A NEW comic book prequel has been launched in time for the screen debut of Bollywood action movie sequel Don 2. The comic was unveiled at Mumbai's first ever Comic Con Express, held at the city's World Trade Centre earlier this month. It will bring audiences up to date on the first film, which came out in 2006 and was a remake of Amitabh Bachchan's 1978 cult hit of the same name.

The comic, titled Don: The Origin, relates the story of the first film in graphic format. Farhan Akhtar, director of Don 2 and Don (2006), said the book would enable viewers to find out "how Don became the criminal mastermind he is today." Co-producer Ritesh Sidhwani said: "In these five years, many have shown curiosity in knowing how Don came into being. The original story will help them understand him and also offer a background on other characters like Roma and Vardhaan."

The book will also be on general sale in kiosks at railway stations across Maharashtra and in northern India. In Don 2, Farhan Akhtar - who helmed the first film - returns to direct Shahrukh Khan and Bollywood beauty Priyanka Chopra, both of whom appeared in the first film. The story picks up directly after the events of the first film and its comic book counterpart. Don 2 hits screens in the UK ahead of its India release on Wednesday, December 21, in 2D and 3D with English subtitles, via Reliance Entertainment.