Biswajit Das is a filmmaker who embraces experimentation and revels in creative exploration within his craft. He neatly wears multiple hats as a director, cinematographer, and editor. Notably, Das was honoured with the prestigious Best Director award at the Chalachitram National Film Festival for his March film. Recently, he completed an ambitious series of twelve short films, each corresponding to and encapsulating the essence of the twelve months comprising a year.
In a bold new endeavour, Das has unveiled a monthly publication titled ‘The First Issue, March 24,’ which showcases a unique fusion of graphic storytelling and literary narratives. This innovative magazine presents a captivating collection of one-page graphic stories, with the inaugural issue featuring twenty-seven tales spanning diverse themes and tones.
Within the realm of graphic fiction, visual designs play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative experience. The content, design elements, placement, and skilful use of various tones in the illustrations all contribute to the development and enhancement of the central theme and the narrative pattern. Biswajit Das curated a selection of one-page stories for the magazine, allowing readers to immerse themselves in a dynamic interplay of words and visuals.
While most of the stories seamlessly blend graphics and narratives, creating a harmonious synergy, some stories in the magazine embrace a more poetic form, transcending traditional storytelling conventions. Additionally, the publication features an Assamese story, adding a touch of linguistic diversity to its pages.
However, there are a few areas that could benefit from further refinement. In certain stories, the typography could be more prominent and visually appealing, enhancing the overall reading experience. Moreover, the author’s names could be displayed more prominently, ensuring due recognition for their contributions.
It is noteworthy that ‘The First Issue, March 24’ marks a significant milestone as the first graphic magazine to be published in the state of Assam. Yet, Das’s vision extends beyond regional boundaries, as he endeavours to position the magazine as a national platform, curating stories from various corners of India. This collaborative effort involves the talents of Hrishitonoy Dutta, Bulbul Das, Raghu Sinha, and Biswadeep, who have contributed their artistic and creative expertise to this groundbreaking project.
