A mortal woman and the Goddess Parvati fight against sexual violence in India and around the world in this epic vivid augmented reality comic book involving the Hindu gods. Innovative and interactive storytelling. Received the Tribeca Film Institute New Media Fund from the Ford Foundation and Ms. Foundation.

This comic book is an ambitious project with noble intentions, but it falls short in execution. At the same time this comic book attempts to tackle significant social issues through the lens of mythology and modern storytelling, yet struggles to maintain a cohesive narrative and impactful engagement.

The story in this comic book centers around Priya, a survivor of sexual violence, who is empowered by the goddess Parvati to become a symbol of strength and change. This premise is powerful and relevant, aiming to address societal issues such as gender-based violence and empowerment. 

The narrative itself in this comic book intertwines contemporary social commentary with elements of Hindu mythology, creating a platform to discuss these critical topics.

However the storytelling in this comic book often feels disjointed. The transition between mythological elements and the modern-day setting lacks fluidity, which can make the narrative feel fragmented. This lack of cohesion hinders the story’s ability to maintain momentum and fully engage me personally. While the intention is to seamlessly blend these two worlds, the execution sometimes has left me personally confused about the timeline and the progression of events.

The character development is another area where this comic book struggles a lot. Priya, as the protagonist, is portrayed with a strong sense of purpose, but her personal journey and emotional arc are underdeveloped. The supporting characters, including the goddess Parvati, are not given enough depth to make their interactions with Priya impactful. This lack of depth had prevented me personally from forming a strong connection with the characters and their struggles.

The artwork in this comic book, while visually striking in its use of digital effects, occasionally overwhelms the narrative. The art style is vibrant and modern, attempting to reflect the fusion of traditional and contemporary themes. However, the heavy use of digital effects can sometimes detract from the storytelling, making it difficult for me personally to focus on the narrative.

Despite its shortcomings, this comic book should be commended for its innovative use of augmented reality. This interactive element is designed to enhance my experience by providing additional content and context. While the technology is intriguing, its implementation feels more like a novelty than a fully integrated storytelling tool. Readers who are not tech-savvy may find this feature challenging to access or unnecessary for understanding the story.

I Give This Book 2 / 5