“Shaitan Ka Avtar(Satan’s Incarnation)” is a memorable entry in Inspector Steele’s comic series. This comic is not only the story of a superhero, but also delves into the intense themes of science, morality, and betrayal.
This review is based on Inspector Steel Comic (No. 1019, price ₹8.00) published by Raj Pocket Books, with story by Hanif Azhar and illustrations by Nareshkumar. “Satan’s Incarnation” is such an exciting narrative that depicts the misuse of science and a supercop’s steely dedication to justice. The opening scene of the story itself is so heinous and shocking that the reader immediately gets attached to this science fiction thriller.
The initial horror of the story and the birth of mystery
The story begins with the gruesome murder of scientist Professor Kumble. He was in his house when hundreds of man-eating eagles as small as flies entered his room through the keyhole and scratched his flesh in the blink of an eye, leaving only his skeleton remaining. The professor’s screams alert Supercop Inspector Steele of Rajnagar Police. Inspector Steel, who is Furg’s machine, immediately reaches the spot and ‘captures’ the small eagles who committed this inhuman act. In the initial investigation it becomes clear that this murder has been committed due to his important invention and that these eagles have been trained by someone.
The mystery of the “zipper gun” and the betrayal of the ally
To get to the bottom of the crime, Inspector Steel goes to Professor Kumble’s laboratory, where he meets his colleague Professor Harsh and other scientists. Here he learns that Professor Kumble’s invention is the ‘Zipper Gun’. This gun can reduce the density of any object to make it as small as a fly. Using this gun he shrank the ordinary eagles. Meanwhile, Inspector Steele meets Golu, a tea boy. Golu tells in his simple words that Professor Kumble and two of his colleagues, Professor Harsh and Puri, often discussed some experiment which they wanted to use for the betterment of the country. Inspector Steele’s logical investigation and Golu’s knowledge make it clear that Professor Harsh and Puri are the incarnations of Shashatan, who murdered Professor Kumble for their greed and planned to misuse his invention.
Analysis of modified characters
Inspector Steel: Inspector Steel is a symbol of justice and duty. He is a machine whose only goal is to cut crime. His dialogue – “Don’t call the bike riding on a man, rather speak to the machine riding on the machine” – reflects his logical thinking and emotional emptiness, which makes him ideal for solving such complex and inhuman crimes.
Golu (Gollu): Golu, who initially demonstrates naivety and honesty by being a chaiwala boy and inadvertently appears to help Inspector Steele, turns out to be the real and biggest villain of the story. He misleads Inspector Steele and the police using his childlike, accessible image. The mastermind behind this character is the biggest turning point of the story. His real objective is to use Professor Kumble’s invention ‘Zipper Gun’ for his own selfishness, so that he can realize a dangerous dream like ‘The world is in my pocket’. His character shows that danger does not always come across clearly, but is often hidden in the most incredible place.
Creative and artistic evaluation
Writing style and concept: writer Hanif Azhar has created a very original and high-concept story through ‘Zipper Gun’. The flow of the story is steady and fast, which makes it a great thriller. This comic also emphasizes that science is a double-edged sword that can be used for both good and destruction.
Painting and presentation: Nareshkumar’s artwork perfectly shows the steely look and action scenes of Inspector Steele. The depiction of the attack of small eagles, where Professor Kumble turns into a skeleton, is extremely impressive and scary. Sunil Pandey’s color combination accurately reveals the mystery and action of the story, enriching the overall experience of the comic.
Modified Climax: Steely supercop, small and helpless
The climax of the story is sudden and shocking. When Inspector Steele comes close to catching the culprit, the revelation comes that Golu, who was thought to be an ordinary tea seller, is the mastermind of this entire conspiracy. Golu, using his cunning, attacks Inspector Steele with Professor Kumble’s ‘Zipper Gun’.
The steely-bodied Supercop Inspector Steele, whose power lies in his vastness and mechanical strength, is made as small as a fly by the rays of the Zipper Gun. This is the most horrifying scene in the comic. After being reduced to a smaller size, Golu (the real villain) brutally picks up the small and helpless Steele and ties him to a nearby rail track.
“Satan’s Incarnation” ends with this cliffhanger: a small, tethered Inspector Steele lying helpless on the rails, as a speeding train approaches him. Golu, now in his true satanic form, enjoys his victory. This haunting scene shocks readers, and forces them to read the next part, “The World in My Pocket”, where one will discover how Steele will survive his steely death.
