The Indian comics industry was in full swing in the 90s. Along with Raj Comics and Diamond Comics, publishers like ‘Goyal Comics’ were also making a place in the hearts of readers with their different types of stories. “Nagputra and Bazmanman” is also one such comic, which introduces elements of folklore by mixing them with superhero fantasy. This story is not just about the birth of a hero, but also about a person who has to make his identity and place in another society, i.e., the world of snakes.
Beginning of the story: The game of destiny and the support of Nagdweep
The story begins with a very emotional scene. Maharaj Surajsen and his queen are traveling to the sea by boat with their newborn son. Then suddenly, a terrible storm comes, which destroys everything. The mother’s love reaches its peak and the queen ties her baby to a wooden plank to save him so that he does not drown. Fate sweeps that baby to the edge of ‘Nagdweep’.
Nagdweep, where the serpents, i.e., half human and half snake beings, live, the king ‘Nagarajan’ finds that child. The king’s heart melts after seeing the innocent child. Although there has always been a distance between serpents and humans, Nagarajan decides to raise the child as his own. This is where the real conflict of the story begins—a human baby growing up amidst the traditions and rules of serpents.
Twenty years later: The rise of Nagaputra and social conflict
Twenty years pass. The same child has now become a powerful and courageous young man, known to everyone as ‘Nagputra’. On the occasion of Nag Panchami, King Nagarajan wants to declare him as his successor in front of his subjects. He poses a challenge that whichever warrior defeats Nagaputra will be the king of the future.
During this time, a cruel and greedy serpent warrior named ‘Takshak’ appears. The war between Takshak and Nagaputra is the most exciting part of this comic. Takshak is not only powerful but also clever, and he breaks the rules of war and uses ‘poison flame’, i.e., poisonous fire. Yet Nagaputra defeats him with his agility and wisdom.
Takshak, upset by the defeat, reveals to the assembly that Nagaputra is actually a ‘man’s son’; hence, he cannot become the king of Nagdweep. The revelation gives the story a big twist and raises questions about the identity of the protagonist. Nagarajan accepts this truth, but his love for Nagaputra does not diminish at all.
Shadows of Conspiracy: The Conjunction of the Falcon and Takshak
Takshak is not just a warrior, but also a trickster traitor. In his desire to gain power, he joins hands with Bazraj, the biggest enemy of snakes, ‘Bazman’, i.e., the king of half human and half falcon beings. This alliance rests entirely on selfishness: the falcon-men need snakes for food, and Takshak needs the throne of Nagdweep.
Together, they plot to kill King Nagarajan. On the day of Nag Panchami, when the king is performing puja alone in the temple, he is attacked by Takshak and Bazman. An elderly king fights several enemies alone but ends up seriously injured and near death. This scene evokes both pain and anger in the reader’s mind.
Transfer of powers and new superhero: ‘Nagputra’
Nagaputra finds Nagarajan in a dying condition. In his last moments, Nagarajan hands over his ‘wishful power’, i.e., the power to change form, to Nagaputra with his yogic energy. He also gives him a special ‘snake dress’, which grants him extraordinary powers. Nagarajan takes two promises from him—
To eliminate injustice and unrest from the world.
Searching for his real parents.
Nagarajan’s death proves to be the biggest turning point in Nagaputra’s life. Now he is no longer just a young man, but becomes a true ‘superhero’ with a purpose.
Climax: Vengeance and Justice
Takshak declares himself king and destroys whoever opposes him by burning them. Then Nagaputra appears with his new blue dress and snake mark. The final battle is very grand and powerful. Takshak takes a huge form with his willful power, but the power of Nagaputra has now become divine. He shows Takshak his true status and finally puts an end to the traitor.
After this, Nagaputra does not stop here. He attacks the island of hawks with an army of snakes. Here, his bravery and the unity of snakes are worth seeing. He blinds Bazraj by inserting his nails into his eyes and puts an end to the terror of the Bazmanas once and for all.
Epilogue: Renunciation and the New Journey
The story ends in a very dignified manner. All the serpents ask him to become their king, but Nagaputra turns down the greed for power like a true hero. He says he has promised his ‘Nag Baba’ that he will fight against injustice and find his parents. He advises the serpents to choose a worthy serpent as king from among themselves and sets out on an unknown journey.
Critical analysis
Plot and writing:
Hanif Azhar has written a strong and classic ‘Origin Story’. The story moves at a high speed and doesn’t seem cumbersome anywhere. The journey of the hero from his childhood to becoming a superhero seems completely logical in the world of comics. The enmity between snakes and hawks also seems natural and interesting.
Character illustration:
Nagaputra: He is a perfect hero—powerful, just, and without pride. The dichotomy between his human origins and his loyalty to the serpent society is very well shown.
Nagarajan (Nag Baba): He is a living example of sacrifice and fatherly love. His death is the most emotional part of the story.
Takshak: He is a villain who is easy to hate. His ambition and treachery make him a strong ‘antagonist’.
Art and portraiture
Chandrakanta’s artwork is quite impressive for that period. Words like ‘dhadak’, ‘rot’, and ‘khwach’ in fight scenes further enhance the thrill. The design of the hawks is scary and effective, while the snake symbol on the blue dress of Nagaputra gives him a distinct identity. The choice of colors is deep and bright, which perfectly supports the atmosphere of the fantasy story.
Subject and message:
This comic gives many deep messages. It shows that love and parenting are greater than blood relationships, and that upbringing is more important than birth. It also shows that no matter how powerful evil is, in the end, only truth and justice prevail. The most important message is of sacrifice—that the true hero is the one who puts his duties above power.
Conclusion
“Nagputra and Bazmanman” is not just a comic for children’s entertainment, but an inspiring story of courage, values, and walking on the right path. It reminds us that a person’s identity is formed by his actions, not by his birth. If you are fond of old Indian comics, this is a must-read classic that will take you back to the golden period of childhood.
