✍️ Ram V

Biography

Ram V, born Ram Venkatesan, is a British-Indian comics writer born in Mumbai who has established himself in just a few years as one of the most exciting and distinctive voices in contemporary comics. His career, which began in self-publishing and small press, reflects a rapid rise built on exceptional literary talent.

His first notable works appeared with independent publishers: Grafity's Wall from Unicus (2018), a story following four young artists in Mumbai, and Blue in Green from Image Comics in 2020, a one-shot with Anand RK that weaves together jazz, psychological horror, and an exploration of creativity. The latter, with its twenty-four pages of extraordinary narrative and visual density, stands as a masterful declaration of intent.

The Many Deaths of Laila Starr, published by BOOM! Studios in 2021 across five issues with Filipe Andrade, is perhaps his most accomplished work. This story — in which Death is embodied as a young woman in Mumbai while a boy born on the same day is destined to eliminate death itself — explores themes of mortality, love, and the meaning of existence with rare grace and intelligence. The series won an Eisner Award and established Ram V as a storyteller of international stature.

At DC Comics, Ram V took over Swamp Thing in 2021, bringing a poetic sensibility that recalls Alan Moore's celebrated run on the character. His Detective Comics run (#1062–1075 approximately) reimagines Gotham as an organic, dreamlike labyrinth, pitting Batman against threats that are as psychological as they are physical. At Marvel, his Venom run beginning in 2023 continues the symbiote mythology with a more introspective and literary approach.

Ram V's writing style is defined by its poetic prose, its sophisticated use of narrative structure, and its ability to infuse popular genres with a metaphysical dimension. His literary influences — ranging from Salman Rushdie to Haruki Murakami — are evident in a body of work that consistently elevates the medium.

For collectors, The Many Deaths of Laila Starr #1 is already a key issue whose value is rising quickly. Blue in Green is a modern rarity, printed in limited quantities. Swamp Thing #1 (2021) and the early issues of his major franchise contributions are promising investments. Ram V is the kind of writer whose early work appreciates in value as his reputation grows, and every serious collector should keep a close eye on his bibliography.

Collecting Impact

A singular voice in contemporary comics, his lyrical and multicultural approach has enriched both DC and Marvel. The Many Deaths of Laila Starr has been hailed as one of the best recent limited series.