Frames of Freedom: How Bihar’s Ayush Kumar Sketched His Way to National Glory at WAVES 2025
A brush with brilliance – Ayush Kumar’s comics now carry the spirit of a nation.
From the quiet lanes of Rosera in Bihar’s Samastipur district to the dazzling lights of the global stage, Ayush Kumar’s journey is nothing short of a graphic novel in itself. This young comic book creator and visual storyteller has earned national recognition by becoming one of the top five finalists at the “Comics Creator Championship during WAVES 2025”, a prestigious event celebrating global excellence in entertainment and media.
Born to Shri Amarnath Jha, a government school headmaster, Ayush grew up in a world with limited resources but unlimited imagination. With frequent power cuts and little access to books, his early days of art began on torn notebooks and the backs of envelopes, sketching worlds he could only dream of reaching one day. That dream has now become reality.
Ayush’s creative breakthrough came in 2016 with Hanubot, India’s first cyber superhero, “an audacious fusion of Indian mythology and futuristic tech”. From there, he continued to build a portfolio that is as versatile as it is visionary. His most lauded work, however, is the critically acclaimed “Skyfall to Sacrifice”, a black and white comic co-created with author Mohit Sharma. This gripping tribute to India’s military chronicles the Operation Pawan battle of 1987 at Jaffna University, capturing the valour of the 13 Sikh Light Infantry, 10 Para Commandos and the immortal soldier Gora Singh. Ayush’s stark illustrations bring the battlefield to life, not with color, but with emotion, depth and a fierce sense of patriotism.
What sets Ayush apart is not just his drawing prowess, but his commitment to socially relevant storytelling. From comics promoting cybersecurity awareness to the U.S, based graphic novel ‘OMG! Like Literally Blackmail’, he’s proven his ability to cross both genre and geography. His recent artbook “Covers and Commissions” (2024) showcases his unique style, while his miniature painting of Dubai’s Museum of the Future, displayed at Gitex Global 2023, cemented his presence in the international art scene.
A postgraduate from MIT Pune, Ayush never lost sight of his roots. He’s consistently used his platform to mentor aspiring creators, contributing to several indie comic publications and guiding upcoming artists through workshops and collaborations. His journey exemplifies how talent paired with grit can rewrite the rules and redraw the map.
Now, with WAVES 2025 set to be graced by luminaries like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan and A.R. Rahman, Ayush stands as a beacon for India’s growing comic culture. His selection as a finalist is not just a personal victory, it’s a symbolic moment for every small town dreamer with a story worth telling.
Ayush Kumar’s rise marks a turning point in India’s comic book history, a blend of cultural depth, national pride and global imagination. His art doesn’t just entertain. It empowers. Comics Byte extends heartfelt wishes for his incredible journey ahead! Cheers!!
Read More: WAVES Comics Creator Championship: Celebrating the Finalists!
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