Grant Morrison’s 18 Days #17 (2016) – Comic Review & Deep Dive
🧬 Genre
Epic Fantasy, Mythological Fiction, Superhero Drama
🧑🤝🧑 Main Characters
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Karna – The tragic hero and unwavering ally of the Kauravas, Karna is a warrior of unmatched skill, bound by honor and destiny.
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Arjuna – The Pandava archer and Karna’s equal in combat, fated to face him in a cosmic rivalry.
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Krishna – The divine strategist who subtly guides the Pandavas toward dharma.
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Duryodhana – The proud leader of the Kauravas, who places deep trust in Karna’s strength.
✍️ Writer
Sarwat Chadda, known for the Ash Mistry series, lends his mythological expertise and rich storytelling to this issue, bringing emotional weight and layered complexity to Karna’s journey.
🎨 Artist
Mukesh Singh returns with vivid, cinematic panels that feel almost alive with mythic grandeur. His detailing in battle armor, divine weaponry, and facial expressions elevate the entire reading experience.
✒️ Editor Details
Edited by the creative minds at Graphic India, ensuring consistency with Grant Morrison’s vision and the epic scope of the saga.
🏢 Publisher and Brand
Published by Graphic India, the series is branded under the visionary storytelling of Grant Morrison’s 18 Days, a reimagining of the Mahabharata for modern audiences.
📅 Release Year
2016
📖 Brief Plot Summary
As the battlefield of Kurukshetra grows bloodier, a pivotal figure waits in the shadows: Karna. This issue journeys into his past, peeling back layers of pride, pain, and prophecy. Through a compelling narrative, readers witness the making of a warrior destined to clash with his blood brother, Arjuna. Chadda’s writing adds emotional gravity, revealing Karna’s internal struggle between loyalty and truth. As alliances fracture and destiny tightens its grip, Karna’s secret becomes the turning point in this celestial war.
🌀 Notable Arcs or Storylines
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"The Son of the Sun" – This issue deepens the story arc exploring Karna’s divine origins as the son of Surya and his abandonment at birth.
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"Equal and Opposite" – Focuses on Karna’s mirrored rivalry with Arjuna, and their cosmic roles as two sides of the same heroic coin.
🔍 Fan Theories or Interpretations
🧠 Many fans interpret this issue as a commentary on karma versus dharma — with Karna embodying the burden of fate and personal sacrifice. His unwavering support for Duryodhana is often seen as a metaphor for loyalty clouded by personal vendetta and identity crises.
✨ A popular theory suggests that Karna’s reluctance to use full force against Arjuna stems not just from divine intervention but from subconscious recognition of their brotherhood.
🧾 Review Summary
Grant Morrison’s 18 Days #17 stands out as one of the series’ most emotionally resonant issues. 💥 The story penned by Sarwat Chadda gives Karna depth beyond his warrior persona, presenting him as a symbol of tragic nobility.
🎨 Mukesh Singh’s art continues to dazzle, with rich colors, dramatic compositions, and mythic stylization that transforms the narrative into a visual epic.
🗡️ Karna’s internal conflict is portrayed with nuance, making this a must-read for fans who appreciate character-driven mythology with modern storytelling flair.
⭐ Verdict: 9/10 – Powerful, poetic, and visually stunning.
🔥 For readers who love their mythology wrapped in emotion and divinity cloaked in battle gear, this issue hits all the right marks.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
