The nineties were a period in the history of Indian comics that gave a new flight to our imaginations. At that time, while Nagraj’s snake powers and Super Commando Dhruv’s sharp mental abilities were in vogue, ‘Parmanu’ created its own identity with the brilliant combination of science and modern technology. Inspector Vinay, who secretly eliminated criminals while wearing atomic attire, was not just a superhero, but also a symbol of the scientific progress of modern India. ‘Automatic’ is a story from this series that makes readers feel extremely thrilled while reading it. This story takes us back to a time when the battle between technology and the human mind was at its most dangerous point. While reading this comic, it is clearly felt that Raj Comics was creating stories on such topics that seem equally relevant in today’s digital and AI era.
Automatic: A creepy villain who made technology his slave
The real strength of any big superhero is revealed by the villain standing in front of him. The character of ‘Automatic’ is the biggest strength of this comic. He is not an ordinary criminal who just wreaks havoc with bullets or bombs, but the master of machines who operates them according to his own instructions. At a signal from his fingers, even the biggest machines in the world start obeying his orders. His appearance is fear-inducing and metallic, which shows that if technology falls into the wrong hands, it can become the biggest threat to humanity. Automatic’s aim is not just to spread anarchy, but also to acquire Sriharikota’s ‘super power battery’, which can give him immense strength. Author Hanif Azhar has written this villain so deeply that readers become restless about his next step on every page. His hold over machines becomes the greatest challenge for a hero like Parmanu, as Parmanu’s own powers were also largely based on technical gadgets and probots.
Rocket devastation and death moving towards Delhi: That hair-raising mission
The story itself starts with a tremendous bang. Professor Arpan Chawla’s ambitious project S.L.V.-2000 (SLV-2000) suddenly becomes a suicide weapon. Without direction control, this rocket starts moving towards the densely populated city of Delhi. Here, the author has created tension in a very spectacular manner. On one hand, the scientists are completely helpless, while on the other hand, the people of Delhi are unaware of their approaching death. This is where Parmanu enters. The scene of Parmanu tying up that giant rocket with his nuclear ropes feels like an epic battle. He puts his full physical strength and the nuclear energy of his costume at stake.
This part becomes most exciting for readers when the nuclear rocket tries to break free from Earth’s gravity. Here, Dheeraj Verma’s artwork has brought life to this scene; the smoke coming out of the rocket, the tension in Parmanu’s muscles, and the silence of space all together create a cinematic experience that readers cannot forget for a long time.
When machines became the enemy of life: Professor Chawla and that horrifying scene of torture
Automatic’s cruelty comes to light when he harasses the hospitalized Professor Chawla. He does not directly cause him any physical injury, but by controlling the air conditioner in the room, he lowers the temperature so much that even the professor’s blood starts freezing. This scene shows that even a closed room can be turned into hell through technology. Here, Parmanu has to use not only his strength but also his intelligence. The suspense of the story reaches its peak when Automatic lifts the Professor’s car into the air with the help of a giant crane. Protecting himself from the crane’s heavy iron balls (wrecking balls) and then destroying the crane’s system proves that Parmanu does not just know how to fight, but also understands the mechanics of machines very well. This part also shows the brilliant synergy between Parmanu and the probot, where the probot emerges as Parmanu’s most trusted companion despite being an artificial intelligence (AI).
The Amazing Powers of Parmanu: An Unmatched Battle of Subtle Form and Indomitable Courage
The greatest strength of Parmanu lies in the atomic properties hidden within his costume. This comic presents a spectacular display of his power to ‘transmit’ and his ability to transform into a microscopic form. When Automatic places a ‘micro device’ on Parmanu’s belt and blows him towards space, his life is put at great risk. The scene where Parmanu breaks that metal device with his teeth shows his strong determination. This is a moment where technology loses and the human will to survive wins. He manages to control himself while floating just one foot above the ground, and this moment is enough to give readers goosebumps. Parmanu’s subtle crossing of security circles through electric wires and pipes is a splendid example of science fiction (Sci-Fi), which was nothing short of a miracle for the children of the nineties.
Sriharikota’s Final Battle: Parmanu’s Victory Between Laser Guns and Helicopters
The story ends at the science facility in Sriharikota, where the security system itself becomes the enemy. Automatic turns the security helicopters and laser guns against Parmanu. This fight becomes extremely difficult because Parmanu has to battle the machines of his own country, which he does not even want to destroy completely. He intelligently enters a helicopter and disrupts its system, causing the rest of the helicopters to stop functioning as well. In the final battle, when Parmanu finally reaches Automatic, he answers him in his own language. Breaking the control board on Automatic’s wrist feels like shattering his pride. Nuktu reminds him that the ‘crutches of power’ may support a criminal for some time, but in the end, only truth and humanity prevail. This climax is not just action-packed, but also delivers a strong message.
An In-Depth Analysis of Dheeraj Verma’s Brilliant Artwork and Powerful Script
The biggest credit for the success of this comic goes to the brilliant artwork of Dheeraj Verma. He gave Parmanu such a powerful and modern look that he could compete with any foreign superhero of that era. Every panel shows depth, and the facial expressions of the characters make the tension of the story feel vivid and real. The level of detail with which the machines have been illustrated is truly amazing. Also, Manish Gupta’s editing and Sanjay Gupta’s presentation made it feel like a true ‘Collector’s Edition’. The dialogues are short but highly effective, which prevents the pace of the story from slowing down. The script of ‘Automatic’ also pays attention to the finer details of science, making it not just a children’s story but an excellent techno-thriller. From rocket science to electronic circuits, the use of scientific concepts makes the story feel more realistic and believable.
Conclusion: Why Is ‘Automatic’ Still Counted Among the Best Stories in Indian Comics?
At the end of this review, it would not be wrong to say that ‘Automatic’ is one of the most memorable stories from Raj Comics. It reminds us of the innocent adventure and excitement that used to be a special part of our childhood. A hero like Parmanu teaches us that strength should always be used for protection and goodness. This comic also works as a lesson for today’s readers, helping them understand the relationship between technology and morality. The defeat of villains like Automatic proves that no matter how advanced machines become, they can never replace the thinking and emotions of the human mind. If you want to relive the nostalgia of the nineties and enjoy a brilliant action science-fiction story, rereading Parmanu’s ‘Automatic’ will be a wonderful experience. It is a timeless legacy of the Indian comics world that deserves to reach future generations.
