“Super Indian” — As the name suggests, this comic is the story of a superhero who is connected to his roots and whose powers and ideology are inspired by Indian mythology and culture. The special issue (No. 610) of the presented comic “Super Indian” is an excellent example of the exploits of this hero, his ideology, and the challenges he faces.
Analysis of Story and Plot
The comic begins with a gorgeous view of Metro City, where one of the tallest buildings in the world, “Metro Towers”, is about to be inaugurated. This building is not only the pride of the city but also a living example of technological progress. A major crisis arises early in the story when a fire breaks out on the top floor of this skyscraper. The situation becomes more serious when it is revealed that a child, Naman, is trapped on that burning floor with his cat.
Storyteller Tarunkumar Wahi weaves the story very effectively. He takes readers straight into action. The arrival of the fire brigade and the police, the technical obstacles to the rescue work (such as the sky-lift breaking due to excessive altitude), and the crisis that has taken a toll on the child’s life create tension and thrill in the story from the beginning. This is where the grand entry of our hero, the Super Indian, takes place. He descends from the sky like an angel and rescues the falling child and the staff of the fire brigade with his supernatural powers.
But the story is not limited to just one rescue operation. This incident is part of a bigger and deeper conspiracy. Super Indian soon learns that this fire and the events that follow are not just coincidences, but part of a deliberate plan to terrorize Metro City. Terrorists and enemies of the city are behind this, who want to spread fear and anarchy in the city.
The plot progresses, and we see how Super Indian faces many challenges one after another. Not only does he have to fight physically powerful and technologically advanced enemies, but he also has to deal with invisible forces that are trying to control the city from behind the scenes. The story takes many twists and turns, such as the appearance of a mysterious woman who not only helps Super Indian but also creates puzzles for him. In addition, the story skillfully covers topics such as corruption, and scientific and ethical issues like human cloning, along with the global threat of terrorism.
The climax of the comic is very exciting, where Super Indian faces the main villain. This fight is not just between two powerful characters but also between two ideologies—goodness and evil, creation and destruction. Super Indian uses all his power and wisdom to not only defeat the enemies but also save the entire Metro City from terrible devastation.
Heroes, Villains and Supporting Characters
Super Indian: The heart of this comic is its main character, Super Indian. His characterization makes him different from other superheroes. His blue complexion, tilak on the forehead, and traditional Indian costume (dhoti and waistband) give him a divine look. He seems to be inspired by the images of Lord Shiva and Vishnu. His physical appearance is extremely powerful, reminiscent of the superheroes of American comics, but his soul is completely Indian.
The powers of Super Indian seem to be limitless. He can fly, his strength is unimaginable, and he can withstand any kind of attack. But his greatest strength is his conviction and moral values. As he himself says at the beginning of the comic, “Like every living creature, one day I too will come to an end. But I strongly believe that this end will be natural, not at the hands of any criminal or terrorist! And I won’t let this faith of mine or confidence break!” This dialogue reflects the essence of his character. He was born to break the terrible jaws of crime and terrorism.
He is not only a protector but also a savior. He calls Metro City “his city” and considers its safety his ultimate duty. His character is a unique blend of humility and perseverance. He is a wonder among the common people — some call him “Wonder Man”, and some call him “God’s Messenger.”
Villains: Villains are also portrayed quite effectively in the comic. They’re not just simple goons on a rampage, but they have advanced technology, organized gangs, and clear objectives. Villains are present on many levels in the story — from the ruthless warriors fighting in the streets to the masterminds directing the entire proceedings in a chopper. A villain who particularly attracts attention is one who transforms into an animal-like creature, giving Super Indian a tough fight. Furthermore, the main villains who come at the end of the story, and who appear to be robots, show that evil can have many faces — both human and inhuman.
Supporting Characters: The role of supporting characters is also important in the comic. The Police Commissioner and his team try their best to maintain law and order in the city, but they believe that they are helpless without a power like Super Indian. The introduction of a mysterious female journalist or detective brings an interesting twist to the story. She is impressed by Super Indian’s abilities but is also suspicious of his intentions. The character represents the reader’s point of view, who is amazed to see the powers of Super Indian.
Art and Painting: The Magic of Dilip Choubey and Lalit Kumar Sharma
The success of any comic depends heavily on its story as well as its portraiture. Art director Dilip Choubey and painter Lalit Kumar Sharma have done amazing work in this comic.
The pictures are very dynamic and full of energy. Action and drama are effectively depicted in every panel. The Super Indian’s muscular build, his style of flight, and fight scenes — everything is very finely made. An American superhero comic genre influence is clearly visible in the illustrations, particularly in the characters’ physical formation, but the setting and costumes give it an Indian identity.
The layout of the panels is very creative. In addition to the usual grid-based layout, many pages have used large splash pages and innovative panel designs that make the story flow more interesting. For example, when Super Indian first appears, he is shown in a panel spread over an entire page, enhancing the impact of his arrival. Similarly, the use of diagonal and irregularly shaped panels in fight scenes creates a sense of movement and chaos.
The color combination done by Sunil Pandey and Jagdish Kumar’s inking give a vibrant look to the comic. The blue color of Super Indian symbolizes peace and power, while red, yellow, and orange colors have been used extensively in fire and explosion scenes, which create a feeling of danger and destruction. The use of colors plays an important role in expressing emotions and creating atmosphere. The use of dark colors in night scenes adds mystery and tension.
Dialogue and Calligraphy
Tarunkumar Wahi’s dialogues take the story forward and provide depth to the characters. The dialogues are simple but impressive. The Super Indian’s dialogues reflect his power and determination, while the villains’ dialogues reveal their cruelty and arrogance. The interaction between the general public, such as their surprise at seeing the Metro Towers, adds an element of realism to the story.
Sunil Pandey’s calligraphy is clear and easy to read. The sound effects used during the action (such as “BOOM”, “CRASH”) are rendered in large and bold characters, which makes the reading experience more exciting.
Topics and Messages
Raj Comics’ “Super Indian” is not just an action story, but it depicts the confluence of religion and science, where the Indian spirituality-inspired superhero fights terrorism and advanced crimes in modern technological Metro City, thereby fulfilling his duty and giving a powerful message of selfless service. This hero emerges as a symbol of hope, assuring citizens that the victory of good over evil is certain. Amidst all this, this comic presents a strong Indian identity through its costumes, name, and ideology, with which Indian youth are able to connect at the cultural level.
Overall Assessment and Conclusions
Overall, Raj Comics’ “Super Indian” is an entertaining, exciting, and thought-provoking comic. It is a great example of how Indian storytellers and artists can take the concept of the Western superhero and give it a unique Indian color.
Its story is tight and keeps the reader engaged till the end. The character, especially that of Super Indian, is well developed and arouses a sense of respect and appreciation in the minds of readers. The artwork of the comic is world-class and multiplies the thrill of the story.
This comic is readable not only for children and teenagers but also for all those who want to know and understand the world of Indian comics. It’s not just a superhero story, but it’s a story of goodness, duty, and hope. “Super Indian” is proof that a hero does not need to give up his roots to have global appeal. He can also be universally relevant by being rooted in his own culture and values. This comic is a memorable work of the golden age of Indian comics and is equally relevant and entertaining even today.
