INTRODUCTION
Thimphu Comics, the first comic studio in Bhutan, was founded in 2013 by artist Pema Tshering. Our maiden project "GARPA: The Attendant" is now ready for print, and we need your help to bring it to life. GARPA is an action packed comic, with themes of heroism, passion, love and loyalty. It is based on the Bhutanese legend of Garba Lungi Khorlo, or the attendant that "ran like the wind."
We have been working passionately on the comic for 1.5 years, fueled only by our love for comics and the vision to produce one of the first comics from Bhutan. Without financial support, we have reached this far, and now we need a little help from you to take the final step and go to print. Please help Garpa finish his mission.
IMPACT
By helping to bring this comic to print, you are not only joining us in the exciting journey of producing one of the first comic books from Bhutan, but you are also:
-Going to receive exciting rewards, including a copy of the comic (the 50$ package), and paintings, sketches, and more.
-Supporting contemporary art and artists in Bhutan
- Bringing Bhutanese comics to Bhutanese readers and youth and helping Bhutanese re-connect with their historical and cultural past, in a time when Western media continue to saturate the market
- Encouraging Bhutanese youth to pursue creative and meaningful vocations and forms of employment
- Helping to promote Bhutanese cultural and historical themes on a global platform
- Helping to nurture a new comic voice for the world to enjoy
We hope you will join us on this journey. Garpa, can run at the speed of wind, but he needs your help for the final dash.
THE STORY
"GARPA: The attendant" is inspired by a legendary Bhutanese character called Garba Lungi Khorlo. It is believed that Garba Lungi Khorlo could run at the speed of wind, and was the official message "courier" or attendant for the ruling leaders. The comic book story uses this character, and creates a fictional story set in the 1800s Bhutan.
WHAT THE FUNDS WILL BE USED FOR
The bulk of the funds will be used for the printing costs of "GARPA: the Attendant" Volume 1.
Extra funds will also be used for reimbursement of equipment (computers, tablets), which have been purchased on a loan, and any remaining funds will go towards producing Vol 2. of "GARPA: the attendant."
WHO WE ARE
Pema Tshering is a working artist, illustrator, designer and the founder of Thimphu Comics. In 1998, he started learning art at VAST Bhutan, the only contemporary art center in Bhutan, under the guidance of Asha Kama, and other VAST founders. His art has been exhibited in Bhutan, Bangladesh, Thailand, Maldives, Singapore and Japan. He has also honed his storytelling skills by writing and directing two short films, which have been screened in international film festivals and events. Pema has also produced short animations and has illustrated multiple childrens books. He is a founding member of VAST Bhutan, and also one of the art instructors there.
Pema Tshering recently was selected for an art residency program in Japan (The Fukuoka Asian Art Triennale) where he worked with a Japanese manga artist to produce the first Bhutanese-Japanese Manga Comic which was exhibited in the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum.
Wang Rana Gurung completed his 12th standard in 2011. Since then he has been pursuing his passion in art. He has illustrated 3 children's books in the past three years and is currently teaching art part-time in an early learning center. Wang Rana Gurung also completed a short course in animation and hopes to eventually get a degree in art. Wang Rana Gurung is working with Thimphu Comics on the "GARPA: the attendant” project as a digital colorist and painter.
Tempa Rabgay is a working artist, painter and animator . He has a BA degree in Journalism and a diploma in graphic design. His passion is in illustration and animation. In 2012, Tempa Rabgay also took a course in animation from a Danish animator and director, Paw Raven. He has been involved in Thimphu Comics ever since, where he works as the character designer, story- board artist and inker.
IF YOU CAN'T SUPPORT FINANCIALLY
If you are unable to support us financially, we would still greatly appreciate if you could spread the word, and promote our campaign. Thank you for your help!
CONTACT
If you have any questions or concerns, please do get in touch with artist Pema Tshering at tintindorjee@gmail.com
Follow us on facebook "THIMPHU COMICS." Also, If you would like to see some of Pema Tshering's other art work, please visit his facebook page "WATER DRAGON GALLERY"