Super Commando Dhruv — a hero known not for his strength or supernatural powers, but for his wisdom, scientific thinking, and never-giving-up spirit. Dhruv’s comics are not limited to just action; they also contain secrets, adventures, and a strong message for society.
In this series, Raj Comics’ special issue “Hatyari Rashiyan” (No. 53) is a wonderful story that has made a special place in the hearts of comic lovers. This story, written and created by Anupam Sinha ji, is not just a comic, but a tremendous journey of conflict between science, superstition, fate, and human actions. This story of about 60 pages shows a new world in each panel.
“Killer Zodiac Signs” — a powerful team was behind one of the best comics like this. Anupam Sinha took charge of both the story and art, inking was done by Vinod Kumar, and editing by Manish Gupta. Anupam Sinha’s name was a guarantee of quality in the world of Indian comics. When he had control over both the story and the art, it was certain that every scene and every emotion were completely connected to each other, so that the reader could experience a memorable and emotional journey.
Today we will delve into the depths of this same classic comic and understand why “Hatyari Rashiyan” (Killer Zodiac Signs) is equally exciting and relevant today.
Fate, Stars, and a Super-Crime
The story begins with the mysteries of the universe and the world of astrology — i.e., stars and planets.
Prophecy
On the very first page, we see two people in a mysterious, high-tech lab. One of them calls himself “Nostradamus” (a modern form of the historical Nostradamus). He is analyzing an ascendant horoscope on his computer. He says that the conjunction of Saturn and Moon at 8:12 at night is the best time for his “work.” He confidently says he will definitely succeed — but “there is a little danger.” The interesting thing is that he already knows who that danger is.
At the same time, in another part of Rajnagar, Dhruv’s sister Shweta is reading the horoscope of Dhruv’s zodiac sign (Scorpio) in the newspaper. It says that Dhruv should not go out in the first hour of the night because there is a possibility of “physical harm.”
Dhruv, who completely believes in science and logic, laughs at this and says that all this is superstition.
This is where the real struggle of the story begins — is a person’s fate already decided, or does he write his own destiny?
Puzzle and Investigation
Now comes ‘Indian Times’ reporter Natasha, who is also a close friend of Dhruv. Shweta calls her and asks about that “Nostradamus,” whose predictions are turning out to be so accurate. Natasha, who always believes in getting to the bottom of the truth, decides to investigate this mysterious astrologer.
On the other hand, Nostradamus sends his henchmen, as per his prediction, to attack a van of ‘Safe Security Services’. He is sure that out of the three vans, one has the small box he is looking for.
1st Encounter and the Victory of “Fate”
Dhruv, who has already got wind of this robbery, reaches there on time. He confronts the goons and fights fiercely. But then Nostradamus reaches there with his two strange companions. He already knew that Dhruv would come there — the same “danger” he talked about in his prediction.
Now Dhruv faces not just goons, but also a technology that looks like magic. Nostradamus uses ‘Psychomagnetic Rings’, which trap Dhruv. Dhruv’s science, intelligence, and strength — all fail before Nostradamus’s “prediction” and his technology.
Nostradamus captures Dhruv and takes him away, and the van is robbed. It seems as if this time, luck and zodiac signs have won, and the “physical harm” predicted in Dhruv’s horoscope has come true.
Two Nostradamus?
Here the story takes a very interesting and clever turn. We come to know that the newspaper in which Shweta had read Dhruv’s horoscope was actually written by Mr. Swaroop, an elderly astrologer.
Now enters the real villain, Nostradamus, who meets this old astrologer and tells him the truth — that Mr. Swaroop was just a pawn.
Actually, Nostradamus had hacked his computer ‘Computer-Friend’, and he used to fraudulently insert his false predictions into it. By proving these predictions true, he created both fear and confidence among the people in the name of ‘Nostradamus’, so as to carry out his big plan.
Meanwhile, Dhruv escapes from Nostradamus’ captivity using his wisdom and the help of gadgets hidden in his belt.
‘Killer Zodiacs’ Real Game
Natasha continues her investigation and reaches an address, where she is attacked.
But Natasha is not an ordinary girl — she is a trained fighter. She beats the goons fiercely and escapes safely from there. On the other hand, Dhruv realizes that Nostradamus’ real target is J.J. Jewelers’ exhibition, where symbols of the twelve zodiac signs are kept — i.e., precious gems, which are called ‘zodiac signs’. Nostradamus believes that these gems have some supernatural powers hidden in them, and by acquiring them, he can rule the world.
Chapter 6: Climax on Earth (Climax – Part 1)
Nostradamus attacks a police van in which they were carrying the “amounts.”
He hits the van with his special ‘Thong of Meteors’ (Meteorite Belt). But as soon as the door of the van opens, Dhruv himself, disguised as Mr. Swaroop, emerges from it!
Dhruv had already understood his entire plan and was now ready to end his game.
There is a fierce fight between Dhruv and Nostradamus. Dhruv reveals that all the “astrological power” of Nostradamus was not actually a miracle, but a game of high-tech machines, computer hacking, and secret information.
But Nostradamus is still very powerful. He almost defeats Dhruv… and then comes up that zodiac sign — “Sagittarius.”
Nostradamus opens a huge cage, and out of it comes a living Centaur — half human, half horse — the archer warrior from Greek mythology.
Nostradamus orders the Centaur to eliminate Dhruv.
Chapter 8: Karma, Heavy on Fate
This is where the story shows its true meaning. Dhruv sees that Centaur not as an enemy, but as another prisoner. Instead of fighting him, he tricks him into standing up against Nostradamus.
Centaur realizes that the real enemy is not Dhruv, but the same human who imprisoned him — i.e., Nostradamus.
Dhruv and Centaur then fight Nostradamus and his henchmen together. On Earth, Natasha and Mr. Swaroop are busy tracking Dhruv’s location with the help of ‘Computer-Friend’. In the end, Nostradamus and his companions are defeated by the combined strength of Dhruv and Centaur. Dhruv sets Centaur free and himself returns to Earth via an Escape Pod. On the other hand, Nostradamus’ spaceship loses control and wanders into space forever.
Review and Analysis
Comics “Killer Zodiac Signs” is not just a story, but a tremendous example of Anupam Sinha’s creativity. This story shows the philosophy of fate versus karma very beautifully — where Dhruv, with his understanding, courage, and action, not only proves wrong his prediction of “physical damage,” but also defeats the “creator” of that fate, Nostradamus.
This story clearly shows that the real power lies in man’s actions and thinking, not in fate or superstition.
The “magical astrologer power of Nostradamus” finally turns out to be just a game of technology and deception, making this comic give a strong message — that every mystery should be seen from the point of view of logic and science.
The flow of the story and the unexpected twists that come in it take it beyond a simple crime thriller, turning it into an exciting detective + sci-fi adventure.
The twist of the Alien and the Centaur surprises the reader — and this is the wonder of Anupam Sinha’s imagination.
Talking about his artwork, there is life in every panel. The designs, facial expressions, action scenes, and spaceships are so effective that every frame pushes the story forward.
The dialogues are short, impressive, and accurate — the collision between Dhruv’s logical dialogues and Nostradamus’s arrogant dialogues is fun to read.
Natasha’s short but effective dialogues also give emotional depth to the story.
For this reason, “Killer Zodiac Signs” becomes not just a comic, but a memorable and classic work in the history of Indian comics.
Conclusion: Why ‘Killer Zodiacs’ is a Classic?
“Killer Zodiac Signs” reminds us of that golden age of Raj Comics, when comics were created not just for children’s time-pass, but to make people think.
This story teaches us that real strength is not in our hands, nor in any star — but in our mind and karma.
This comic strikes a beautiful balance between two completely different ideas — astrology and science.
And finally, it clearly states that a person’s karma always outweighs fate.
Its unexpected climax, strong and sensible hero like Dhruv, and the deep message hidden within it — all combine to make it a “Must-Read” comic.
If you want to relive that magical feeling of old comics, or show a new reader how much depth and imagination Indian comics can have —
then “Killer Zodiacs” is hardly a better example.
It’s not just a comic, but an experience that feels just as exciting, thought-provoking, and refreshing today —
as if it had just been written.
Last Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars — a true timeless masterpiece!)
