George Mathen, widely recognized by his pseudonym Appupen, is a prominent graphic novelist and visual artist based in Bangalore, India. He earned a diploma in graphic design and 3D animation from Xavier’s Institute of Communication. Before shifting his focus entirely to graphic literature, he worked in Mumbai as a tattoo and mural artist, as well as a professional in the advertising sector.

His creative portfolio spans illustrations for notable magazines like Rolling Stone India, Tehelka, and India Quarterly. He made his literary debut in 2009 with the graphic novel Moonward. Since then, he has authored several acclaimed books, including Legends of Halahala and The Snake and The Lotus. Mathen frequently participates in collaborative projects, contributing to titles like Dream Machine and a graphic adaptation of Vaadivaasal. Beyond his visual art, he is a musician who played drums for the rock band Lounge Piranha.