‘Manoj Comics’ had made its mark in action and detective stories in the Indian comics industry. While other companies were emphasizing heroes with superpowers, Manoj Comics brought forward characters who taught criminals a lesson without any superpowers, on the basis of their intelligence and strength. ‘Kan’ (Kaan) is also a highly liked hero of the same line.
“Kaan Law” is not just a simple action story. In this, the social problems of that time, the greed of companies and the cruelty of the crime world are clearly visible. Its cover page itself is so powerful that any comic lover stops looking at it—Kan looks like a scoundrel tossing a scoundrel in the air, which clearly shows his style and his ‘Kaan Law’.
Plot (The Spot)
The story begins with the scary atmosphere of ‘dengue’ spread in the city of Suryanagar. Hospitals are overloaded, people are upset, and tension is spread everywhere. Meanwhile a company—‘Lloyd Pharmaceuticals’—comes out like a messiah. Its medicine is doing wonders in the treatment of dengue and the company is earning a lot of money. But writer Hanif Azhar has indicated in the beginning itself that there is definitely something wrong behind the progress of this company.
On the other hand, another problem is increasing in the city—kidnapping of college girls in broad daylight. Meanwhile enter the story ‘Aakash’ and ‘Chhavi’. Both love each other. Chhavi is the daughter of a brave journalist, who is continuously raising her voice against the increasing crime in the city.
The story takes a real turn when the kidnappers surround Aakash and Chhavi. Here it seems that perhaps Aakash is just a common college boy and will immediately give up. But the story turns around. It is revealed that Aakash is a trained fighter and he competes well with the kidnappers.
On the other hand, ‘Kan’ is looking at the notes of his old diary and he understands that dengue is spreading in the city and girls are continuously disappearing, that these two things are not different. A big and dangerous plan is going on behind them.
The thrill is heightened when Aakash and Chhavi are imprisoned in a warehouse. Here Aakash uses his brain to render the kidnappers unconscious with a ‘blow-pipe’ (fukni). Kan, on the other hand, finally reaches the villain’s hideout by adding one clue after another.
It is finally revealed that Lloyd Pharmaceuticals is the real culprit. These same people deliberately spread dengue so that their medicines could be sold more. And this same gang was also kidnapping girls. At last, Kan and Aakash together destroy this entire gang.
Character analysis
Kaan:
In this comic, Kan is not only a fighting hero, but also a sharp-minded spy. The flashback shown on page 16 further strengthens his character. In childhood, he receives the “Master of the Year” award from the Prime Minister. This shows that the talent of Kan is not just there—behind it is his hard work, his training and the teachings of his father ‘Balwant Thakkar’.
Kaan has a calm but extremely dangerous nature. He shows no mercy at all for criminals. And this title also means “Kaan Law”—where the government law delays, the Kaan Law immediately gives its verdict.
Aakash:
The biggest surprise of this story is Aakash. At the beginning he seems to be a simple, lost boy in his love, but as the story progresses, his ‘action form’ comes to the fore. He looks no less than a superhero. The way he shoots poisonous or sedating arrows from the pipe makes him quite different from the rest of the characters. He is not just a companion of Kan, but appears to be standing like another hero throughout the story—i.e. a Parallel Hero.
Chhavi:
Chhavi’s character is exactly like heroines from 90’s comics—beautiful, a little nervous, but standing with her love when the time comes. However, in the story, she is mostly in the role of a ‘damsel in distress’, i.e. a girl in trouble, the responsibility of saving whom lies on both Aakash and Kan.
Villains (Lloyd Pharma and the Hooligans):
The real villain of this story is not just a single man, but a big corporate company, which makes the story feel even more real and like today. ‘Iron’ named punk, who has direct collision with Kan, is a symbol of complete physical strength. The villains here are not just criminals with scary faces, but white-collar people who are poisoning the society from within.
Writing and dialogue
Hanif Azhar’s writing is fast, tight and moves forward without wasting any time. The story does not come loose anywhere. Something new keeps happening on every page. Even in dialogues there is fun like in the films of that era.
“Crime and law keep chasing each other…” — lines like these give a special and slightly heavier feel to the beginning of the story.
The author has strongly taunted the health services becoming a business. “…due to which people were getting health benefits and the company was getting profits worth lakhs of rupees,” this thing fits perfectly even today.
“Kaan Law” is the perfect title. It clearly shows that Kaan does not trust the slow process of the courts—he pronounces the verdict on the spot.
Drawing and art
Naresh Kumar’s drawing perfectly sums up the style identified by Manoj Comics.
Action Sequence: The fight scenes in the comic are very fast and powerful. The use of speed (motion) is superb especially in the entry of Kan on pages 13 and 14 and in his fight. Bouncing in the air, kicking and falling enemies—everything seems quite lively.
Anatomy (Anatomy): Heroes’ muscular bodies and villains’ facial expressions are well worked out. The yellow jacket and visor of Kan make his entire look more stylish.
Color combination: The comic’s use of colors is quite bright and attention-grabbing for 90’s technology. Solid colors have been used in many backgrounds, due to which there is more focus on action.
Paneling: Panels move from one to another in a very smooth manner to show the story. Flashbacks are not made in a different style, but because of the narration box everything is easily understood.
Thematic analysis
Corporate greed versus public interest:
This comic raises a very serious point, turning even illness into business. Dengue spread by Lloyd Pharmaceuticals points to how ethics are put on hold to make profits.
Youth power:
Through Aakash, the author shows that superheroes (Kan) are not always necessary to fight evil. If a common youth dares, he too can fight the mistakes of the system and make a difference.
Self-defence:
The part related to Kan’s childhood suggests that martial arts should be learned not just for fighting, but also to protect oneself and help others. This is an essential skill, especially in today’s times.
Critical Approach
Positive side:
Fast pace: The story moves so fast that the reader does not get a chance to think, and this is the real strength of a thriller.
Suspense: Bringing out Aakash’s true identity and his abilities slowly maintains the thrill in the story.
Action: This comic is completely full of action. Martial arts, gun fights, bangs—it is no less than a feast for those who like action.
Downside:
Lack of logic: In some places the story seems like the film world. Like, Aakash aiming so precisely with just one pipe that he can defeat even enemies armed with machine guns—it seems a little incredible.
Violence: The amount of violence in the comic is a little high. The fighting and bloodshed are shown in a very graphic manner, which some readers find excessive.
Role of Police: As always, the police (Inspector Alpin) finally arrives when the hero has already finished everything. This formula has been repeated in many stories.
“Kaan Law” is a fantastic example of 90’s Indian comics. This was the time when stories gave more importance to fun, entertainment and hero bravery than logic. Hanif Azhar’s story and Naresh Kumar’s art together create an experience that keeps the reader engaged till the end.
If you have been reading Manoj Comics before, then this story will take you to the world of old memories. And if you are a new reader, it introduces you to the “Angry Young Man” style superhero of that era—who did justice even while being outside the system and did not delay in creating fear.
Overall, it is a “must read” comic, especially for those who want to enjoy old Indian action comics. It has everything that a spicy blockbuster should have—hero, villain, plot, fight and win.
Rating: 4/5
(This review is written in the spirit of saving and promoting Hindi comics. Reading digital comics has its fun, but the old pages of paper and their scent were a different thing.)
