JP/Ika Krismantari

Reading has always been in writer Iksaka Banu'€™s blood. The 50-year-old reads everything, from novels, comics and history books to shopping catalogues.

His lust for books is evident in his home'€™s study. Stacks of books are neatly arranged in three rows of bookshelves in a corner of the spacious room.

One shelf contains a collection of history and reference books for the writer, who shot to fame for his works on colonialism. Next is Banu'€™s work collection, with the last row displaying his comic book collection.

Banu, who also designs book covers, said reading comics enabled him to hone his skills in both writing and drawing.

'€œI know the knacks of writing and drawing from comics, because comics combine the two elements, the stories and the illustrations,'€ he told The Jakarta Post.

Banu'€™s passion for reading has developed since he was little. The father of one said he got the inspiration from his late father, RI Suhartin, who was also a writer.

He recalled that one of his favorite books he received from his father was the comic version of the Mahabharata tale.

An avid reader, Banu complains how aging has taken its toll on his reading habit.

'€œI used to be able to finish thick books like Musashi in three days. But now it is hard to read 10 pages without falling asleep,'€ he said.

Banu added that the only way to prevent him from falling asleep during reading was by changing his sitting position.

'€œ I usually sit on my work chair to keep me awake when I am reading,'€ Banu says.

Raden Saleh (catalogue)

This book is simple, but it is unique. It contains no information on the writer. The book is just a catalogue explaining the life of Raden Saleh, the prolific Indonesian painter, who lived during the colonial era. However, the book is very important for me because it inspired me to write about colonialism. It also encouraged me to write a novel about Raden Saleh.

Bumi Manusia (This Earth of Mankind)
by Pramoedya Ananta Toer

I am a big fan of Pramoedya Ananta Toer. He is like a god for me. My favorite book of his is Bumi Manusia, the first book in his '€œBuru Quartet'€ epic. The first meeting between Minke and Annelies Mellema in the book left a deep impression on me. Pram'€™s books are so good because it is all based on his own experiences.

Sin City
by Frank Miller

I am very drawn to the noir genre. I like this comic because it is noir and Miller'€™s choice of words is amazing. He is one of my inspirations. His words are sharp and deep. I started collecting American comics before I was married, and when I found Sin City, I instantly fell in love with Miller.

'€” JP/Ika Krismantari

Popular

Growth without gain: Why Indonesians don't feel the economy

Police name Deli Serdang deputy speaker as defamation suspect

Outsourcing reform: Protection with two-tier responsibility