On Tuesday, 30 May, a captivating book launch event took place at the Urban Hub Café, where freelance painter, digital illustrator and comic artist Imrong Aier unveiled his latest work titled ‘Somewhere in Time’. A resident of Mokokchung’s Sungkomen Ward, the artist not only showcases his talent and creativity through this mystical graphic novel but also establishes himself as a prodigy.
An alumnus of the Fine Arts College in Guwahati, Imrong Aier is also known as the creator of ‘Only the Hunter’ on Tapas, a popular South Korean webtoon app. With an impressive background in visual arts, Aier has delved into the realm of storytelling with his new book, ‘Somewhere in Time’.
Published by Bookipedia, ‘Somewhere in Time’ is the fourth publication for the emerging publishing house and is its first graphic novel.
‘Somewhere in Time’ takes readers on an enigmatic journey filled with mystical episodes. The protagonist, led by destiny and guided by sheer will, embarks on expeditions that ultimately lead to the discovery of his purpose, love, and willpower in life. Aier’s narrative is said to be captivating, engaging readers with a sense of wonder and enthusing a desire to uncover the hidden depths of the story.
During the launch, Imrong Aier shared the inspiration behind his book. He drew upon a wise word from his father, who said, “There are plenty of youths coming up every day who are faster, better and will work competitively cheaper than us. It’s for us to decide whether to step up or step down.” This philosophy resonated with Aier and motivated him to pursue his creative endeavors with dedication and determination.
Bendangrenla, Assistant Professor from the English Department at the Fazl Ali College and a member of Bookipedia team delivered the publisher’s note during the event. She emphasized the experimental and artistic nature of graphic novels, highlighting their potential for myriad possibilities in storytelling.
Dr Lanurenla, Head of the Department, Department of English, Fazl Ali College officially launched the book and commended Aier’s contribution to the literary world.
Expressing her thoughts on the enduring power of human creativity, Dr Lanurenla said, “One element that remains supreme and constant is the creative input. Artificial intelligence, computerized creations, and machines may take over, but the beauty of human minds lies in the unsurpassable creative inputs that artificial intelligence cannot steal.”
The launch of ‘Somewhere in Time’ at the Urban Hub Café proved to be a significant event for both Imrong Aier and Bookipedia. With its mysterious narrative and enchanting illustrations done by the artist-author himself, the novel promises to captivate readers and leave a lasting impression in the world of literature.
The book is available for purchase at the Students Book Store, Mokokchung.