There are some stories in the history of Raj Comics which start becoming more important with time. ‘Bloodshed’ is also one of those stories. The story begins with the magnificent and happy atmosphere of Vikas Nagar, which has been compared to Indra’s Amravati. There is peace and prosperity all around, and people are feeling safe under the protection of their hero Bhokal.
But as is often the case in big stories, this peace was not going to last long. Actually, this was the silence before a terrible storm. The name of this comic ‘Bloodshed’ itself creates curiosity and some fear in the mind of the reader. Many questions arise in the mind—Is this the story of an attack by an external enemy? Is there any demon going to attack Vikas Nagar?
The real mystery was even deeper, because the danger was not going to arise from outside but from inside Vikas Nagar itself. This is what makes the story even more mysterious and exciting.
When loyal pets became enemies of life: An innocent child and the terror of that ‘bloody cat’!
The first major twist of the story comes when ordinary everyday life suddenly starts to seem like a nightmare. In a typical house, where a cat was simply considered a mischievous creature that steals milk, the same cat suddenly becomes a dangerous hunter. Instead of stealing milk, she makes an innocent child her victim and runs away with him in her jaws.
The scene shakes the reader to the core. The events that begin to happen after this create even more fear. Cows, which till now used to give milk to people, suddenly start injuring people with their horns. The dogs, who guarded the houses, start attacking their owners and scratching their flesh.
This situation creates a strange and scary atmosphere. It can truly be called domestic horror (Domestic Horror), where the very animals that are closest to humans suddenly become the greatest threats. When Bhokal takes to the field to solve this problem, he feels a little helpless for the first time. The reason is that he does not want to kill these voiceless animals, but it is also very important to stop them.
Human or demon? Meet ‘Pashupati’—on whose body the heads of seven ferocious animals reside!
The specialty of Sanjay Gupta’s writing style is that he creates villains who are not only scary, but also have strong thinking behind them. When Bhokal reaches the dense forests of the west, he encounters a very strange and scary enemy—’Pashupati’.
The way Kadam Studios has portrayed the character is really hair-raising. His body is very large and powerful, and around his head are the heads of seven different animals like elephant, lion, bull, and wolf. The scene itself is so unique and scary that the reader is immediately impressed by the character.
Pashupati calls himself the messiah of animals. This form of his is not just meant to scare people, but he comes out as a symbol of all the animals that humans have domesticated or used for their service for centuries. With his entry, the level of the story rises above that of ordinary superhero comics and becomes like a deep and slightly dark fantasy.
Are animals really slaves of humans? That sharp ‘brain-war’ between Bhokal and Pashupati!
The most powerful part of this comic is the conversation that takes place between Bhokal and Pashupati. It is not just a battle between two enemies, but it can truly be called a brain-war (Ideological War).
Pashupati’s words are very sharp and thought-provoking. He says to Bhokal—
“You humans have been using these innocent animals for centuries. You milked cows, whipped horses and made them carry you, and finally killed them and ate them.”
Pashupati instigates animals to ‘bloodshed’ so that they can take back their freedom from humans. On the other hand, Bhokal answers on behalf of humans. He says that there is not only a relationship of use between humans and animals, but also a relationship of love and companionship, where humans provide them food and protection.
While reading this debate, the reader himself starts wondering whether the relationship between humans and animals is really as simple and true as we believe? Or is there some truth hidden somewhere in Pashupati’s words as well? This part does not allow this comic to be just an action story, but makes it a deep-thinking story.
Taurus-Shakti vs Mahabali: The historic contest that set the pages of the comic on fire.
When conversation and efforts to explain do not work, the story moves straight towards war. Pashupati transforms the animal spirits into terrifying warriors by giving them bodies with his elusive powers. The contest between ‘Taurus-Shakti’ (bull power) and Bhokal becomes the real high point of this comic.
Bhokal uses his magic shield ‘Prahar’, which normally stops every attack. But the situation is different here. The power of Taurus-Shakti is so tremendous that it neutralizes even this shield of Bhokal.
Ultimately, Bhokal has to adopt his true and most dangerous form. As his sword ‘Bhokal’ comes out of its sheath, it looks as if lightning has struck the pages of the comic. The way Bhokal catches the huge horns of Taurus-Shakti and gives it fierce competition with an old and huge tree, that scene is still fresh in the minds of readers.
After this, his fight with Gaj-Shakti (elephant) is equally tremendous and dangerous. Here the name of the comic ‘Bloodshed’ proves to be completely correct, because in this war there is no room left for mercy or leniency. There is only an atmosphere of strength, conflict and bloodshed everywhere.
Sword ‘Bhokal’s’ glitter and the magic of Kadam Studio: the vibrant adventure seen on every page!
This discussion cannot be complete without talking about the magnificent artwork of Kadam Studio in this review. Raj Comics of the 90’s used to have a special visual identity of their own, and it is clearly visible in this comic.
Be it the intricate depiction of the seven different heads of Pashupati or the stampede in the streets of Vikas Nagar, a kind of movement and liveliness is felt in every frame. It seems as if the pictures are not static, but there is something constantly happening in them.
The use of colors is also very effective. Especially the golden wings of Bhokal and the blue color of Pashupati’s body create a spectacular contrast, which makes every page more attractive.
The use of action lines (Action Lines) in fight scenes is so great that it feels as if an action movie is playing while reading. The energy emanating from the sword, the anger on the faces of the animals and the expressions of violence, all these aspects have been put on paper by the studio with great beauty and strength.
90’s comics, which raised the issue of ‘animal rights’ first.
In today’s time, we often talk about animal rights and environment protection. But the surprising thing is that many decades ago these serious issues were put before children and readers through a comic.
‘Bloodshed’ makes us understand that power does not just mean suppressing others. Real strength lies in responsibility and balance.
Bhokal faces a difficult situation. He also wants to save the animals he is fond of, but at the same time he has to protect the humans whose protection is his responsibility. This conflict makes this story deeper.
The story gives the message that if man tampers with nature too much, one day it will only result in ‘bloodshed’. So this comic not only entertains, but also gives a social warning.
The end or the knock of a new catastrophe? That last warning of Pashupati which scares the fans even today!
The ending of the story is quite mysterious and exciting. Even though Bhokal defeats Pashupati’s illusory powers, he himself is unable to defeat Pashupati completely.
Pashupati suddenly disappears, becoming invisible, but his voice keeps echoing in the air. His last warning—
“I’ll come again… and no power in the universe will be able to stop the bloodshed that will be caused at that time.”
This dialogue leaves a strange fear and mystery in the mind of the reader.
When Bhokal returns to Vikas Nagar with a herd of calmed elephants, the joy of victory is not visible on his face. A worry clearly appears in his eyes—worry about the future.
This ending also reminds us that evil does not end completely. It keeps regrouping its strength by hiding somewhere and resurfaces when the time is right.
Final decision :
‘Bloodshed(Raktpaat)’ is not just the story of a simple battle between a superhero and a villain. It is also a complex story of morality, rights, and the relationship between humans and nature.
Sanjay Gupta’s strong and tightly written plot, and Kadam Studio’s stunning drawings, both combine to add it to Raj Comics’ memorable creations.
If you want to read comics that thrill you, give you goosebumps and also make you think, then you must read ‘Bloodshed’.
