In the world of Indian comics, Raj Comics is a name that has given countless heroes and stories to generations. Among these heroes, Nagraj’s place has always been unique. With his superhuman powers, army of wishful snakes, and a deep, contemplative personality, Nagraj is not just a superhero but a legacy. ‘Bhanumati Ka Pitara’ (No. 660) is a glossy special issue of this same heritage, presenting its title as more than an idiom—making it the central and literal element of the story.
The story by Jolly Sinha, amazing illustrations by Anupam Sinha, inking by Vinod Kumar, and calligraphy and colors by Sunil Pandey—this comic belongs to the era of Nagraj when Raj Comics was at the peak of its creativity. It’s not just a comic but a mix of science, mystery, humor, family drama, and groundbreaking action that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. Reading ‘Bhanumati Ka Pitara’ is really like opening a chest from which, one after another, amazing and exciting events emerge. This review is an attempt to analyze in depth various aspects of this special issue.
When multiple threads together weave a brilliant story
The biggest feature of ‘Bhanumati Ka Pitara’ is its complex but well-organized plot. The story does not play on a single track but instead features three different threads at the very beginning, which are then beautifully intertwined with each other.
The first track starts with a mysterious character named Murkara. In the desert, Murkara and his men are searching for some “suppressed city” and its treasure. After twelve failed attempts, Murkara’s patience gives way. He scolds his men and declares that he will no longer rely on guesses but on “the scientific methods of the modern age.” This opening scene itself establishes the main conflict of the story—ancient mystery vs. modern science. Murkara’s character seems like a greedy treasure hunter, but his role opens up many layers as the story progresses.
The second track takes us to Vedacharya Dham, which is a modern school. Here we meet the “Chhota Nagraj” gang—Salil, Bhavana, and their computer teacher Guru Sillu (who calls himself “Cybro”). This track adds a touch of humor and light-hearted moments to the story. The real twist in the story comes when a classic “bag swap” incident occurs. Salil’s bag is carried by his father, renowned archaeologist Professor P.P. Mint, and gets swapped. While Salil’s school bag contains lunch—chickpeas, Professor Mint’s bag contains twenty-thousand-year-old mummy remains (skulls and bones).
When Salil brings this smelly bag to school, the children start fainting. When the ‘Chhota Nagraj’ gang opens the bag, they are shocked. They think it’s a murder, but along with the skull, they find a visiting card of Professor Mint. Spying by the children starts from here. Guru Sillu (Cybro) searches the internet, demonstrating his technical mastery, and connects Professor Mint’s work to an ancient artwork called ‘Bhanumati Ka Pitara’. This gang now sets out on a mission to solve this mystery and return the bag safely.
The third track focuses on Professor Mint and his family. Professor Mint is so engrossed in his work that he never gives time to his family. One of his sons, Lalit Mint, has come to hate his father because of this neglect and has gone into the world of crime. Professor Mint, who reaches his department carrying his son Salil’s school bag, becomes a laughing stock in front of his head of department. This family drama gives emotional depth to the story and later also introduces a major villain.
These three tracks meet at the archaeological site of ‘Madan-Garh’. Professor Mint and his team are searching for ‘Bhanumati Ka Pitara’. The ‘Chhota Nagraj’ gang reaches there. Murkara also arrives with his scientific equipment. And when all this is happening, Nagraj senses the danger of this ancient energy source and reaches there. The real fun of the story begins when the ‘Pitara’ opens and the secrets hidden inside it start coming out.
Characters carrying the story on their shoulders
‘Bhanumati Ka Pitara’ is not just Nagraj’s story; it is an ‘ensemble cast’ story where every character has their own importance.
Nagraj: As always, Nagraj is the main pillar of the story. He is serious, powerful, and responsible. In this comic, he plays both the roles of an investigator and a warrior. He solves Murkara’s riddle, understands the secrets of the ‘Pitara’, and faces the dangers emanating from it. However, a large part of the story focuses on the children and other characters, leaving Nagraj on the sidelines for a while, but whenever he appears, his impact is tremendous.
Murkara: This is the most interesting character in the comic. Murkara, initially introduced as a villain, is actually the ancient protector of the ‘Pitara’. He is not an ordinary human being but is carrying an inheritance. He can go to any extent to save the ‘Pitara’ from falling into the wrong hands, even confronting Nagraj. His character falls into the category of an ‘anti-hero’, which gives a new dimension to the story.
‘Chhota Nagraj’ Gang (Salil, Cybro, and others): This gang is the ‘heart’ of the story. Not only do these children create humor, but they also play an important role in moving the story forward. Salil, who is the son of Professor Mint, loves his father despite his neglect and wants to help him. ‘Cybro’ (Guru Sillu) is a ‘tech wizard’ who solves problems with his intelligence and gadgets. Having these kids makes the world of Nagraj more real and fun.
Professor P.P. Mint and Lalit Mint: This father-son duo reflects the emotional and dramatic dichotomy of the story. Professor Mint is a ‘classic’ passionate scientist who forgets his family for his work. This mistake of his makes his second son, Lalit Mint, the real villain of the story. Lalit, hurt by his father’s neglect, wants to misuse the powers of the ‘Pitara’ to take revenge. This family angle gives the story a mature theme.
Art and Illustration: The Magic of Anupam Sinha
If the story is the backbone created by Jolly Sinha, then Anupam Sinha’s portrayal is its soul. Anupam Sinha’s name has become synonymous with Nagraj. His work in this comic is one of his best.
Panel Design: His panels are dynamic and lifelike. The action sequences are created with such fluency that the reader feels as if they are watching a movie. Be it the throwing of Nagraj’s web of snakes or the attack of ‘Billaha’ (skeletal-like creatures without flesh) emerging from the ‘Pitara’, every scene has been made with great care and detail.
Character Expressions: Anupam Sinha’s specialty lies not only in action but also in capturing the expressions of the characters. Murkara’s anger, the children’s fear and enthusiasm, Professor Mint’s surprise, and Lalit Mint’s hatred—every emotion is clearly reflected in his illustrations. The characters’ facial expressions in the ‘bag swap’ scenes double the humor of the story.
Color and Inking: Vinod Kumar’s inking further enhances Anupam Sinha’s pencils, and Sunil Pandey’s color combinations set the mood of the story perfectly. The use of yellow-brown tones for the desert, bright colors for the school, and mysterious and dark shades when the ‘Pitara’ opens is very effective.
Theme and Analysis: More Than Just a Comic
‘Bhanumati Ka Pitara’ is not just an action-adventure comic; it also touches on many deep themes.
Ancient vs. Modern: The main theme of the story is the conflict and confluence between ancient knowledge/technology and modern science. The ‘Pitara’ is not a magical chest but a ‘dimensional portal’ or ‘storage device’ of a highly developed ancient civilization. While Murkara is protecting it with ancient customs, Cybro and Nagraj use modern logic and science to understand it.
Responsibility and Neglect: The character of Professor Mint shows that obsession with work sometimes leads to the neglect of family responsibilities, the consequences of which can be dire (as seen in the transformation of Lalit Mint into a villain). This also serves as a subtle social commentary.
Correct Use of Knowledge: The ‘Pitara’ is the source of both knowledge and power. Professor Mint wants it for learning, Lalit wants it for destruction and personal gain, and Murkara wants to keep it balanced. Nagraj’s role is to ensure that this power remains controlled for the betterment of humanity.
Conclusion: A Must-Read Special Issue
‘Nagraj — Bhanumati Ka Pitara’ represents the golden era of Raj Comics when stories were not limited to just action but carried deep narratives, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes. This comic is a perfect blend of humor, mystery, science fiction, and family drama.
Jolly Sinha’s story doesn’t let you get bored even for a moment, and Anupam Sinha’s art takes you to a world where anything is possible. This is one of those comics that you can’t stop reading once, but would like to read again and again. It is a ‘must-read’ special issue not only for Nagraj fans but for any comic lover. This is a story that proves why Nagraj is called the ‘King of Comics’.
