Raj Comics has always reigned supreme in the world of Indian comics. Especially the 90s, which is considered its golden era. During this time, many heroes emerged who left a lasting impression on readers’ hearts. Among iconic characters like Nagraj, Super Commando Dhruv, Parmanu, and Bhediya, there was also a hero who lurked in the shadows, taking the law into his own hands and delivering justice in the streets of Mumbai. He was not a conventional superhero, but an anti-hero. Criminals trembled at the mere mention of his name – Doga.
“Blood Threat (Khoon Ka Khatra)” is a special issue in Doga’s comics series, and it is not just about action and violence. It carries a strong flavor of mystery, depth, and psychological thriller. Written by the trio – Bharat, Tarun Kumar Wahi, and Vivek Mohan – and brought to life by artist Manu’s powerful and distinct artwork, this comic is more than just a story. It is also a sharp commentary on society of that era, the evolving mindset of crime, and the double standards of justice.
Story: When the Shadow of Terror Looms Over Tradition
The story begins with a tense atmosphere inside Mumbai Police Headquarters. For the last five years, a mysterious serial killer has spread fear and panic across the city. His method (modus operandi) is chilling: every year, on the night of Karva Chauth, he brutally murders a married woman. The method is always the same – her throat slit with a sharp weapon. Five years, five murders, and the police still stand empty-handed. Neither has the killer been caught, nor has his motive been understood. It all remains an unsolved puzzle.
Now, with Karva Chauth approaching again, the pressure on the police to crack the case is immense. Due to its seriousness and sensitivity, the case is handed over to Inspector Tejaswini Talwar, a fearless and capable officer.
As news spreads, it also reaches the man who delivers justice not by law but in his own brutal style – Doga. The public has complete faith in Doga, and he knows this trust must never be broken. Determined, he takes it upon himself to end this “Karva Chauth Killer’s” reign of terror.
But it’s not just the police and Doga chasing this killer. Two more powerful characters enter the game, each with their own motives.
Black Widow (Kaali Vidhwa)
A mysterious woman who despises men and sees herself as a vigilante. She believes that when a criminal targets women, only a woman has the right to punish him—not a man. This ideology pulls her into the case. Her aim is clear: to catch the killer before the police or Doga and deliver her own version of justice.
Kaal Paheliya
Perhaps the most surprising and unique character in the story, Kaal Paheliya is not a hero but a dangerous criminal. His identity lies in his deadly and complex riddles, which he uses to commit crimes. Because of this, the underworld knows him as “Khooni Paheliyan” (Bloody Riddles).
An interesting triangular clash unfolds right at the start: Doga steals the police file, only to be confronted by Black Widow (Kaali Vidhwa) who tries to snatch it from him. While they fight, Inspector Tejaswini demonstrates her sharp wit by calmly revealing she has multiple copies of the file. The real battle, therefore, is not only about catching the killer but also about proving whose methods and ideology are superior.
Doga soon realizes this case is like finding a needle in a haystack. The killer appears only once a year, with no clear pattern. To solve this, he knows he needs someone who masters puzzles and riddles. That’s when Kaal Paheliya enters.
After initial clashes and misunderstandings, Doga and Kaal Paheliya—two men of completely opposite mindsets—reluctantly join forces. They re-examine old case files and investigate the murders in their own distinct ways. Unlike others, Kaal Paheliya doesn’t just rely on evidence; he enters the killer’s psyche, trying to predict his next move. Slowly, together they uncover patterns that even modern police technology had overlooked.
As Karva Chauth night draws near, fear spreads across the city. Police swarm every street corner. Doga and his loyal companion Kobi are in the final phase of their investigation, while Black Widow has already set a deadly trap.
The climax is filled with tension as the killer chooses his next victim. Finally, his real face and motive are revealed—a shocking truth that shakes the readers. He is not a mindless monster but a human being whose painful past drove him onto this dark path.
Characterization: Sentinels of Justice, Vengeance, and the Law
The greatest strength of Blood Threat lies in its well-crafted and layered characters:
- Doga (Suraj):
Doga is at his absolute peak in this comic. He isn’t just a muscle-bound action hero but a thinker who understands the complexities of the case. He openly admits he needs help to solve the puzzle. His duality is also highlighted—Suraj, who craves a normal peaceful life, versus Doga, the masked avenger bound by duty to society. His dialogues radiate arrogance and fearlessness, like this one:
“It’s not easy to take a bone out of a dog’s mouth and a file out of Doga’s hand, dear Kali!” - Kaal Paheliya:
The surprise package and life of the story. He isn’t a conventional hero—he’s a criminal with a flair for deadly riddles. His unique look, rustic language, and strange attire (with a tilak on his forehead) make him instantly memorable. His disdain for modern espionage and police methods adds humor and grit. The pairing of Doga and Kaal Paheliya is remarkable: while Doga represents strength, technology, and urban terror, Kaal Paheliya embodies rural cunning, patience, and deep analysis. Without him, solving the mystery would have been nearly impossible. - Black Widow (Kaali Vidhwa):
More than a “femme fatale,” she is a layered anti-heroine. Her tragic past fuels her hatred of men, giving her strength and conviction. She represents an extreme form of feminism that blurs the lines between justice and vengeance. Her presence forces readers to question—Is she right? Is her justice truly justice, or just blind hatred? - Inspector Tejaswini Talwar:
She breaks the stereotype of police officers in comics of that era. Sharp, fearless, and pragmatic, she knows vigilantes like Doga and Black Widow operate outside the law, yet she doesn’t back down from challenging them. She represents the true face of law and order, struggling to maintain relevance amidst masked crusaders. Her presence balances the narrative, proving that heroes exist both inside and outside the system.
Themes and Social Commentary
This comic is not just about solving a crime—it explores deeper issues:
- Law vs. Vigilantism:
A central theme in Doga’s stories. Does anyone have the right to take the law into their own hands, especially when the system fails? Here, three vigilantes—Doga, Kaal Paheliya, and Black Widow (Kaali Vidhwa)—bring unique philosophies to this debate, enriching the narrative. - Tradition and Crime:
Using Karva Chauth as the backdrop was bold. It shows how even sacred traditions can mask horrifying crimes. The killer’s twisted motive, tied to this festival, makes the story darker and more thought-provoking. - Psychological Crime:
Unlike most 90s comics focused on gang wars and underworld battles, Blood Threat dives into the psyche of a serial killer. Instead of just asking who did it, it dares to ask why. This elevates it into a more mature, gripping narrative for its time.
Conclusion: Why is Blood Threat (Khoon Ka Khatra) Special?
Blood Threat is nothing short of a milestone in Raj Comics history. Even today, it feels as fresh and impactful as when it was first released. Its strength lies not just in thrilling action but in its tightly woven story, unexpected twists, and unforgettable characters.
The unlikely pairing of Doga and Kaal Paheliya elevates it to new heights. More than a superhero adventure, it is a suspense-filled psychological thriller that keeps readers hooked till the very last page.
This comic proves that Indian comics can tell not only lighthearted tales but also profound, mature stories. It established Doga as a layered, thoughtful hero who rose above the stereotype of a simple vigilante.
If you want to relive the golden era of Indian comics—or read a crime story that makes you think—Blood Threat is an essential read. It’s not just a comic but a timeless piece of art that has stood strong against the test of time.
