In the history of Raj Comics, the stories of ‘Wonderman Parmanu’ have always been recognized because of their technical style and espionage environment. “Barood ka khiladi” is also a similar story—which has the smell of gunpowder, the fire of old enmity, and also a game where Parmanu has to save his life and also prevent Delhi from turning into a burning hell.
The biggest quality of this story is its villains—yes, not one but two. One is the minded mastermind (Ajgar Patel) and the other is his weapon (Aatishbaaz). The association of these two becomes one of the most difficult challenges for Parmanu ever.
Detailed analysis of the plot and story
Death Noose (opening scene)
The story itself starts with a tremendous scene. Parmanu is stuck in a condition from which it seems almost impossible to escape. He is tied with ropes on a large fireworks rocket. The villainous Aatishbaaz has applied a very strong flammable coating to the entire body of Parmanu and blows him into the sky.
Here the author has very intelligently shown the limit of power of Parmanu. We know that Parmanu controls the molecules with the ‘voice activator’ of his belt. But the problem here is that if he speaks, the coating will burn due to vibration, and if he does not speak, his death is certain when the rocket explodes. Eventually, Parmanu breaks the coating by inflating his chest and then activates his belt.
Sheena and the painful chapter of the past
After Parmanu survives, the story goes into flashback—and from here the emotional root of this entire conspiracy comes to the fore. Sheena, who is very important in the life of Parmanu, was waiting for him on Valentine’s Day. During this time we come to know how Sheena’s parents died.
They worked in a firecracker factory in Sivakasi (Tamil Nadu). The author also raises a social issue here—”lack of safety in illegal firecracker factories”. Sheena’s parents were killed in the terrible fire that broke out in the same factory, and that shock left a deep impact on Sheena’s mind. According to scientists, that accident made some of her neurons so sensitive that she could inadvertently trigger an explosion with her own thinking. That is why she can be called a ‘living bomb’ in a way. Later on, this becomes a part of the villain’s plan.
Duel of Villains: Ajgar Patel and Aatishbaaz
Now let us come to that part where people often get confused. There are two types of evil in this story:
Ajgar Patel:
This is the real brain, the real mastermind. his character is clearly visible. He is a bloodhound terrorist with a deep wound on his face. His intention is not just to cause havoc, but also to take revenge.
Ajgar Patel’s brother, ‘Cobra Patel’, previously ran an illegal arms and bomb manufacturing factory in Sivakasi, which was shown as a firecracker factory from outside. It was Parmanu who exposed the factory in which Cobra Patel was killed. The anger over the death of his brother and the end of his empire makes Ajgar a staunch enemy of Parmanu.
Fireworks:
This is Python’s weapon, working in the field. Aatishbaaz is an expert in explosives, chemicals and firecrackers. Long-haired, stylish but extremely edgy. Python has given him the entire contract to cause destruction in Delhi and eliminate Parmanu.
The pyromaniac attacks from the front, while Python pulls all the strings from behind.
When these two sit face to face and talk, their relationship can be fully understood from their conversation. Python asks Aatishbaaz who was the real culprit of the fire in Sivakasi—and answers it himself—”Parmanu”. This makes it clear that Python is using the pyromaniac only to cool the fire of his revenge.
Flashback: Parmanu vs. Cobra Patel
Ajgar Patel goes into nostalgia and tells how Parmanu killed his brother Cobra Patel. Cobra Patel actually used to make bombs for terrorists under the guise of firecrackers. Parmanu reaches there and kills the entire Cobra’s trick. He throws a burning grenade (firework) onto a powder keg, blowing up the entire factory and killing Cobra Patel.
This incident brings Ajgar Patel on the path of crime. Now he wants the same devastation to be repeated during the elections in Delhi.
Election rivalry and terror of Fireworks
Then the story comes back to the present. The election atmosphere in Delhi is heated. Python plans to spread anarchy in the elections so that the atmosphere worsens and the country becomes weak. He uses Aatishbaaz for this work.
The pyromaniac targets a candidate—‘Courageous Optimist’. Here the author has also added some satire. Optimist Ji’s election symbol is a ‘duck’ and they are making big promises. Then the fireworks’ panic begins.
The pyrotechnic method (Modus Operandi) is very strange but dangerous. He turns common things into bombs. When Netaji puts a water bottle to his mouth, the bottle bursts. He sprays a special spray on their car, which burns due to air friction.
The struggle between the melting car and Parmanu
The most explosive part of the comic is its climax. Due to the chemical of the fireworks, Netaji’s car starts melting like a candle. Sparks are flying from the car’s handle, steering and body. This entire scene is an example of the magnificent art of painter Suresh Dingwal.
Parmanu reaches there at the right time. He stops the fast-running car with his ropes. But the real trouble is that the car is melting and Netaji is trapped inside. Parmanu, without caring for his life, enters under the melting car and breaks the floor and takes Netaji out.
Mysterious Ending (Cliffhanger)
At the end of the story, Parmanu saves Netaji, but he himself gets badly injured. He falls unconscious into a fountain. On the other hand, Ajgar Patel and Aatishbaaz are celebrating their victory because they feel that Parmanu has either died or lost the battle.
But readers are shown a scary scene—“ammo” in every house. Rockets and bombs are seen on houses across the city, which show that the real devastation will begin now. The teaser of the next comic makes it clear that this war is not over yet.
Character analysis
Parmanu (Vinay):
In this story Parmanu faces a big challenge in both physical and mental form. His trapping at the beginning suggests that he is not invincible. But his wisdom (like breaking the paste by puffing his chest) makes him special. His love for Sheena and concern for her makes him a human superhero. He is not just stopping crime, he is also fighting for his own people.
Ajgar Patel (The Mastermind):
Python is a villain burning in the classic fire of revenge. His character is very dark. He has not been able to forget his brother’s death. He thinks Cobra Patel’s job was “honest” (in his eyes). He believes that Parmanu took away everything from him. His cleverness is that he himself does not come forward — but puts forward the firework.
Fireworks (The Executor):
The Fireworker is a colorful, dangerous, chemical-expert villain. He has deep knowledge of firecrackers, chemicals and explosions. His overconfidence is his biggest strength. He considers Parmanu a ‘firecracker’. His look — long hair, leather jacket and funny gadget in hands — makes him a tremendously stylish villain of the 90s.
SHEENA:
Sheena symbolizes this story’s ‘tragedy’. She is the face of innocent people who are buried in the Hero-Villain battle. Her mental state maintains an atmosphere of suspense and danger throughout the plot.
Art and Presentation
The cover page is quite attention-grabbing. On one side is Parmanu and the falling man is probably the firework or his henchman. The atmosphere of the firecracker factory is shown behind. The pairing of Suresh Dingwal and Manu has brought life to the action scenes. Especially the melting scene of the car — its ‘melting effect’ is amazing.
The choice of colors (red, yellow, orange) makes one feel the warmth and danger throughout the comic.
Flashbacks of Sheena and Cobra Patel change the layout of the panels, making readers easily understand that the story is going back in time.
Dialogue and Writing
Tarun Kumar Wahi’s writing is tight here. He has given strong dialogue to the villains.
Python’s dialogue:
“Parmanu! Parmanu is the only reason for your family’s destruction!”
This shows how the dragon ignores his mistakes and puts the blame on others.
Sheena’s pain:
“I also came there that day with mom and dad to get Diwali crackers…”
This dialogue makes readers emotional and deepens the story.
Conclusions and critical note
“Barood ka khiladi” is a great start, preparing the ground for the big bang that lies ahead. This comic clearly shows that a good villain creates fear not just by his strength but by his true purpose. Ajgar Patel’s motive (revenge for his brother) and the dangerous technique of the pyromaniac (chemical weapons) together weave a web for Parmanu in which it is easy to get trapped, but difficult to get out.
Positive side:
The separation of Python and the pyromaniac adds many layers to the story. This further confirms that the real enemy is still sitting behind the scenes. The specialty of Parmanu’s comics has always been its science. Here things like ‘friction-burning spray’ and ‘voice-driven belt’ (even if imaginary) make the story fun.
Sheena’s story is also not just filler — she is the real spirit of this whole story. That gives emotional depth to the entire plot.
Downside (Negatives):
The story does not end here, so readers who have the habit of reading the whole story at once will have to wait for the next comic “Ammo in Every House”.
Sometimes the pyromaniac’s gadgets seem so magical that their scientific basis is not understood, which makes one feel a little lacking.
Final decision:
If you like action and suspense, this comic is perfect for you. The trickery of Python and the madness of the pyromaniac make this comic very strong. It is great to see Parmanu fighting not just with strength, but with mind and courage.
My advice: as soon as you read this, pick up the next part “Ammo in Every House”, because the real fight is about to begin.
Rating: 4.5 / 5
