Sachin set to fight new demons off the cricket field

Sachin Tendulkar's cricketing days may or may not be over, but "The Master Blaster" is all set to take on eleven demons of a different kind with a magic sword shaped like a cricket bat.

The action too will be on a different field as a universal story unfolds on the pages of a new comic book launched by Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Comics with Tendulkar himself caught up in a mystery.

Expected to hit the stands in August, the first issue will see the new superhero character, take on eleven evil demons risen from the dead in the modern world with the sword of the masters - the noblest weapon created thousands of years ago.

Starting with India and other big cricket playing countries, 'Sachin Tendulkar's The Master Blaster' will expand worldwide featuring in films, TV shows and video games, Virgin Comics CEO Sharad Devarajan told IANS over phone from New York.

"Sachin is a living legend and the perfect choice to be immortalised as a new superhero character that will exist for generations to come," he said.

"Sachin's unparalleled skill on the cricket field and his dynamic personality off it make for the raw elements of a great hero that will inspire kids all across the planet."

Creators around the world will help design a monthly package of comics, games and films with Sachin himself involved in every aspect from storyboard to execution in an interactive process, he said.

"This is a chance for young Indian to send their ideas," Devarajan said. "It gives them an opportunity to be kind of a part of a venture associated with a master who is much more than an icon."

Describing Sachin Tendulkar as one of India's great heroes, he said in a country obsessed with cricket, he personifies the dreams and aspirations of every Indian, young and old. In an outstanding career, he has spent more of his life on the field than off it, shouldering the dreams of individual Indians and the expectations of the nation as a whole.

He has come to be more than just a sportsman to the Indian people, he is a leader, a role model, a source of inspiration and hope, and a friend to the nation. In this new venture, Sachin hopes to bring more excitement and joy to Indian children, and share with them another new dream of 'being Sachin,' Devarajan said.

Usually the comics brought out by Virgin are aimed at children 14 years and up, but Sachin appeals to young and old alike. 'Master Blaster' superhero will be an exciting, educational and uplifting entertainment character for kids of all ages."

Asked if Virgin planned to bring alive other living legends from other fields on the comic pages, Devarajan said Sachin is the only one for now.

Virgin, he said is also developing new stories with acclaimed filmmakers, actors and musicians including John Woo, Guy Ritchie, Terry Gilliam, Dave Stewart, Duran Duran and others.

Feature films based on Virgin Comics' characters are also in the works, including an animated feature, "The Secrets of the Seven Sounds and The Sadhu" with Nicolas Cage.

Founded in 2005 by Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group with author Deepak Chopra, and filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, Virgin Comics creates original stories and epic myths for worldwide audiences.

(IANS)

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