A graphical journey into the world of Allen Swapan

"Toi Toi Toi Amar Boiyom Pakhi Koi" – back in 2023, I used to hear this song blasting from the speakers of my colleagues from time to time. 

Different renditions were sung, memes were circulated, and 'Myself Allen Swapan,' which was released as the prequel of the most successful Chorki Original 'Syndicate, ' became a hit. 

Here's the problem I have with super hit movies or series – I do not usually watch them when they are at their peak. 

The same is not true regarding graphic novels, as I am usually one of the first to grab one as soon as it hits the shelves. 'Chronicles of Allen Swapan' by Chorki and Dhaka Comics was no exception. 

Written by Chorki marketing team's duo of Zahidul Haque Apu and Sheikh Korashanee, the comic book is not only a promotional extension of the popular series 'Myself Allen Swapan' but also a reintroduction of the character to fans who may have missed the original debut in 2023. 

This makes sense, as Allen Swapan remains one of the most intriguing and morally ruthless figures in recent Bangladeshi media.

The five stories within the Chronicles of Allen Swapan each present different sides of Allen Swapan's personality—his ruthlessness, his cunningness and his ultimate goal of becoming the Kingpin of Chattogram. 

The narratives are crafted using the local Chatgaiya dialect, which is not only a nod to writer Koranshanee's hometown but also utilises slangs which are used to justify the "M Rating" of the comic book. 

Each story will take you through a different period of Allen Swapan's career, ranging from a local thug to finally becoming a crime lord. 

The first title, 'Dome (The Morgue),' will trick the reader a bit – is it a crime thriller, horror or psychological thriller? 

The second title, 'Skondhokata (The Headless Ghoul),' is a visceral horror where Swapan is tasked with inspecting a haunted manor. 

'Manoshanko (Standard),' the third story, brings back another character from the popular TV series who didn't get a lot of screen time initially, but the story unveils a twist that the original viewers of the series will love. 

The fourth story, 'Piyaju (Onion Fritters),' is another nod to Chittagong's iconic Piyaju from Naval Sea Beach. The final story, 'Phad (The Trap),' brings together everything and sets the path to the psychopathic and ruthless Allen Swapan Universe. 

The narration is reminiscent of classic pulp noir fiction with a Bangladeshi twist. The artwork was done by a brilliant team of artists led by the legendary Bangladeshi cartoonist Mehedi Haque. The use of high-contrast shading and muted color palettes in Allen Swapan's facial expressions perfectly captures his cold demeanour. Allen Swapan isn't a hero or an anti-hero; he is a villain through and through.  

The authors revealed that the audience loved the book but found it too short—a testament to its engaging storytelling. 

"We may even see comic book adaptations of more Chorki series in the future," Sheikh Koranshanee hinted.

So, grab a copy before the new season of 'Myself Allen Swapan' hits the screens, and I will sign off to watch 'Syndicate' and rewatch the first season.

Released last week on 21 February, 'The Chronicles of Allen Swapan' is available for purchase online.