This review of the fifth and very exciting part of Raj Comics’ ‘Rajnagar Rakshak’ series, ‘Rajnagar Rankshetra’, sets out the steps towards the climax point of that Mahagatha. This issue is not limited to just fast-paced action, but also opens layers of the mystery that was buried under the ground of Rajnagar since the Second World War.
The sound of the great war
‘Rajnagar Rankshetra’ is not just a comic; it is the story of a war that breaks out between ideas, technology, and power. Previous issues—Rajnagar Rakshak, Hibernation, Rajnagar Reboot, and Rajnagar Reloaded—gradually build the tension and mystery, which this issue gives a new and decisive direction. Here, Rajnagar is no longer just a city, but becomes a battlefield where not just a few lives, but the future of entire humanity is at stake.
Plot and background (The Prologue: 1940s)
The story begins with a highly impressive flashback, taking us to British India during the Second World War.
British scientist Professor Hammond discovers a destructive power or weapon in the dense forests of Rajgarh (old Rajnagar), whose power panics him as soon as he realizes its potential. Hammond understands that if this power goes into the wrong hands, it can become a threat to all humanity. Due to this fear, he decides to bury that power deep in the ground.
Professor Hammond’s wife, Catherine, and son, Christopher, stay back after his death rather than returning to England. Catherine has a completely different perspective from her husband. She believes that if the technology and power discovered by Hammond are properly controlled, future generations of her family can rule not just this country, but the entire world. This prologue makes it clear that the seeds of the devastation Rajnagar is going through today were sown decades ago.
Current developments: two poles and the identity crisis
When the story returns to the present time in ‘Hiberzone’, i.e., old Rajnagar, the biggest shock before the readers is—two Super Commando Dhruvs!
Inspector Steel, with his cleverness, sets up an exact lookalike of Dhruv, a humanoid, in front of him. The motive is clear—confusing Dhruv, attacking his identity and confidence. This is where Dhruv’s real test takes place. He quickly understands that it is a carefully woven web of steel, through which he is being mentally tested and tried to break.
The dialogue between Dhruv and his lookalike explains the real meaning of ‘war’ and ‘battlefield’. This scene not only shows tremendous action, but also completely highlights Dhruv’s strategic thinking and mental strength.
Protoplasta (Protoplasta): The Rise of the Supervillain
The greatest strength of this issue is the complete unfolding of the secret of ‘Protoplast’.
The story tells us that long before what the world considers the first computer—ENIAC (1946)—Professor Hammond had created a dangerous system named ‘Protoplast’. It was not an ordinary machine, but an infallible weapon that could take control of both living and non-living things, along with its surrounding environment.
This same Protoplasta infiltrates Inspector Steel’s artificial intelligence. It takes advantage of Steel’s bipolar disorder and emotional instability to slowly turn him into a dictator. Steel, who was once the protector of law and order, has now started on the path of destroying humanity by becoming a pawn of Protoplasta.
Analysis of characters and internal duality
Inspector Steel (Immortal):
In this issue, the character of Steel takes a very sad and frightening form. He has clearly accepted that “Immortal is dead, now only Steel is left.” Emotions are weakness in his eyes, and being human is a flaw. When he returns weapons to criminals like Furness, Hammer, and Fursa again, allowing them to openly wreak havoc, it proves to be the complete end of his guarded form. Here, Steel has become not a keeper of law, but an instrument of destruction.
Super Commando Dhruv:
In this story, Dhruv plays not just a fighter, but a true ‘savior’. He is not only fighting machines and machine armies, but is also trying to save the ‘Immortal’ buried somewhere within Steel. Dhruv’s restraint, his patience, and his ideological conflict with Protoplasta give a different depth to the story. He believes that the fight is not only about winning, but also about saving humanity.
Natasha and the Black Cat:
These two female characters create a great balance in the story with their bravery and understanding. Penetrating into the hibernation zone through gutters and tunnels, and confronting dangerous rats there, clearly shows their courage. Both of them prove that not only strength, but also courage and understanding, are equally important in this war.
Salma Khan’s sacrifice:
Dr. Anees’ sister, Salma Khan, takes the most courageous step in the story. She removes the ‘power battery’ from Steel’s body without caring for her own life, rendering Steel inactive for a while. Even if this victory is not permanent, Salma’s sacrifice makes her stand out among the bravest and most memorable characters of the entire series.
Technical and philosophical conflicts
The comic shows Dhruv’s signature style of using ultrasonic whistles and getting a pack of dogs to attack machines. But there is also a deep question hidden behind it—can technology change the human soul?
Protoplasta argues that machines are better because they do not make mistakes. Dhruv believes that the real strength of a human being lies in his willpower and emotions, which keep him above machines. This collision actually becomes a fight between ‘materialism’ and ‘humanism’.
Writing and Drawing
Stuti Mishra’s writing appears to be at its peak in this issue. The clean way in which the past and present have been combined is praiseworthy. Especially, the story of the origin of Protoplasta becomes very exciting for science-fiction lovers.
Hemant Kumar’s portrayal gives a grand look to this story.
The view of the huge machine army of Steel and the lone robo standing before it on page number 11 leaves a deep impression.
The tension between Salma Khan and Steel on pages No. 37–38, and the battery-pulling action scene, are illustrated in an extremely effective way.
The ‘beast’ avatar of Protoplasta seems to be a unique blend of modern technology while being terrifying.
Action and adventure
The action scenes of this issue are not limited to just physical confrontation; there is also mental and emotional depth within them. The battle between Dhruv and the Dhruv Humanoid is a war where the hero has to fight skills and thinking similar to his own. On the other hand, the clash between the robo army and Steel shows the fierce collision of two massive machine forces. Furness and Hammer’s attack brings the old enmity in the story to a new and exciting turn, while the mental battle of brain mapping between Protoplasta and Dhruv becomes the turning point that decides the entire strategy ahead.
Pros:
The connection to World War II gives the story a strong historical foundation, making its backstory even more compelling. Protoplasta as a villain does not stand out as an ordinary antagonist, but as an ‘AI-machine’ and an entire ideology. Amar’s moral degradation and Dhruv and Salma’s concern for him make the story emotionally deeper. Finally, the advertisement of ‘Rajnagar Redeemer’ serves as a fantastic cliffhanger, leaving readers restless for the next issue.
Deficiencies:
Since the series is quite long, it may be a bit difficult for new readers to understand this issue directly.
The art feels buried in some places due to the abundance of dialogue in certain panels.
Conclusion: The end of an era and new beginnings
‘Rajnagar Rannakshetra’ is a very important chapter of one of the most ambitious comic series. This story gives a clear message that when science separates from morality, it brings only destruction. This issue proves that Super Commando Dhruv is not just a hero who performs tricks, but a protector of humanity who can challenge even god-like machines with his intelligence and thoughts.
This comic is important for every reader who loves seriousness, science, and powerful drama in superhero stories. Rajnagar is now taking its last breaths, and ‘battlefield’ makes it clear that the coming clash is now about to be a one-on-one confrontation.
Rating: 4.7 / 5
