The nineties were the golden era of Indian comics. Among big publishers like Raj Comics and Diamond Comics, several others were also making their mark in readers’ hearts with unique stories and characters. One of them was Manoj Comics, which primarily focused on horror, fantasy, and social-crime stories. “Aankh Se Dripka Khoon” is one such brilliant offering from Manoj Comics, where crime, supernatural powers, and the fire of revenge come together. Written by Najra Khan and created by Kadam Studio (Vijay Kadam, Atmaram Pund), this comic spreads fear through its very name and takes readers into a world where the sword of justice is wielded by divine powers.
Plot and Screenplay: A Confluence of Fear and Faith
The story begins with a thrilling and tense scene. An airplane has been hijacked by terrorists demanding twenty crore rupees from the government and another plane to escape. Chaos spreads in government offices as the lives of three hundred passengers hang in the balance. At first, the story feels like a typical crime thriller, but then it suddenly takes a supernatural turn.
The terrorist leader suddenly collapses in pain, his body melting away into a skeleton. One by one, the rest of the terrorists also die in horrifying ways. This shocking sequence gives goosebumps to both readers and the passengers onboard.
The incident spreads like wildfire in the city. People call it a miracle, as though God himself has descended to punish the sinners. But this is only the beginning. Soon, dacoits looting banks and terrorists attempting to blow up trains are also killed by the same mysterious force. Each time, a strange, powerful figure appears, punishes the guilty, and vanishes. This immediately hooks readers, raising the burning question: who is behind it, and why?
The real twist comes when the news of these events reaches an evil tantric named Guruji. A master of black magic and blinded by greed, Guruji quickly realizes that some great supernatural power is at work. Using his mystical abilities, he discovers that all of this is happening because of three spirits – Wolf, Ashoka, and Vikas. He captures them and imprisons them within his spells. Now, the story shifts from merely punishing criminals to a direct clash between good and evil.
Guruji wants to dominate the world by harnessing the power of these souls. This is when the heroine, Shefali, enters. Shefali is a witch, but no ordinary one – she is blessed with divine powers. Her husband, Inspector Ashok, was murdered by criminals, and now Shefali has vowed to redeem the souls of her husband and his companions.
From this point, the story explodes with action, fantasy, and adventure. Shefali and her allies, armed with divine strength, step into Guruji’s dangerous, illusory world. His monstrous army consists of vampires, demons, and bizarre creatures. The narrative carries readers from snowy mountains to mysterious dimensions. Battle after battle unfolds – monster attacks on airplanes, illusory traps, and massive clashes of power – creating an epic spectacle.
The climax is a final battle between Guruji and Shefali. It is not merely a duel between two individuals but between two ideologies: one using power for protection and justice, and the other for greed and destruction. In the end, good triumphs, but not without immense struggle.
Characters: Simple Yet Effective
Like many Manoj Comics titles, the characters here are not overly complex. They are clearly divided into good and evil.
- Shefali – The heroine of the story. A brave and powerful woman, her mission goes beyond avenging her husband’s death – she seeks to save the world from evils like Guruji. Her dual identity – a seemingly ordinary sorceress on one side and a mistress of divine power on the other – makes her fascinating.
- Guruji – A dangerous tantric villain. His appearance, dialogues, and cruelty make him unforgettable. Consumed by greed and ambition, he will go to any extent for power.
- Ashoka, Wolf, and Vikas – Three spirits who initially appear as mysterious saviors but later become prisoners of Guruji. Their brotherhood and devotion to justice give them strong emotional weight.
- A.K. – Guruji’s right-hand man and a major figure in the criminal underworld. He serves as a bridge between Guruji and worldly crimes.
- Supporting characters – Such as Shefali’s allies and Guruji’s demonic servants – enhance the story’s fantasy atmosphere.
Art and Illustration: The Magic of the Nineties
The art of Kadam Studio is the soul of this comic. It perfectly reflects the style of classic Indian comics of that era. The lines are sharp, and the action scenes burst with power. The monsters and vampires are terrifying and creatively designed.
The use of colors is also remarkable – bright tones bring energy and fantasy to life, while darker shades create an aura of mystery and fear.
A standout feature is the graphic violence. The very title “Blood Dripped from the Eye” is chilling, and the artwork delivers on it. Death scenes – terrorists’ bodies melting into skeletons, smoke rising from corpses, or fountains of blood erupting – are vividly illustrated. Though modern readers may find it extreme, this raw horror was the defining trait of that era’s comics.
Dialogue and Language
Najra Khan’s dialogues are direct and dramatic. Lines like “Dead bastards!”, “Your death has come!”, “Now no one can save you!” echo the cinema and pulp novels of that period. The language is simple and accessible, making it easy for readers of all ages to follow.
Conclusion: Why is “Aankh Se Dripka Khoon” Special?
This comic is not just horror-fantasy but also a mirror of its time. It addresses the grave issue of terrorism but overlays it with tantra-mantra and divine intervention. It reflects the idea that when human laws fail, some greater power rises to deliver justice.
Its greatest strengths are its fast-paced story, powerful action, and unforgettable villains. Once you start reading, it’s nearly impossible to put down. A strong female protagonist like Shefali makes it even more special.
Yes, the characters are somewhat simple, and the story leans entirely on supernatural elements, but its purpose isn’t realism – it’s entertainment. And in that, the comic succeeds completely.
Overall, “Aankh Se Dripka Khoon” is a remarkable creation from Manoj Comics. A must-read for fans of vintage Indian comics, it transports readers back to an era when comics were the ultimate entertainment and imagination knew no limits. Even today, it feels just as thrilling and enjoyable as it did back then.
