- Samsara, volume 2: A Crisis of Faith
- Creator/Writer/Letterer – Shriram Swaminathan
- Illustratrator – John Henry Esteban
- Colourist – Mariam Yasser Farouck
- Release date – November 18th, 2024
In the heart of the ancient Panchavati forests, where faith and power collide, a dark hunger awakens. As Lakshman struggles to tame the ravenous hunger of a corrupted serpent spirit, unleashed from its spiritual moorings, Nirvan sees opportunity in chaos—a chance to forge a new belief, one that could reshape their war-torn realm. Can Lakshman harness the spirits of old to save the world, or will the hubris of man lead to its ultimate destruction? The epic saga continues…
As we continue exploring religion and spirituality and their relevance to our current times we now delve into the nature of faith, both in terms of organized religion and personal belief. Lakshman’s initial detachment from worldly matters and his subsequent struggle to reconnect with his spiritual self underscore the complexity of faith and its role in guiding one’s actions. We delve into new cultures including a deeper delve into Buddhism and how religion can change at an individual level in contrast to an organised governing structure.
Overall, Samsara is a rich, multi-layered narrative that blends fantasy with deep philosophical inquiries, making it appealing to those who enjoy thoughtful and immersive storytelling. The rich world-building, intricate political dynamics, and mythological elements will appeal to readers who enjoy complex fantasy settings with elaborate histories and diverse cultures. The exploration of different faiths, the nature of spirituality, and the impact of religious zealotry make this story suitable for those interested in philosophical and theological discussions. We see SAMSARA additionally appealing for an Asian and South Asian immigrant demographic that will find themes of cultural conflict and religious tension especially relevant. — Shriram Swaminathan
Samsara is currently available as individual digital chapters on Amazon Kindle here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B3MS1LDV?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tukn and DriveThruComics here: https://www.drivethrucomics.com/browse.php?author=Shriram%20Swaminathan
