This story of Crookband and Great Dokra is not just a comic, but a wonderful glimpse of the creativity of that period. The biggest feature of this special issue is its hero ‘Crookband’, who was famous for his long nose, different style of coat, and wit. Inspired by James Bond, this desi detective not only dodged criminals but also made readers laugh along with his partner ‘Modu’.
Through this review, we will delve deeper into a memorable creation that presented a scary but interesting picture of the future, crossing the boundaries of science and imagination.
Professor Dumka’s unique time car breaking the boundaries of time
The story begins in the laboratory of Professor Dumka, who, with his unique talent, creates a ‘time car’ that can travel through time. Ansar Akhtar’s writing here presents the elements of science fiction in a very easy and interesting way.
Crookband and Modu, who are always looking for new adventures, decide to be a part of this experiment. The opening pages of the comics show well the enthusiasm that arises in any curious mind at the time of a new invention. The character of Professor Dumka is reminiscent of the classic ‘Mad Scientist’ of that era, who is completely immersed in his own tune. The design of the time car was also kept quite modern and attractive for that time, which left a flying car-like effect in the imagination of children.
This car was not just a vehicle, but a bridge between the past and the future, sitting in which our hero was about to set out on a journey where danger existed at every step.
Dhamaka Singh’s roar and family turmoil in Crookband
A major feature of Crookband’s stories has been his family background. The character of his father ‘Dhamaka Singh’ presents a brilliant combination of humor and discipline in the story. When Crookband and Modu secretly try to enter the house through the window in the dark of night, Dhamaka Singh’s sudden appearance and heavy scolding remind readers of their childhood.
The angry look of Dhamaka Singh, holding a stick and wearing a vest, has been portrayed by Dilip Kadam so closely that his anger is felt out of the pages. This family atmosphere makes Crookband different from other superheroes, because here the hero has to deal not only with external enemies but also with the strict rules of the house. This domestic drama gives a human touch to the story and shows the protagonist as grounded.
The creepy future of the year 2200 and the illusion of invisible vehicles
The story’s atmosphere changes completely as the Time Car jumps in time and Crookband and Modu arrive in the year 2200. The artwork and imagination here are really commendable.
In the future Rajnagar, tall buildings, transparent vehicles flying in the air, and the silence on the roads create a strange fear and curiosity. The author has imagined such a future in which technology has progressed so much that human emotions have been left behind.
When Crookband shows his 20th-century car to the children there, they mock him as scrap. This scene shows the difference between generations and the vanity of technological development in a very simple way. This depiction of the future makes us think about whether greater development will take us away from our roots. The atmosphere here is mysterious, and a new challenge awaits the heroes at every turn.
The elusive game of holograms and the fast food of the future
Crookband and Modu get their first big shock in the future world from the advertisement of ‘Wild Show’. They get nervous seeing a huge orangutan coming towards them, but later it is revealed that it was just an ‘electronic hologram’. This technology may seem common today, but showing it in the comics of that era was a very new idea. Similarly, the scene of a future restaurant, where only colorful pills are given in the name of food, serves as both a satire and a warning.
Modu’s face becomes extremely funny when he realizes that instead of real chicken, he just has to eat a flavored pill. The way Dilip Kadam has shown Modu’s expressions and his disappointment makes his art special.
It’s these little details that make this comic memorable.
Great Dokra’s impenetrable electronic protective shield and scene of devastation
The story reaches its peak when Crookband encounters the main villain of the issue, ‘Great Dokra’, and his dangerous partner ‘Tyson’.
Great Dokra is not an ordinary villain. He is the scary match of futuristic technology and barbaric strength. His huge body and the cruelty in his eyes make him even more dangerous. Dokra’s biggest strength is his ‘force field’, i.e., ‘electronic security shield’. Even the laser guns of the future cannot break this armor.
When the future police try to stop Dokra, he burns them to death within moments. This scene raises the question in readers’ minds as to how, without modern weapons, our spy of the 20th century will defeat this powerful enemy. The character of Dokra shows a dictator who wants to take over the entire world with the help of technology.
Crookband’s vicious mind outweighs modern science
When all modern weapons become useless, Crookband draws on his own wisdom and ‘desi logic’ of the 20th century. The climax of this comic becomes the most spectacular part of it. Crookband understands that Dokra’s protective shield is designed only to block ‘electronic energy’ and ‘laser rays’, but it does not work against ‘solid objects’. This is what makes the story special.
Crookband picks up a heavy stone or ashtray lying nearby and throws it at Dokra’s head with full force. That stone crosses the strong-looking armor and hits Dokra directly on the head.
The interesting argument of science that ‘a wall made of electrons cannot stop solid things’ gives a different intellectual depth to the story. This view also shows that no matter how far technology advances, the human mind and its understanding are always the greatest strengths. This move by the great detective Crookband makes him truly a real hero.
The magic of Dilip Kadam’s brush and the wonder of Ansar Akhtar’s writing
If painter Dilip Kadam and writer Ansar Akhtar are not talked about in this review, it will remain incomplete. Dilip Kadam gave such an identity to Crookband’s long face, his special nose, and Modu’s chubby body, which is still fresh in the minds of readers. The speed and energy reflected in the futuristic scenes, design of machines, and action scenes he created seem to be of the level of international comics of that period.
Whereas Ansar Akhtar has kept the dialogues simple and interesting. Be it the altercation between Crookband and Modu or the scolding of Dhamaka Singh, every dialogue takes the story forward.
He has also presented difficult ideas of science in simple language according to the understanding of children. This is the reason why the story seems interesting and also easy to understand. The pair of these two legends has made ‘Crookband and Great Dokra’ a memorable comic in the history of Manoj Comics.
A timeless creation that every comics lover should relive
In conclusion, ‘Crookband and Great Dokra’ is not just a comic but a brilliant combination of courage, understanding, and imagination. It takes us back to a period when waiting for every new comic felt like a festival. The future shown in this issue, the terror of the dangerous villain, and the wise victory of Crookband make it completely entertaining.
If you want to read something different from today’s modern graphics and superhero movies, re-reading this comic can be a pleasant experience. This comic reminds us that the real hero is not the one who has the greatest weapons, but the one who has the sharpest mind. The clash between this spy of Rajnagar and that dangerous enemy of the future seems as exciting even today as it used to be.
This comic should be in the collection of every person who loves Indian comics and its golden era wholeheartedly.
