A Journey into Indian Epics: Reading Notes: The Lord of Lanka Comic

Ravana is born to Kaikesi and Vishrava along with his siblings Kumbhakarna, Shoorpanakha and Vibheeshana. He already has ten heads and is arrogant and ambitious. The plan is to hopefully describe the beginnings of his strength and power. Kumbhakarna will also be described as Vijaya. Ravana performed penances just as Hiranyakashipu did to gain his semi-immortality. Vibhishana must be described as noble through the story as he is the noble son of Kaikesi. Vedavati presents the first conflict between Vishnu and Ravana as she turns away Ravana for Vishnu. When she says no, there will be a flaming flash of hatred in Ravana as the “Reverse Jaya” in him makes Ravana hate Vishnu.

After Ravana loses Vedavati and she becomes Sita, I will have to describe that he continues to torment people and grow his land. Nalkoober’s curse will come back to haunt Ravana when he takes Sita. For my storybook I might deviate from the comic and tell the Narayan version of how Ravana takes Sita. Shoorpanakha reports about Sita and Ravana does the Golden Deer trick. Might tell the Hanuman story where he lights Lanka on fire and then have Ravana react as though he knows that he is Shiva’s avatar. When Rama calls him Jaya he will react as though he has heard the name before, indicates he is getting closer to being back with Vishnu. Kumbhakarna will die by Hanuman’s hand, then Ravana will notice Hanuman. The epic battle between Rama and Ravana will be more detailed than in the comic as the flying chariot battle is iconic in my opinion.