Shabash: the first-ever superhero motion comics in Bangladesh

Comics, an artistic combination of words and pictures, have been attracting bookworms of all ages in Bangladesh since a long time ago. However, comics are usually western-centric. And when it comes to comics based on superheroes, we mostly focus on the Western DC and Marvel superheroes.

With the growing popularity of comics over the last decade, Bangladesh has started to touch the mainstream of popular comic culture and 'Shabash' is the very first Bangladeshi superhero comic book series. And now Bangladeshi comic lovers have the opportunity to enjoy the first-ever superhero motion comics in the country based on this local superhero.

'Shabash', the mango-powered superhero for the 'mango people'

Shabash, a local superhero comic book, portrays a wacky but mango-powered superhero. His superhero characteristics are somehow western-based but yet these have cultural traits.

In the book, he got his superpower after consuming a mango stemmed from a meteor. The chest-emblem of mango on his costume depicts the local popularity of the fruit besides the source of his power. His outfit demonstrates some transcreation such as his yellow cape draws the similarity between this local superhero and other cape-wearing western superheroes.

Though this superhero is always ready to help the 'mango people' or 'aamjonota', he is often lazy and unmotivated. 'Shabash' is a perfect blend of our geographical and cultural norms such as his outfit embodies the Bangladeshi flag and our national fruit. And this hero's codename 'Shabash' is one of the most common expressions of exuberance and heroism in our country. In short, Shabash represents the Bangladeshi cultures and customs through his name, outfit, actions, and functions in a fun and humorous way.

It further displays the local cultures and customs of neighbouring countries like India and Pakistan, besides Bangladesh. Hence, it has been chosen to be converted into a motion comics reflecting a known scenario to us.

'Shabash' is the original creation of Mighty Punch Studios published back in 2013 for the first time. Total 8 issues have been published till now. Shabash, the motion comics, is a co-production by the mKiddo and Mighty Punch Studios. This mKiddo exclusive content has been made into 2 episodes and it is based on the first issue of 'Shabash' comic book.

In the first issue of this comic series, Shabash battles against an army of evil cockroaches led by Blatt, the monster giant cockroach. Originally, the first issue of this comic book was drawn by Mehedi Haque, the founder of Dhaka Comics, and written by Samir Asran Rahman, the owner of Mighty Punch Studios.

To get access to this superhero-based motion comic, open an account in the mKiddo app and subscribe to it. This motion comic version of the mango-powered superhero 'Shabash' is something that parents can enjoy with their kids at home.