In the world of Raj Comics, ‘Bhokal’ has the place of a great hero who comes from a fairyland and protects the people of the earth. His stories are always filled with mythical atmosphere, sorcery and dangerous monsters. The comic we are talking about today is “Dunkini”. This comic is part of Bhokal’s series in which he has to face extremely destructive and dangerous forces one after the other.
“Dankini” is not just the story of Bhokal’s bravery, but it is also the story of revenge and evil of three sisters — Kapalika, Kalankini and Dankini. This story clearly states that when power is used for wrongdoing, its end is certain, no matter how great that power is.
Dunkini’s Vengeance
The story begins with a flashback and a recitation of past events. Bhokal had already put an end to extremely powerful monsters like ‘kalkoot’ and ‘kalbhujang’. After this he also killed the demon named ‘Mrityujit’, who was considered immortal. These victories made Bhokal ‘Mahabali’ and a favorite of the gods.
But evil does not give up so quickly. ‘Kalank’, a city named Kalank, which was once a golden Lanka and which was burnt by Hanuman ji, has now become a den of demons. Here three sisters — Dankini, Kalankini and Kapalika — rule. They bathe on a new moon night with the blood of ‘virtuous souls’ to enhance their dark powers.
This time their target is not any common man, but Bhokal himself and his family. Dankini, who is famous for her poisonous stings, wants to avenge the death of her companions (Kalkoot, Kalbhujang, Mrityujit) from Bhokal.
The story takes a big turn when Dankini uses her illusion to impersonate Bhokal’s wife ‘Saloni’. Bhokal, who loves his wife very much, does not recognize this deception. Dankini takes him to a beautiful garden and suddenly attacks him.
But Bhokal is a real warrior. As Dankini shows her true form and stabs with her poisonous stings, Bhokal immediately recovers. There is a fierce and intense war between the two. Thousands of stings growing on Dankini’s body rain like arrows, but Bhokal faces them with the help of his shield and his sword ‘Prahar’.
Bhokal’s partner Atikrur also plays a very important role in this fight. Atikrur, who was at first an enemy of Bhokal but later becomes his friend, falls into Dankini’s trap. Dankini imprisons him in a cage. It’s not a simple cage — the stings in it are ready to pierce his skin.
Bhokal has to protect himself from Dankini’s unmatched attacks on one side, Atikrur on the other side, and on the third side he also has to fight two new monsters — ‘Trimunda’ (three-headed monster) and ‘Matsyaketu’ (fish-like monster) — who arrive to help Dankini.
The most exciting part of the story comes when Bhokal has to cross ‘Vish Sagar’ to reach Kalank city. Lord Hanuman himself comes here to help him. Hanuman ji gives him a special ‘Kada’, so that he can control Matsyaketu.
Eventually, after a grand and epic-like battle, in which the Divyastras and divine powers clash to the brim, Bhokal eliminates Dankini and her companions. He enters the city of Kalanka and frees the innocent people imprisoned there.
Character analysis
Mahabali Bhokal:
Bhokal’s character is shown to be very good and balanced in this comic. He is a loving husband who is extremely attached to his wife (Saloni), but also an understanding and ready-made warrior. When Dankini comes with the form of Saloni, Bhokal becomes blind in love for his wife — this shows his humanity. But as soon as he realizes the danger, he immediately turns into his true warrior form. His greatest strength is not just his sword ‘strike’ or shield, but his confidence, courage and loyalty to his friends.
Dankini (Villain):
Dankini is a very terrible and powerful villain. Her character is shown very brilliantly. She has stings (thorns) all over her body which she uses as a weapon. She is an expert in cheating and planning. Her change of appearance and emotionally implicating Bhokal clearly shows her cunning and cruelty. She not only gives physical challenge but also tests Bhokal’s mental strength.
Atikrur and Dhanusha:
Bhokal’s companions Atikrur and Dhanusha (archer) make this story stronger. The immense power of Atikrur and the precise art of archery in shooting arrows prove to be a great help to Bhokal. Atikrur getting trapped in a cage and still not giving up shows how stubborn, courageous and combative he is.
Trimunda and Matsyaketu:
These two supporting villains bring a different kind of thrill to the story. Trimunda is known for its dangerous physical strength, while Matsyaketu is extremely deadly in battles at sea. Bhokal crossing the ocean on Matsyaketu’s back is the comic’s most memorable and cinematic moment.
Illustration and art
The artwork of ‘Kadam Studio’ is the real life of this comic. Despite being a 90’s technique, the detail and hard work that the paintings show is worth a compliment.
Design of monsters: Dankini’s design is extremely unique and different. The thorns and green skin of her body give her a truly scary witch look. The designs of Trimunda and Matsyaketu are also extremely imaginative and attention-grabbing.
Action Scenes: When Bhokal and Dankini fight in the air, or when Bhokal fights Matsyaketu in the sea, the movement and speed in those scenes are shown very well. While reading the action scenes, it seems as if everything is going right before our eyes.
Color combination: The comic uses bright and dark colors, which suits the atmosphere of this fantasy comic perfectly. The use of yellow and red colors to show things like magical attacks, rain of arrows or explosions is very impressive.
Atmosphere: The depiction of Kalanka city, poison ocean and dense forests makes the mood of the story mysterious, dark and exciting. The background changes according to the story in every scene and further strengthens the grip of the comic.
Main topics and messages
End of deceit:
Dankini plans to kill Bhokal by deception and trickery, but is defeated in the end. This gives a clear message that victory through deceit and fraud does not last long.
Power of Friendship:
Bhokal could not win this war alone. With the help of Atikrur’s strength and archery, and on top of that, the guidance of Hanuman ji, victory was possible only together. This shows that when the team is together and trust is strong, even the biggest difficulties can be overcome.
Destruction of evil:
The real mantra of the story is the same old but strong message — truth always wins and the end of evil is decided. The city of Kalanka, which had become a place of sin, is finally freed and purified at the hands of Bhokal.
Mythological association:
Hanuman ji’s arrival in the story and the reference to Lanka (Kalanka) connect Indian readers with mythological sentiments. It makes us realize that our superheroes are not outsiders, but heroes of our own culture and heritage.
Critical Analysis
Positive side (Pros):
Exciting story: The pace of the story is very fast. Every page gives a new turn, so one does not feel bored while reading.
Variety: on the ground, in the sky and underwater — battles are shown in all three places, so that the action never seems dull or repetitive.
Suspense: Trapping Bhokal by Dankini becoming Saloni and then coming out in real form is a great twist of the story.
Downside (Cons):
Dialogue: In some places the dialogues seem very long and like sermons. Many times villains waste more time in telling their plans than attacking.
Argument: Bhokal falling for the changed Dankini in the form of Saloni so quickly seems a bit strange, because he is ‘Mahabali’ and despite having divine powers, he gets cheated so much.
Conclusion
“Dunkini” is a classic and memorable comic from Raj Comics. For fans of Bhokal it is exactly ‘Must Read’. Sanjay Gupta’s thrilling story and the excellent artwork of Kadam Studio together create a magical and action-packed world in which the reader gets completely lost.
This comic reminds us that Bhokal is not just a sword-wielding warrior, but a true hero following emotions, ideals and religion. He did not lose courage and patience even in the face of dangerous villains like Dankini, Kalankini and Kapalika, and emerged victorious like a hero who fought till the end.
If you want to feel the real fun of the golden age of Indian comics, then definitely read “Dunkini”. This comic won’t let you down.
Rating: 4 / 5
Last word: “Dankini” is another shining proof of Bhokal’s heroism. This comic tells that when the intentions are clear and there are true friends, even an ocean full of poison can be crossed.
