This review is based on ‘Bhasmakant’ (Bhasmakant), a very powerful and thrill-filled comic from the series “Toofan” (Toofan), published by Manoj Comics (Manoj Comics). In the 90s, Manoj Comics showed Indian readers a combination of science, action, and courage that seemed quite new and different at the time through a character like ‘Toofan’. “Bhasmakant” carries on this tradition. This comic is not limited to just fast-paced action, but it also presents the story of a villain who has an emotional background and makes the reader think.
Prelude: Combining Fire and Terror
The comic begins with a very scary and tense scene. A tall building is engulfed in smoke and flames, and the fire is so intense that it is not going out. People standing outside, firefighters, and rescue teams are all worried because they do not understand why this fire does not seem ordinary. Amidst this chaos, fear arises in the minds of the people that perhaps their favorite hero, ‘Toofan’, might not have survived after getting trapped in this fire. But Toofan is not a hero who gives up so easily. His tremendous entry creates a shiver in the hearts of the readers and increases their curiosity about the story even more.
Summary of the Story: The Burning Flame of Vengeance
As the story progresses, Toofan’s battle between life and death unfolds. He is buried under the rubble of the burning building, with fire and smoke all around. Here, the real spirit of Toofan is visible—his ‘survival instinct’, that is, the desire to survive under any circumstances. With his strength and an iron pipe lying nearby, he removes the heavy debris, breaks the glass, and somehow manages to get out.
After this, the main villain, ‘Bhasmakant’, enters the story. Bhasmakant is not an ordinary criminal. Terrible flames come out of his hands, and mayhem follows wherever he goes. Panic spreads throughout the city, and his purpose is clear—pure destruction. The first collision between Toofan and Bhasmakant proves to be extremely dangerous. In this encounter, Toofan soon realizes that Bhasmakant’s fire is much more powerful than the rays emanating from his belt. During the fight, Toofan barely saves his life, but his clothes get burned in the fire, and he is forced to seek the help of Professor Bhaskar.
The most emotional and effective part of the story is the flashback of Bhasmakant. Here, it is revealed that Bhasmakant was not actually a monster, but once a human—scientist Dr. Ramananda Reddy. He was researching a chemical fire that cannot be extinguished even with water. Unfortunately, he gets badly burned in a laboratory accident. But the biggest shock comes when his partner, ‘Gupta’, leaves him to die in the fire instead of saving him. The fire badly disfigures his face, but the same fire also gives his body a terrifying power—fire-spewing ability. From here, Dr. Ramananda Reddy transforms and is reborn as ‘Bhasmakant’. Now, he wants to avenge the deception and injustice done to him, not just against one person, but by burning the entire city.
The climax of the story is seen at the opening ceremony of the National Fire Museum. This is a symbolic place where things related to fire are being celebrated, and there, Bhasmakant arrives to cause devastation. Toofan chases after him, using his superbike, missiles, and sharp intelligence. Finally, the story reaches a gunpowder warehouse, where Bhasmakant’s own terrible fire becomes the cause of his destruction. In this way, the story ends with a tremendous and memorable conclusion that remains in the minds of the readers for a long time.
Character Analysis
Storm (Toofan):
In this comic, Toofan is not shown as a superhero who is invincible in every situation. Here, he appears as a more intelligent and thoughtful strategist. When he sees that the water is not extinguishing the fire, he does not panic or give up. Rather, he tries to understand the science behind the fire and what its chemical composition could be. This thinking, along with his bravery and scientific attitude, makes him different from other superheroes, and his character becomes even stronger.
Bhasmakant (Bhasmakant – The Tragic Villain):
Bhasmakant is one of the most memorable and powerful villains of Manoj Comics. He is not evil just because the story needs a villain; rather, he is a victim of circumstances and deception. His face is burned in the fire, and similarly, his soul is also burning in the fire of revenge. Readers are afraid of what he has done, but they also feel some sympathy for him after knowing his past. This is what makes his character much deeper than that of an ordinary villain.
Professor Bhaskar:
Professor Bhaskar plays the role of Toofan’s guide. His character forms the basis of science and logic in the story. Whenever Toofan gets into trouble, Professor Bhaskar’s understanding and knowledge help give the right direction to the story.
Drawing and Art
The artwork by Dilip Kadam and Basavaraj Wakde is the biggest strength of this comic. Despite the printing technology of the 90s, the impressive depiction of the flames, the fear-inducing face of Bhasmakant, and the action scenes of Toofan’s superbike look extremely spectacular. Especially, the use of colors attracts attention. The dark yellow and orange tones used for the fire create a distinct warmth and tension on the pages. Sound words like ‘Dhadak’, ‘Dhoom’, and ‘Badam’ in the action scenes make the comic feel more alive.
Writing and Screenplay
Nazra Khan’s script is tight and precise. The story does not wander unnecessarily. On one hand, there is the ongoing conflict, while on the other hand, the villain’s past is shown through flashbacks, which clearly explains his intentions. The dialogues are short but effective. Bhasmakant’s line, “Today will not be the inauguration of this museum; it will be the inauguration of your death,” presents his anger and madness very well.
Scientific Approach
The special thing about Manoj Comics has always been that along with entertainment, it also taught small scientific concepts to children and readers. Words like ‘sodium nitrate’ and ‘chemical fire’ have been used in this comic, which clearly shows that the author had done research for the story. It is shown that chemical fires cannot be extinguished with water, which must have been a new and quite interesting fact for readers of that time.
Emotional Depth
“Bhasmakant” is not just a superhero victory story, but also the story of a human being whose inner monster is awakened by circumstances. Ramananda Reddy was a good man, but circumstances and the deception of his own friend turned him into Bhasmakant. The ending of the story is also ironic in itself. Bhasmakant is killed in the same powder keg that his own fire ignited.
Conclusion: A Timeless Creation
“Bhasmakant” is a representative and memorable comic from the golden age of Manoj Comics. It reminds us that action alone is not enough to create a good comic; a strong villain and a solid story are equally important. The character of Toofan seems equally inspiring and relevant even today.
Main Points of the Review:
The positive side is that the villain’s origin story is very strong, the action is tremendous, and the scientific basis of the story gives it a distinct identity.
The downside is that in some places the story moves a little too fast, and some emotional scenes could have been given more expansion.
