of his birth, Krishna bravely confronts the forces of evil with unmatched courage. As he matures and takes on the role of a counselor to the Yadava clan, he realizes that the true battle in this age isn’t against mythical monsters but against corrupt kings and warriors. Join this wise and fearless hero on his mission to vanquish evil and guide humanity back to the path of virtue.
7. Mumbai Confidential: Good Cop, Bad Cop by Saurav Mohapatra
Arjun Kadam, once a feared member of Mumbai’s notorious Encounter Cops, a squad known for delivering vigilante justice to the city’s criminal underworld, now finds himself broken by grief and at rock bottom. But fate offers him one final shot at redemption as he takes a stand against the very violence and corruption he once helped create. Crafted by Saurav Mohapatra (Witchblade, Mumbai MacGuffin) and illustrated by Vivek Shinde (Project: Kalki, Snakewoman), this hard-boiled tale of revenge and redemption explores Mumbai’s gritty underbelly. The internationally acclaimed story returns in a stunning Fifth Anniversary Special “NOIR” edition, a striking black-and-white softcover.
8. The Tall Tales Of Vishnu Sharma Panchatantra Kindle Edition by Sumit Basu
Something dark is creeping into the tales we grew up with, bringing destruction and forgotten memories. Now, a diverse group of animal heroes from ancient Indian fables must band together to survive. But their first challenge? Finding the boy who’s meant to save them—the chosen guardian of the Panchatantra. There’s just one problem: he has no idea they’re real! With mischievous wizards, cuddly yet dangerous anime-style villains, and a King of the Jungle who’s not as terrifying as you’d think, this is definitely not your usual bedtime story!
9. Aranyaka by Amruta Patil and Devdutt Pattanaik
Aranyaka delves into the untamed forests within and around us, blending Vedic philosophy with the journey of three passionate seekers. It explores the primal fears and desires that drive human interactions, asking who devours whom and who truly sees the other, revealing the complexities of the mind and the wilderness of our nature.
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