A decade later, Indian graphic novels continue to challenge storytelling conventions and attract readers seeking depth beyond traditional comics.

A dying art today is comic book reading. When I say a dying art, one must understand that comic books bring with them a sense of culture, social turmoil, and societal bearings. When you pick up a comic, you are not just looking at the series of pictures and pages, rather reading between them. To carefully pick up the thematics and commentaries, is something of an art itself. This is where you get the biggest pop cultural icons from, which stand true to the timeless problems faced by the world. Although Comics have been a part of our upbringing ( assuming you are a millennial like me), Graphic Novels have always been a class apart. They’ve been a fantastic fusion of art, philosophy, visual brilliance and intricate plotlines. Making the Graphic novels something more than just a comic. India picked up this at the turn of the decade, and here are our top ten Graphic Novels in India that you may want to follow :

1. Mumbai Confidential :

Perhaps, one of the best crime graphic novels out there in the market is Mumbai Confidential. This novel by  Saurav Mohapatra and Vivek Shinde, and published by Archaia, is about Mumbai Police Encounters, and how justice system at times hovers past the moral bounds of humanity. The most attractive feature of this novel is the Western Noir narrative that resonates well with the Bollywood palate we are used to. More of it here.

2. Kashmir Pending :

Kashmir Pending by Srinagar-based artist Naseer Ahmed is a graphic novel which perfectly encapsulates the political turmoil within the region. The novel published by Phantomville, revolves around several characters in Kashmir, striving to make their ambitions and dreams work for them. With immense critical acclaim for its political and psychologically realistic takes, This one is a must read. More on it here.

3. Odayan :

Created by Suhas Sundar, this graphic novel dabbles with mythological warriors and feudal implications. Set against the backdrop of mystical Kerala, the story arch talks about an eccentric vigilante called Odayan, who in a complex and intelligent manner grows in ranks to the level of prime arch within the region, thereby building a crime empire for himself. The arch escalates as he challenges his biggest nemesis, Zamorin. Thrilling and vividly done, this is fast paced adrenaline dose you can’t miss. More on it here.

4. Kari :

No other graphic work has redefined the genre as much as Amruta Patil’s Kari. The tale which starts with two main characters Kari and Ruth, grips you with its hard choices, loss and pain similes and sharp academic observations. Kari, the lead of the novel, brought up in the womb of city’s sewers, forged by its hardships and accentuated by coldness all around her, Kari is a character who is going to be with you long after you’re done with the novel. You can find more on it here.

5. The Sandhu, Graphic Novels :

The Sadhu was created by Gotham Chopra and Jeevan Kang and the series is part of the Shakti line of comics published by Virgin Comics. The novel uses the concepts of reincarnation and multi-lives to proceed with the story of James Jensen, a British soldier. He discovers a secret about his past life, and the series graphic novels try to decipher the thread of how past catches up with the present.  A soon-to-be-movie series of novels under The Sandhu, are to usher a new change in the concept of graphic novels and their worldwide appeal. Check more here.

6. Delhi Calm :

Set in the scenario of Emergency in India, this soulfully crafted novel by VishwaJyothi Ghosh, is a great example of using this vehicle to propagate history and political plotholes, in a visceral and visual way. The whole state of things is shown through the eyes of a touring band, by name Naya Savera, which dreams to bring about a change, in a nation which is being consumed by chaotic turmoil, civil imbalance and social reluctance. The story reaches the capital city of Delhi, to find a truth which will define the national forever. Check out more about it.

7. Corridor :

A tea shop owner in Delhi, Jehangir Rangoonwala, the lead of this novel by Sarnath Banerjee, prides himself in being a social magnet, attracting stories and confessions from all those who visit him. Played out in the corridors of Connaught Place and Calcutta, the story captures the alienation and fragmented reality of urban life through an imaginative alchemy of text and image. Check Out more about it.

8. The Barn Owl’s Wondrous Capers :

If Corridor was a wonderful derivative of ideologies, Barn Owl’s by Sarnath Banerjee, is a clear commentary about British Raj and their misgivings over the course of  two hundred years. As observed by a thirty-year-old narrator, the legend of ‘The Wandering Jew’ is reinvented through Abravanel Ben Obadiah Ben Aharon Kabariti, who records the scandalous affairs of his administrators. Truly, a wonderful read for someone looking at historical brilliance. More about it here. 

9. Sudershan Chimpanzee :

A chimpanzee, Sudershan lands on the shores of a zootopian Mumbai and goes about finding his true meaning of life. A wonderful soul searching ensues, when Sudershan charts his way to the top of ranks, beyond judgmental cunning carnivores and self-doubting canines. Darkly sketched by Meren Imchen, The deeply moving and darkly comic tale of a chimp in Bollywood, and the creatures – human or otherwise – in his life, is a glorious toast to life and ambitions. More about it here.

10. Moonward :

The primordial world of Halahala is at war. Universes are at stake, and it all comes down to a mystical hermit, Tortle, to usher the world into a new dawn. And the hermit shows the path by creating a creature which no world has seen before. Created in Tim Burton-isque style, with dark lurking shadowy characters, this work by writer AppuPen, this visually rich world synthesis is a treat to anyone who is a fan of involving illustrations. More about here.

11. Angry Mausi :

No frills. All thrills. Angry Mausi ( a Hindi term for Aunt ) is out to avenge her wrong does, in the most terrific ways. With Angry Mausi, Abhijit Kini, a well known Tinkle alumni, unleashes a whole new type of fury with an instantly likable, ferocious, riotous, gun-wielding, system opposing, Masharshtrian bai. It’s the perfect chicken soup for the super frustrated soul. More about it here.

12. Hush :

A novel with no words. How unique and genius would it be? Well, that’s what Manta Ray (a publishing house started by Prateek Thomas and Dileep Cherian) achieved. It offers a perfect glorious example for the saying, as described in its reviews,  quietest stories are often the most devastating ones. The novel is many stories in one, and none at all, at the same time. It’s an experience, to be lived, loved and grown upon. More about it here. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best graphic novels to read in India in 2025?

Mumbai Confidential, Kashmir Pending, and other Indian graphic novels blend Western noir with local sensibilities. They offer complex storytelling, stunning artwork, and explore social issues that resonate with Indian audiences seeking deeper narratives beyond traditional comics.

Are Indian graphic novels worth reading compared to international ones?

Absolutely. Indian graphic novels bring unique perspectives rooted in local culture, history, and social commentary. Authors like Saurav Mohapatra and Naseer Ahmed create works that fuse philosophical depth with visual brilliance, offering authenticity that international works cannot replicate.

Where can I buy Indian graphic novels online?

Major Indian e-commerce platforms like Amazon.in, Flipkart, and specialty bookstores stock graphic novels. Many are published by Indian publishers and are readily available. Check directly with platforms for availability of titles like Mumbai Confidential and Kashmir Pending.

How do graphic novels differ from regular comic books?

Graphic novels are longer, more complex narratives that function as complete stories rather than serialized installments. They prioritize artistic excellence, philosophical themes, and intricate plotlines, treating the medium as literary art rather than simple sequential storytelling.

Which Indian graphic novels explore social and political themes?

Mumbai Confidential tackles police encounters and justice system morality, while Kashmir Pending explores regional narratives. These works use visual storytelling to address societal issues and cultural commentaries relevant to contemporary Indian readers and global audiences alike.