Abstract:
This thesis aims at studying the adaptation of the characteristics and roles of Hanuman in contemporary Thai comics comparing with the characters of Hanuman in Ramakien, written by King Rama I. The data were gathered from eleven contemporary Thai comics in which Hanuman appears as a character, published between 2004 and 2008. The analysis reveals that these contemporary Thai comics can be categorized into three groups in terms of the storyline. The first group are those with similar storyline as the Ramakien by King Rama I. The second one are those with modified storyline and new motifs. The last group consists of comics with newly created story totally different from Ramakien. The study shows that some characteristics and roles of Hanuman in some contemporary Thai comics remain the same as those in Ramakien while some are modified. The similar features include being a white ape and has a trident, as his personal weapon. Meanwhile, in some comics, Hanuman is portrayed as a young ape in order to be appealing to small children, who are the targeted audience. Moreover, in some comics, Hanuman is created as a superhero as influenced by modern culture. In Ramakien, Hanuman is a supporting character. Although Hanuman in contemporary comics is also a supporting character, in some comics, Hanuman appears as an assistant to other characters, not Phra Ram and his tasks are not associated with warfare. That is, Hanuman serves as a protector. Moreover, in comics with new storyline, Hanuman plays the role of a guardian who protects the universe and Buddhism and destroys ferocious creatures. Mainly, There are four factors that influence the creation of Hanuman in contemporary comics including the authors imagination, the influence of Thai cultures and literatures, the influence of foreign culture and literature, and the nature of popular culture. The adaptive creation of Hanuman results in two remarkable features namely hybridity and intertextuality. These dynamism makes Hanuman in contemporary Thai comics appealing and outstanding.