Review : Odayan #1-4 (Level 10 Comics)

Story/script : Suhas Sundar
Main Art & Colour : Deepak Sharma
Greyscale : Santosh Pillewar
Letters : Raghavendra Kamath

Odayan at first glance seems to be Level 10’s answer to Alan Moore’s V for Vendetta. It is actually a well-written, classic tale of revenge and the restoration of power, incorporating very delicately the elements of surprise, deceit, suspense and valor. It is perfectly illustrated to compliment the excellent writing, introducing certain nuances which distinctively define the theme, showing the inspiration and the influences.

[Editors Note: Some minor spoilers, you have been duly warned!]
 

The series starts off with a bang, very smartly using elements of mythology, history and here-say to create a backdrop for a complex saga. It introduces us to the main protagonist – Odayan – who with his mysterious origins, killer instinct, rebellious ideals and a little narcissism, becomes an instant hit with the reader. We see his impeccable skills while he duels with and beheads a father whose son would play a major role developing an ideology, similar in certain ways to the one that is instilled in Odayan himself.

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In the next issue we see Odayan gaining power by challenging the cruel aristocratic authorities and the latter trying to take him down. At same time we see Odayan gaining control over various people through persuasion, force or favor. Even when the tale starts to get a little predictable, the writers win back the attention of the reader by introducing some subtle yet enthralling elements of surprise.

The third issue is an absolute cracker, having many sub-plots run simultaneously and introducing a variety of interesting characters and viewpoints. And with the final issue the blanket of oblivion and mystery covering the motives and origins of Odayan is removed showing how an innocent young boy transforms into a ruthless vigilante. Also this issue concludes by creating a great setup for future issues, finishing on a high note.

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Coming to the artwork/illustration: the whole concept to of black and white illustration with color only given to masked protagonists, antagonists and blood – which almost binds the novel together – is fantastic and very well executed. The detailing is quite intricate and the portrayal of the risqué panels is quit phenomenal. The only issue I had, was that with a story like Odayan which has so many regional references and character names, the main characters were not illustrated very distinctly when compared with each other (males look a little alike and so do the females) causing a little bit of confusion when reading through it in intervals. Apart from that a little more blood and gore would have totally complemented the theme.

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Now I have two little complains, not from Odayan but for Level 10.

The 1st being the printing quality on some pages was extremely bad and the 2nd being that with a novel like Odayan, which has such a complex narrative and such intricate artwork, why would Level 10 release such a small (digest) sized comic version? 
I personally feel the regular trade back size would have done far more justice to the novel.

Overall I would give Odayan a strong 8.75/10.

- By ObiWayneK