‘Dushman’ is a special issue of Raj Comics, which is a memorable work not only for fans of Super Commando Dhruv but also for those who appreciate comic art. Featuring a powerful story by Jolie Sinha and stunning illustrations by Anupam Sinha, the comic shows the fierce conflict between Dhruv and one of his most dangerous enemies, the Clown.
Story summary
The story begins at a high-security mental hospital in Rajnagar, where a dangerous criminal like the Clown has been locked up. The Clown is not an ordinary criminal; he is a psychopath for whom committing crimes is no less than a game, and laughing is his habit. Using his cleverness and mind games, he deceives Doctor Chadha and the security guards and escapes. The Clown’s escape becomes a sign of great danger for Rajnagar.
On the other hand, crime is continuously increasing in Rajnagar. A bloody gang war is going on between two mafia gangs—Haroon Shah and an unknown gang. Super Commando Dhruv, who is a strong pillar of law and order, is deeply concerned about this situation. He tries to get to the root of these crimes along with his father, Commissioner Rajan. Meanwhile, Dhruv’s sister Shweta, who is also secretly Chandika, becomes suspicious of the strange behavior of her college friend Shantanu.
The story takes a real turn when the Clown learns about a precious multi-crore painting owned by Haroon Shah. The Clown wants to acquire that painting, but his methods are, as always, extremely dangerous and eccentric. He attacks Haroon Shah’s luxurious boat, Sea Harrier. During this attack, both Dhruv and Chandika reach the location through different routes.
There is suspense throughout the comic about whether Dhruv will be able to discover Chandika’s real identity, that is, Shweta. Meanwhile, the Clown makes his deadly move and traps Dhruv inside a glass sphere at a place called Black Pier, which is slowly being filled with laughing gas. During this time, Ghighga, the Clown’s terrifying and giant pet creature, also becomes a major problem for Dhruv and Chandika. Natasha’s entry at the end gives a new twist to the story. Someone who was once Dhruv’s arch enemy gives a different meaning to the title ‘Dushman’ here. This time, Natasha appears in the role of a protector, saving Shweta’s identity and helping Dhruv.
Deep analysis of characters
Super Commando Dhruv: Dhruv’s greatest strength is his scientific thinking and strong willpower. Even in this comic, when he is close to death, he does not panic. He finds a way out of the glass sphere using centrifugal force. Here, Dhruv emerges not only as a hero but also as a responsible brother and a true hero who fulfills his duty.
Jester (Raj Comics’ Joker): The character of Jester may seem inspired by DC Comics’ Joker, but he has a distinct desi identity of his own. His gadgets—such as explosive rings and smoke bombs—make him a dangerous and technically skilled criminal. The madness behind his laughter creates both fear and unease in the reader’s mind.
Chandika/Shweta:
Shweta coming out as Chandika is a strong example of women’s power in Indian comics. In this story, she fights equally alongside Dhruv. Her own technology and her Star Liner give her the identity of a modern and smart warrior.
Natasha:
The biggest surprise of this comic is Natasha. Despite being Dhruv’s old enemy, she appears here in a different form. She helps Dhruv and Shweta even though she is associated with Haroon Shah’s gang. This dual and complex nature of hers adds more depth to the story.
Drawing and art
Anupam Sinha is not called a legend of Raj Comics for nothing, and his work in Dushman proves this completely. The panel layouts during action scenes feel extremely fast and dynamic. Whether it is the speed of Dhruv’s motorcycle or the cynical tricks of the Clown, every scene feels alive on the pages. Anupam ji has portrayed the Clown’s madness and Dhruv’s familiar seriousness very effectively through facial expressions. The use of colors for that period, especially the balance of light and shadow during night scenes and sea battles, is still worthy of praise.
Screenplay and dialogue
Jolie Sinha takes this story forward with great suspense. Almost every page of the comic raises a new question, which keeps the reader engaged till the last page. The dialogues have a strong impact. While the Clown’s dialogues create fear and also contain light satire, Dhruv’s dialogues are thought-provoking and inspiring.
In particular, the way the meaning of the word ‘enemy’ is explained at the end of the story is quite philosophical. It shows that sometimes even an enemy can be more useful than a friend, and sometimes the one we consider a friend actually becomes the enemy.
Comic’s major attractions
Dhruv’s clever use of his motorcycle parts and the fast agility of his skating shoes have always been a major source of excitement for children, highlighting his technical understanding and mental strength. The mysterious painting in the middle of the story is an excellent example of a MacGuffin, which sets the entire story in motion and keeps the reader’s curiosity alive till the end. Finally, the face-to-face confrontation between Dhruv and the Clown during the climax, along with Natasha’s intervention, not only takes the dramatic impact to its peak but also provides a satisfying and logical conclusion to the story.
Social and cultural impact
Comics like Dushman played an important role in developing the habit of reading among Indian children. It was not just a superhero story; many lessons of science, logic, and morality were hidden within it. Dhruv’s line that “crime never wins” leaves a deep and positive impression on young and impressionable minds.
Review
If looked at carefully, Dushman also shows some shortcomings, such as the frequent escape of the Clown from prison, which may seem a little unbelievable. However, in the world of comics, believing in the suspension of disbelief is necessary.
The biggest strength of this comic is its excellent pacing. The story never feels loose at any point. After every 5–6 pages, a new threat is presented to the plot. A character like Ghighga symbolizes physical strength, while the Clown represents sharp intellect and mental deviousness. Maintaining Dhruv’s balance between these two extremes makes the story even more engaging.
Conclusion
Raj Comics’ Dushman is a true classic. It evokes memories of a time when the smell of comics and the excitement of turning their pages meant everything. The pairing of Anupam Sinha and Jolie Sinha turns this special issue into a truly memorable experience.
This comic teaches us that real strength lies not only in physical power but also in intelligence and the ability to make the right decisions at the right time. At the same time, it beautifully presents complex relationships such as friendship, enmity, and the secrecy of identity. If you are a Dhruv fan, Dushman deserves a place in your collection. And if you are a new reader, this comic can serve as an excellent entry point into the world of Dhruv.
Final rating: 4.5/5 ⭐
