Bangla Humour in Frames

🖊️Sharanya Sen

Amid sprawling stalls of international bestsellers, Korean fiction, and Instagram-famous paperbacks at the International Book Fair, a quieter yet persistent presence continues to draw readers across generations- Bengali comics  These illustrative narratives may do little for many vendors at the International Book Fair because to them comics may be little more than juvenile distractions, but to fans of Bengali comics, they represent something more important: a sophisticated narrative tool, a means of expression, and a keepsake of an illustrious pages of an ever more distant past. These books spark interest.

In an era of vigorously shrinking attention spans and dominant digital platforms, the demand for Bengali comics challenges the assumption that regional graphic storytelling has lost its audience. One of the key reasons for their continued relevance lies in the storytelling. These comics have historically blended humour, satire, and keen social observation in a form that remains relatable to the readers even decades after publication. Equally significant is the visual literacy that comics foster, offering layered narratives through text and image alike.

At the Children’s Pavilion, Narayan Debnath’s classics command attention. Characters of ‘Nonte Phonte’, the mischievous boarding school students, or ‘Hada Bhoda’, the daily-life misadventures of two mischievous boys and their interactions with a strict, often exasperated, school teacher, and Bantul the Great, who turns the idea of heroism on its head. remain widely recognisable and sought- after works in Bengali popular literature. Their presence underscores a legacy that refuses to fade.

However, evolution further separates older and newer comics. Classic works largely focused on school life, moral authority, and exaggerated heroism. Nonte Phonte, for instance, revolved around boarding school rebellion, while Bantul used physical comedy and satire to subvert traditional ideas of strength and justice. These stories were rooted in their time, reflecting post- independence social structures. In contrast, newer Bengali comics address contemporary realities. Storylines often explore city life, generational conflicts, digital obsession, and urban isolation. While humour remains central, it is sharper, more self-aware, and reflective of changing social rhythms.  

Yet, the relevance of older comics remains unquestioned. Their continued presence at the Book Fair highlights their emotional longevity. Readers often describe returning to these old classics not just for humour but for familiarity. Their relevance lies in their ability to evolve without erasing memory.

In the crowded lanes of the Book Fair, where global voices compete for attention, Bengali comics stand their ground, quietly proving that storytelling survives best when it remembers its past while learning how to change.