Crookbond: When spying starts to look like jelly!
Modern Spy Crookbond – A Hilarious Journey of Manoj Comics) If you’ve ever thought of a spy being a mix of James Bond and the small kid from your neighborhood, then Manoj Comics’ ‘Modern Spy Crookbond’ is made from that very formula. This isn’t some serious thriller where the hero searches for evidence; instead, the hero himself is the evidence… of how a person can accidentally become a hero!
As soon as you hear the name ‘Crookbond’, if you start pondering, let me tell you that this is the desi, and I mean truly desi, humorous version of ‘James Bond’. And what’s its real name? Anokhelal! Now if the name itself has such a twist, how can the person be ordinary?
Crookbond alias Anokhelal
This gentleman is the hero of the story, or at least he believes so. He thinks he is like the younger brother of James Bond and has turned his home into a ‘spy research center.’ But according to his parents, he is just a ‘domestic museum’ where there are fewer plots and more headaches to deal with.
His talent in school is such that he has failed four times in the tenth grade and is awaiting the results of his fifth attempt. However, he is so enthusiastic about spying that he has fitted an ‘automated punch’ in the cupboard – which doesn’t catch the thief, but definitely hits his dad.
Dhamaka Singh – The troubled father
Crookbond’s father, Dhamakasinh, is a constable in the police, but because of his son’s actions, he himself reaches a ‘most wanted’ mental state. His dream is for his son to become a big officer, but the son is only focused on becoming a ‘Bond.’
As for studies, his belief is only in Hanumanji – he has made a vow that if his son passes, he will offer a thousand penance and a donation of one and a quarter rupees. But when the results come out, all the ‘curse’ falls back on him!
Mujhawati – Super Mom
Mothers are always made to save their sons, and my mother is fully fit for this role. She thinks that no matter how mischievous a son may be, he is still her son. She too made a vow – to distribute one and a quarter maunds of laddus.
Overall, both mom and dad are caught up in their own ways in the son’s tension – dad picks up a stick in anger, while mom hides the son in the kitchen to protect him.
The story of the ruined exam and the made hero.
The story begins with Dhamakasingh’s wishes. The postman mistakenly delivers the nearby result, and sweets and celebrations begin at home. Dad is hitting with a stick, and Mom is offering laddus – everything turns into laughter when the real result comes, and Crookbond flunks again.
Now, when the ‘volcano’ of anger erupts in Dad’s mind, he goes straight after his son with a stick! The son runs into his ‘spy hideout,’ and as soon as Dad opens the cupboard – BAM! That is, he gets hit in the face with the cupboard!
Chaos in the sea
To avoid anger, mom sends her son to Uncle Noorpur’s house. But this gentleman wants to go straight by ship, saying – “There’s nothing like a sea adventure!” Now, three days later, a reporter falls into the sea from the ship, and Crookbond jumps in to save him… even though he can’t swim.
He slips himself, and then the waves lift him onto a shark’s back. They find a rope, and both are saved. Now everyone thinks Crookbond is a hero! While in reality, Crookbond was relying entirely on the waves.
‘Ten-eyed’ super agent and banana peel
When they are going to uncle’s house, a robber is about to shoot Seth Dharmdas. And just then, the Crookbond slips on a banana peel – falls directly onto Seth, and the bullet goes through from above!
Now the robber thinks that Crookbond has intentionally caught him, and Seth babu considers him an angel! Crookbond also says – ‘I have ten eyes!’ meaning I can see in all directions! Now, the one who has become the hero has slipped too!
Punch of Laughter: Fun at Every Turn
Dhamakasinh was punched to the ground from the wardrobe, and his waist’s ‘Kayumar’ flew away! Because of my son, I have to fill out hospital forms every morning instead of doing yoga.
The scenes where Crookbond climbs onto a shark’s back and saves the merchant from a banana peel – all these are classic comic punches that make children laugh and remind adults of old memories. The sheer desi essence in the dialogues brings the real fun. Dhamakasinh’s lines like – “Oh Hanuman Baba, please pass this rascal” and “It seems my waist’s Kayumar is gone today” resonate directly in the mind. Crookbond’s innocent punch – “The one I copied from failed, so how can I pass?” adds an endearing touch to the comic.
Sometimes fate also makes a hero.
The funniest thing about the comic is that Crookbond does not perform any ‘heroic’ acts intentionally – everything is coincidental. Whether it’s the waves’ favor or the banana’s trick – it’s all a game of fate.This is the hidden message of this comic – it’s not necessary to have super skills to be a hero; sometimes, luck brings a person into the limelight.
The character of Crookbond is relatable to all of us. No superpowers, no supertech – just a simple boy who dreams of becoming something and accidentally ends up becoming it!
Style and tone: Enjoyment in simplicity
The language and illustration of this comic are so straightforward and sensible that anyone, be it a child, elderly person, or comic lover, can connect with it. No heavy words, no long speeches – just every page, every dialogue directly on the line of laughter.The colors, expressions, and artwork are completely local and vibrant – Dhamakasinh’s anger, Mujbavati’s concern, and Crookbond’s ‘innocence’ – all come out beautifully.
Final page: Why should you read this comic?
‘Modern Detective Crookbond’ is not just a comic; it reminds us of the laughter we used to have over meaningless conversations in our childhood.
It shows that the purpose of comics isn’t just to thrill; sometimes it can also offer the taste of humor like chutney with tea. Crookbond is not a hero, yet he is – because his mistakes, his foolishness, and his innocent lies remind us of ourselves.
If you ever feel tired of reading stories of ‘serious detectives’, then you must read this ‘humorous detective’ – believe me, you will feel like falling down laughing while reading… just like Crookbond!
