In this wide-ranging conversation, Appupen discusses the subtext in comics as a powerful tool of resistance. From his beginnings in advertising to his dark, ironic universe of Halahala, he critiques the manipulation of desire, hero worship, and media propaganda. Through works like Rashtraman and characters like Propagandhi, he reflects on India's obsession with godmen, political narratives, and the commodification of dreams. Appupen shares why art must disturb, why satire matters, and how comic art can gently push people to question dominant stories—even in an age of numbed outrage. The episode is a deep dive into the politics of visual storytelling, freedom of expression, and making dissent accessible.

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