The name of ‘Kaliyug’ holds a really special place in the history of Raj Comics. This was the period when comics were not just timepass or entertainment, but a tremendous combination of Indian culture, philosophy, and modern science was seen in them. ‘Kaliyug’ is a complete special issue that depicts the cosmic stories of Raj Comics. The biggest feature of this comic is the coming together of Nagraj, Super Commando Dhruv, and Shakti. These three are not just superheroes, but symbolize three different ways of thinking and powers: Nagraj (wishful power), Dhruv (human mind and science), and Shakti (divine and supreme power).
This comic, adorned with the powerful story of Jolly Sinha and the magical artwork of Anupam Sinha, is not only full of action, but also presents a great combination of mythology and modern science.
Background and plot of the story:
The story of ‘Kaliyug’ introduces the age-old conflict of demons and gods in a new and modern form. Asuraraj Shambuk and demon guru Shukracharya together make a very dangerous plan. They believe that this era is Kaliyuga, and at this time the power of unrighteousness and demons should be at its peak. But it troubles them that there are some humans present on Earth who have been blessed by the gods and who remain the biggest obstacles in the path of demons.
Shambuk’s plan is clear—those humans who have been blessed by the gods should be stripped of their divine powers. The targets of this plan are Nagraj, who is blessed by Dev Kaaljayi; Shakti, who is the form of the goddess herself; and Dhruv, whose intelligence and scientific thinking are no less than any divine power.
The story begins with Nagraj’s difficulties. Nagraj is fighting with his old enemy Professor Nagmani and his goons. Nagmani has prepared a special kind of anti-venom, which neutralizes the microscopic snakes present in Nagraj’s body and his poison, even turning the poison into water. For the first time, readers see Nagraj so helpless and weak. To regain his powers, Nagraj calls upon Mahatma Kaaldoot and Dev Kaaljayi.
Here, the demon king Shambuk sends a terrible demon named Mongla Bali to Nagadweep, so that the residents there can be terrorized and Nagraj can be forced to come out. Meanwhile, Shakti in Delhi is also struggling with demon attacks. The Asuras have created turmoil not only on Earth but also in the world of gods. They have trapped Indra’s son Jayant in their illusion.
The biggest twist of the story comes when Jayant’s body starts growing continuously in space due to the influence of demons. His huge size starts affecting the gravity of the universe and the movement of planets. If Jayant’s growth is not stopped, the cycle of time will stop and Kaliyuga will become stable forever—this is the real and ultimate goal of the demons.
Asuras believe that the divine blessings given to humans are their real strength. If these powers are taken away from them, it will become very easy to establish the rule of unrighteousness.
In-depth analysis of characters:
Nagraj:
A very human form of Nagraj is seen in this comic. When his powers are taken from him, he is physically broken, but his courage and confidence do not waver. To save his existence and identity, he returns to his roots—Nagadweep and Kaaljayi. Eventually, the way he returns to war with his willpower becomes a moment full of adventure for readers.
Super Commando Dhruv:
Dhruv is the brain of this story, as always. While Nagraj and Shakti depend on their immense powers, Dhruv makes the impossible possible with his reasoning power and understanding of science. Strategies like a carrom board or billiards, suggested by Dhruv during the final battle in space—in which Nagraj’s huge body is used like a striker—are a great example of Anupam Sinha’s creative thinking.
Shakti:
Power is the most powerful link in this trio. She not only fights the demons bravely, but also becomes a medium to take Nagraj and Dhruv to space. Her huge form and her fierce anger towards the demons fill the story with tremendous energy.
In the initial part of the story, we see that it seems as if doomsday has broken out on the streets of Delhi. Asur Kehrinad shakes the whole of Delhi with his destructive screams and sound waves. At such times, the entry of Power seems very impressive. Shakti, which is the confluence of the powers of Mother Kali and Durga herself, appears as real death for the demons.
The battle between Shakti and Kehrinad is one of the most exciting parts of this comic. Kehrinad’s ‘scream’ is so dangerous that it can even tear down tall buildings, but the patience of Shakti and her terrible anger stand firm in front of him. The way Anupam Sinha has shown Shakti’s ‘third eye’ and her ‘light beam’ in the artwork really gives goosebumps to the reader. Shakti not only fights with physical strength, but she also completely breaks the illusion of demons with her divine energy.
The most important turning point of the story comes when Nagraj and Dhruv have to go into the depths of space. It is impossible for an ordinary human being or even Nagraj to go into space and survive without any spacecraft. This is where Shakti shows her true strength. She wears her ‘huge morph’. Her form is so huge that she makes Nagraj and Dhruv sit on her palm and takes them to the infinite depths of space, breaking through the clouds. This scene is counted among the most ‘iconic’ scenes in the history of Raj Comics.
In space, where there is no oxygen and no temperature conducive to life, Power creates a protective shield (ozone/energy shield) around Nagraj and Dhruv with her energy. This makes it clear that Shakti is not just a warrior, but also a true protector of her companions.
Asuraraj Shambuk and Shukracharya:
Shambuk is a villain who relies more on cunning and strategy, not just on strength. Shukracharya’s deep knowledge makes him even more dangerous. His argument that Kaliyuga should be the era of demons gives a philosophical basis to the story. Shukracharya’s character is very deep. They know that in the field of ‘ultimate power,’ neither gods nor demons can enter—only humans can. That is why they create such situations that the heroes automatically fall into their trap. Shambuk’s ego and his huge demonic army take the action of this comic to even greater heights.
Art and portraiture
Anupam Sinha ji is called the ‘King of Art’ of Raj Comics, and in ‘Kaliyuga’ he has proved it completely with his hard work and imagination. Every page of this comic shows his artistic grandeur, where from the conflict between Nagraj and Nagpasha (Nagmani) to the great war with demons in space, every action sequence feels full of wonderful pace and energy. The cosmic depiction of constellations, space, and the giant ‘Jayant’ in that era, without digital painting, and the precise use of colors and shading in them is truly praiseworthy. At the same time, the characters’ gestures are so finely etched that when Nagraj weakens, the pain and determination hidden in his face are deeply felt by the reader himself.
Writing and dialogue:
Jolly Sinha has taken the story forward in a very balanced manner. It is not easy to include such big and powerful characters in a single story, but he has given complete justice to everyone. There is a certain seriousness and dignity in the dialogues, especially when gods and demons communicate among themselves. While Dhruv’s dialogues are related to logic and science, Nagraj’s dialogues are full of bravery and a sense of duty.
The parts of the story exploring ‘Shatarupa Punj’ and traveling to the field of ‘ultimate power’ are extremely exciting. It seems as if these parts take the readers on a tour of a different world.
Scientific and mythological coordination:
This comic raises many deep questions. ‘What is the real meaning of Kaliyug?’ Is this just a period of time, or is it the name of the darkness hidden within man? Shukracharya and Shambuk believe that increasing sin is the law of nature. On the contrary, Nagraj, Dhruv, and Shakti prove that whatever the era, dharma—i.e., protecting one’s duty—is the greatest truth.
A special thing about Raj Comics has been that their stories were not based only on witchcraft. Even in ‘Kaliyug’, the way Dhruv explains the principle of a ‘short circuit’ or uses gravity is also enlightening for children and teenagers. Showing the demons of mythology as demons of space was a new and bold experiment of that time.
Main points of the review: why read ‘Kaliyug’?
If you are a fan of ‘Power’, then this comic is no less than a treat for you. In this, Shakti’s character has been shown at a new level, and many such forms of her powers are seen which make her even more special.
Watching Nagraj, Dhruv, and Shakti working together gives the same experience as watching Marvel’s ‘Avengers’ team. The mutual understanding, respect, and coordination between the three make this story very special.
Powerful and intelligent villains like Shambuk and Shukracharya maintain constant thrill in the story. They not only fight but also play with the mind, which makes the story deeper.
This work of Anupam Sinha can be counted among the best artworks of his career. Every page is worth seeing, and every frame is remembered.
This comic reminds us of the period around 2006, when such special issues were the most important part of our childhood.
Critical conclusion:
‘Kaliyug’ is one of the few stories in the history of Raj Comics that is still considered a ‘cult classic’. This story teaches that no matter what the era, people fighting for truth and justice finally find a way out.
Features:
Great coordination between the three big heroes.
Anupam Sinha’s international-level artwork.
An interesting and powerful story of a crisis spreading at the cosmic level.
High-quality printing and excellent use of colors.
Drawbacks:
The scope of the story is very large, so in some places it may seem a little complicated, especially for new readers who do not fully know the old context—such as Nagmani or the history of Kaaljayi.
The end of some monsters is shown a little early.
Final decision:
‘Kaliyug’ is not just a comic, but an epic full of heroism, sacrifice, and wisdom. In this, the character of Shakti gives the message that women power is the creator and protector of this universe. Whenever unrighteousness increases, the huge form of Shakti will destroy the demons. Nagraj’s determination and Dhruv’s intelligence, combined with this power, fill the Kaliyuga of unrighteousness with the light of righteousness.
This comic should be kept with pride in the collection of every Raj Comics lover. It reminds us that we too have superheroes whose stories and strengths are no less than any global story.
Special tip:
While reading this comic, take a look at the advertisements given at the end. These ads from Doga, Bankelal, and Gamraj will take you straight to the period of 2006, when the comics craze was at its peak.
Rating: 9.5/10
