In this modern age of superheroes, one new crime fighter will serve as a beacon of hope.
Pelham Bay resident and 20-year Lehman High School art teacher Rajive Anand is ready to introduce the world to his childhood superhero, Laserman!
Narrated in the classic comic book-style reminiscent of DC and Marvel, ‘Laserman – New York’s Brightest – The World’s First Indian American Superhero’ is the 21st century superhero tale of William Khan, a brilliant 15-year-old high school student from Jackson Heights, Queens.
One day while working at his father’s laboratory, William discovers a mysterious technological device which unleashes an awesome power from within him.
Our young hero soon realizes he possesses the ability to travel as pure energy on any form of communication at the speed of light.
True to his heroic alter ego’s namesake, William can fire a laser from his third eye, but at what cost to himself and his loved ones?
The Rhode Island School of Design alumnus serves as writer and artist for his self-published 32-page comic book origin issue meticulously hand-painted in watercolor.
His comic book is a statement about identity, personal transformation and understanding one’s self.
Though Laserman’s heritage is crucial to his character and costume, the ‘Master of Light’ stands for light, truth and liberty for all people.
“Laserman tells all of us that we can find the light within ourselves,” he expressed.
An avid comic book fan, Anand grew up reading the crime fighting adventures of Spider-Man, Batman and Superman, but found it difficult relating to them.
In 1985, the then 12-year-old created Laserman with the dream of maturing and discovering his own inner strength to oppose the forces of injustice and oppression.
During his first Comic Con that same year, Anand met his idol Will Eisner, the champion of graphic novels, and showed Eisner his initial copy of Laserman’s origin comic.
‘The Spirit’ creator loved reading Anand’s comic and encouraged him to have it copyrighted.
William’s epic tale of self-discovery and transformation spans East and West and reflects Anand’s own adolescence.
A world traveler since 15-years-old, the Fulbright scholar has taught art to students in several countries including France, Germany, India, Nepal, Vietnam and Cambodia.
“Kids are the same wherever you go because the teen experience has universal resonance,” he said.
Back in the States, Anand’s students enjoy viewing his Laserman comic and offer him honest feedback on how to make his character appeal to their generation.
Anand has five Laserman issues fully written and drawn and says his superhero’s future holds many more energetic adventures.
Established by Lehman High School alumni Anthony and Steven Bonano and James Post, Collector Cave at 3027 Middletown Road is distributing Laserman #1 to select comic book stores in New York, London and Amsterdam starting Monday, October 1.
Laserman #1 can be ordered at www.nycol
It is also available for purchase at Collector Cave’s booth #1788 at New York Comic Con from Thursday, October 4 to Sunday, October 7 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.
Anand is attending the East Coast’s largest four-day pop culture event cosplaying as Laserman.
To read Laserman’s latest adventures, visit www.laser
