In today’s era where superhero stories are often becoming serious and dark, the world of Indian comics in the 80s and 90s was completely different. Where the hero was as heroic, the villains were equally interesting and sometimes even comical. Tulsi Comics’ “Died Jambu” is an excellent example of this golden era. This comic, written by Ved Prakash Sharma and illustrated by Bharat Makwana, takes us on an adventure where action, drama, and comedy come together spectacularly.
The title itself creates suspense – “Died Jambu”. Has our hero, who is a friend of animals and the nemesis of enemies, really died? This question binds the reader to the story from the very first page. But as the story progresses, we realize that this is not just a straightforward revenge story, but also has flavors of friendship, enmity, betrayal, and plenty of humorous situations.
Story Synopsis: “One Pomegranate, Two Sick” Situation
The story begins with the meeting of Jambu’s two sworn enemies. On one side is Angara, known as the god of wild animals, whom Jambu had thoroughly beaten when he had kidnapped Jambu’s son Bunty. On the other side is Pataal’s mighty Tousi, a shape-shifting snake, whose island Jambu had also destroyed. Now, they shake hands, embodying the proverb “the enemy of my enemy is my friend”. Their sole objective is – to eliminate Jambu!
Up to this point, everything was fine, like a classic revenge story. But the story gets a twist and comedy flavor when Charlie makes his entry. Charlie is a dwarf, mechanical human who considers himself a great Turram Khan. His language and actions add a humorous touch to the story. Angara and Tousi try to include him in their team, but Charlie remains in his own groove. He challenges Tousi for his shape-shifting powers and asks him to prove his abilities by turning into a bird. This scene is quite entertaining, where a dwarf mechanical human forces a powerful shape-shifting snake of Pataal to demonstrate his strength.
The three set out together to find Jambu, but their mutual chemistry is no less than a comedy circus. They reach Jambu’s mysterious fortress, where they are welcomed not by a hero, but by the fortress’s own mechanical security system. Stairs throw them into acrobatics, and chairs give them electric shocks! Reading this, one can’t help but laugh. Such humiliation of villains is perhaps unseen in any other comics.
Meanwhile, Jambu is not unaware of his enemies’ plan. He is prepared with an army of his animal friends. In the story, Jatayu (a giant bird), a herd of elephants, and dangerous water creatures also come into action. The battle is fought not just on land, but in air and water as well. Angara and Tousi put in their full strength, but Jambu and his loyal companions overpower them.
The story’s climax is very interesting and hilarious. When Angara and Tousi think they are close to defeating Jambu, Charlie makes a move that no one expected. He shakes hands with Jambu! His reasoning is straightforward and simple – “If you two together can’t defeat him, why should I waste my time?” This climax not only surprises but also makes one laugh uncontrollably. In the end, Jambu teaches his enemies a lesson and proves that defeating him is not child’s play.
Character Portrayal: Villains More Entertaining Than Heroes
The biggest highlight of this comic is its characters.
Jambu: Jambu is a classic hero. He is powerful, just, and loves animals immensely. His strength lies not just in his body, but also in the unity of his friends. He is an ideal hero, but in this story, the villains steal the limelight.
Angara and Tausi: They start as villains, but by the end of the story, they become comedy characters. Their interaction, their childish plans to defeat Jambu, and their continuous embarrassment make the readers laugh a lot. The more they try to look dangerous, the more comical they appear. Their alliance reminds one of Jay and Veeru from “Sholay”, with the only difference being that these two are villains and their friendship is also self-serving.
Charlie: Charlie is the real show-stopper of this comic. He is a dwarf, but his attitude is no less than that of an emperor. His dialogue delivery and confidence are worth watching. He is afraid of no one, be it Tausi, the king of the underworld, or Jambu himself. His character brings freshness and humor to the story. He proves that size doesn’t matter, but brains and the art of changing sides at the right time do matter! His character seems like an old and entertaining version of today’s “anti-hero” concept.
Art and Dialogues: The Fragrance of Desi Style
Bharat Makwana’s artwork gives the comic a classic look. The expressions on the characters’ faces are very clear, especially when the villains are troubled or surprised. He has also beautifully depicted the action scenes. The use of colors is done according to the mood of the story, which further enhances the reading experience.
Ved Prakash Sharma’s dialogues are the soul of this comic. The language is very simple and conversational, making it accessible to readers of all ages. The dialogues have a special kind of desi humor, which is rarely seen in today’s comics. The banter and dialogues between characters prevent the story from becoming boring. For example, when Charlie says to Tausi, “Okay, you will prove to be very useful for me on Earth,” it shows how highly he thinks of himself.
Conclusion: Why Read “Jamboo Died”?
“Jamboo Died” is not just a comic, but like a time machine that takes us back to our golden childhood days. It is a must-read for those who want to enjoy both action and comedy. This comic teaches us that stories can be entertaining without being serious.
If you are bored with the dark and complex world of today’s superheroes and want to read something light, fun, and action-packed, then “Jamboo Died” is the perfect choice for you. It will make you laugh, entertain you, and perhaps remind you of those days of your childhood when reading comics was an important part of our lives. So what are you waiting for? Pick up this comic and get lost in the unique world of Jamboo, Angara, Tausi, and the fun Charlie. Believe me, you won’t be disappointed, and by the end of the story, you too will say – “Wow! What a comic!”
