Book review: 'Jump' comprises of three stories that take place in different eras

Title: Jump
Genre: Mythology/ Science fiction
Publisher: Level 10 Studios
Price: Rs 60
Rating:  ***

Jump is the first issue of a graphic novel comprising of three stories that take place in different eras in India. The novel makes for an interesting read but the elements in the stories, other than the art works, don’t seem to be very fresh.

The first story Northern Song is based on mythology. A rakshas (demon) Kumbhira has terrorised the village of Kapila and demands human sacrifice and regular supply of food every month. Old foe, warrior Bala comes along to challenge the demon one again in time and save the villagers.

Shaurya is the story of five young Indians who possess extraordinary powers living in five different cities. Destiny brings all of them in Mumbai one day to fight the larger purpose of their lives. Though the story is Indianised, it seems to be inspired from X-Men.

The Rabhas Incident plot has already been seen in numerous Hollywood flicks. There has been a virus out break in Bangalore due to a careless experiment of a scientist. The nervous systems of infected humans have been retarded due to the virus and they have become blood hungry. The entire city has been quarantined. Only one soldier from RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) walks the city roads. He has to retrieve medical documents and blood sample of the first infected patient for the antidote.

The three stories are left incomplete in the first issue of Jump. The second issue of the novel is expected in the next month.