Reviewing this special comics ‘Time Machine’ by Fighter Toads is like reminiscing about the old days. It is not just a story, but a bridge between science, fantasy, and mythology. It takes the reader to the time of dinosaurs in one moment and makes him stand on the battlefield of the Mahabharata in the next moment.
This priceless offering of Raj Comics left a deep impression on the minds of the readers of that time, which can be felt even today.
Scientist Atram and his dangerous invention trapped in the web of time
The main character of the story is scientist Atram. He wants to overcome the limits of science and conquer time. Atram is very interesting; the more intelligent he is, the more careful he is about his cleanliness and safety. His banter with his assistant Baby Doll adds a burst of laughter to the story.
Atram’s lab is where future inventions are being made, but it is also where a dangerous conspiracy is flourishing. Atram’s brother Shatram, who is the main villain of this story, is jealous of his brother’s success and can do anything to eliminate him.
Using Shatram’s ‘virus’ and trying to thwart Atram’s experiments through computers was a very new and modern idea in the nineties. This shows how aware the writers of Raj Comics were about future technology and its dangers even at that time.
Gutter keepers and unknown time travel
Fighter Toads—Cutter, Shuler, Master, and Computer—who live in the gutters of Rajnagar are the real heroes of the story.
Their entry occurs when toxic chemicals released from Atram’s laboratory get mixed in the gutter water. The characters Toads seem to be inspired by the then-famous ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’, but their desi style, conversation, and rapport make them completely Indian.
When the Toads reach Atram’s laboratory, a funny misunderstanding begins there, which leads them inside the time machine. Due to Shatram’s conspiracy and Atram’s haste, Cutter and Shuler reach a time from where it seems difficult to return.
From here, the story gets divided into two different timelines, and the curiosity of the readers reaches its peak.
The world of primitive humans and the encounter of Cutter with dinosaurs
Cutter’s journey takes him to ‘Adikal’, where giant creatures and dangerous dinosaurs live. Science got him here, but he has to resort to his primitive instincts and his sword to survive.
Here, Cutter encounters a large Tyrannosaurus. The scenes are so vibrant that you can feel the glitter of Cutter’s sword and the roar of the dinosaur.
Cutter not only saves his life but becomes a hero for the tribal clan. The tribals considering him as ‘Mahabali’ shows that the language of courage and strength is the same in all times and eras.
But the difficulties do not end. Shatram’s digital virus is still following him and tries to drive a wedge between the clan and Cutter.
Mahabharata period and Shuler’s glory in archery
The second part of the story takes Shuler to the Mahabharata period. This is the most exciting and different part of the comics.
Shuler encounters the Pandavas, who are preparing for Draupadi’s swayamvara. Shuler, himself a mutant, accepts the challenge of piercing the fish’s eye in the swayamvara instead of Arjuna.
The presence of a mutant toad alongside Bhima, Arjuna, and Duryodhana of the Mahabharata is shocking for the readers. Shuler uses his special arrows to strike the target accurately and stands at par with the great archers of that time.
This part is not just full of action but also includes human emotions and mythological limitations. Shuler’s fitting into the Mahabharata period shows that bravery knows no bounds, no matter what time or place it is.
The magic of Dilip Choubey’s art and story
The major credit for the success of this comics goes to artist Dilip Choubey. His lines are so vivid that the story seems to be coming alive from the pages.
He has beautifully shown the technical details of the time machine, the mesh of the machines, and the visual changes during the time journey. The royal decorations of the Mahabharata period and the strong physiques of the Pandavas come alive in his illustrations.
He has also closely shown the texture of the ancient forests and dinosaurs’ skin. The choice of colors is also in accordance with the atmosphere of the story; the laboratory has cool blue and gray tones, while the battle and swayamvara scenes have bright yellow and red colors.
Dilip Choubey’s work is still an inspiration for new artists.
The dark shadow of Shatram and the growing fear of the virus Timbak-Tu
The life of any comics is its villain, and Shatram is a villain who has been blinded by hatred and jealousy.
His main weapon, ‘Virus Timbak-Tu’, is not just a computer program. It is a parasite that can cause havoc across any limit of time and space.
Shatram tries to put mental pressure on his brother and confuse him. This makes him a dangerous and cunning villain. He pulls the strings behind the scenes and traps the Toads in difficult situations, where even their physical strength does not work.
The virus appearing in different forms and stopping the heroes’ plans maintains constant tension in the story. This virus symbolizes the misuse of modern technology and shows that science can destroy any time or era if it falls into the wrong hands.
Memories of the nineties and the golden period of comics culture
While reading ‘Time Machine’, the reader automatically goes back to a time when waiting for new comics issues was like a festival.
Raj Comics had given international-level stories to Indian children at that time. This series of Fighter Toads was not just entertainment but also gave wings to children’s imagination.
Such a combination of science, history, and mythology still seems rare. Exchanging comics with friends at comic shops at that time was part of that culture. Today’s generation may not fully understand this experience.
These comics remind us that stories were not just seen on screens but were felt through pages, and their fragrance reached our hearts.
Conclusion: An incomplete but unforgettable great battle
Raj Comics’ ‘Time Machine’ is a journey that begins with a simple science experiment but ends at a point where the future looks dark. Cutter and Shuler are trapped in different time periods, and Virus Timbak-Tu is celebrating its victory.
This comics teaches that no matter how advanced technology becomes, ultimately human values, courage, and friendship are the strengths that can overcome the greatest crisis. The teamwork of Fighter Toads and their refusal to give up is the soul of this story.
If you still want to relive the old adventures and see how our desi heroes challenged the boundaries of time, re-reading ‘Time Machine’ will be a great experience. This story is just the beginning of ‘Toads Action’, and the impact of its next episodes can still be felt within you today.
