Introduction
George Mathen, better known by his pen name Appupen, is a Bangalore-based graphic novelist, visual artist, and drummer. Known for his satirical and wordless storytelling, he creates allegorical worlds—most notably Halahala, a dimension through which he critiques modern society, power structures, advertising, and consumerism. His notable works include Moonward, Legends of Halahala, Aspyrus, The Snake and the Lotus, and the political satire series Rashtraman. He is also the founder of Braindead India, a platform to promote independent, politically aware comic art.
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Questions
What does art mean to you, especially in the context of comics?
Is there a career progression in art like there is in design?
Can someone start expressing ideas without knowing how to draw or illustrate?
Why does art often feel elitist, while comics feel more democratic?
Can you briefly share the kind of books you've written and why?
Your work feels dark, sarcastic, and ironic—what's going on there?
How do you reconcile showing dystopia with the idea of promoting positive change?
Why do you critique the superhero figure, yet create Rashtraman, who is a superhero?
What's your take on how advertising creates and manipulates hero worship in India?
What’s the story behind your character Kaba and the world of Halalala?
How do you view media's role in modern propaganda, especially through characters like Propagandhi?
What is Brain Dead India, and why did you start it?
Do you think comics as an art form give you hope?
🎧 Why You Should Listen
In this thought-provoking conversation, artist and graphic novelist George Mathen, also known as Appupen, takes us deep into the power of subtext in comics. This episode isn’t just about art—it’s a bold exploration of freedom, dissent, media manipulation, hero worship, and the responsibility of the artist in dystopian times.
Whether you're a young designer, a comics enthusiast, or simply someone trying to make sense of today’s hyper-curated world, this episode will challenge the way you look at images, icons, and narratives. Appupen doesn’t just draw comics—he builds worlds, critiques systems, and invites you to question the reality you’ve been sold.
🧠 Topics Discussed
What is art in today's world? Why beauty alone is no longer enough
The deceptive comfort of aesthetic tools and how software can dilute the message
The comic as subversion – not just entertainment, but a language of resistance
From ad-man to satirist – why Appupen left advertising to reclaim control over the ideas he was spreading
Breaking the myth of superheroes – how Rashtraman is a critique of blind nationalism and God-men culture
Orwell vs. Huxley – and how India today may resemble Brave New World more than 1984
The politics of art and free speech – why satire, even in the form of a cartoon, can be so dangerous
Brain Dead India – how Appupen is building a platform for politically aware, independent artists
Art vs Activism – the difference, the overlap, and why nuance matters
The role of humor and irony in getting past resistance and censorship
Why India needs more visual vocabulary – to fight not with anger, but imagination
🔑 Key Takeaways
Art should disturb, not decorate. Real art doesn’t offer answers—it creates discomfort and opens up questions.
Superheroes often reinforce dangerous myths. Rashtraman was created to satirize blind faith in authority.
Dystopia isn’t the future—it’s already here. Excess comfort and entertainment can be as numbing as authoritarian control.
Cartoons are not just for laughs. They can poke holes in propaganda, challenge power, and speak truth to absurdity.
You don’t need to be a master artist to speak. Comics democratize expression—just a few blobs can start a revolution.
Satire is not activism—but it can be a seed. Laughter can be the first step toward real awareness.
We need more platforms for bold voices. Brain Dead India aims to archive and amplify artists who don’t fit into mainstream boxes.
Consume slowly. If everything is designed for instant gratification, real thought won’t have space to grow.
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