This issue of “Sikander” (Issue No. 1085) published by Manoj Comics is not just an action-thriller, but it also reminds readers of the stories of the 90s, where heroism, sacrifice, and unyielding loyalty to justice were most important. Arjun Pandit’s handwriting and Hussain Jamin’s brilliant portrayal have made it even more special. In this issue, we can see the story of the birth and struggle of the new hero ‘Sikander’.
Prelude: The Hero’s Entry
The story begins on ‘Death Street’, the most dangerous area of Rajnagar. At twelve o’clock at night, where even the police shy away from going, a mysterious young man enters on skates. This young man is none other than our hero ‘Sikander’. The front pages of the comics fill the reader with thrills when Sikander single-handedly takes on a large gang of motorcycle-riding goons. His fighting style is different—he uses his roller skates not just for moving around, but also as a weapon.
Summary of the Story: The Confluence of Past and Present
The story can be divided into two parts—Sikander’s current struggle and the painful past behind him becoming ‘Sikander’.
Current Conflict:
Sikander gets injured in the initial fight, but is saved by a small child named ‘Roni’. Roni takes him to her home, where her older sister ‘Mona’ lives. Sikander hides his true identity and takes shelter in their house. Here it is revealed that Mona and Roni are the targets of a dangerous mafia Don, who wants to grab the land of their ancestors and build a five-star hotel there.
Glimpses of the Past:
The story deepens when Sikander (real name Vikram) remembers his past. Vikram was in jail, where he met ‘Mike’. Mike was a noble person whom the same Don had trapped in a false drugs case and sent to jail because he had refused to sell his land. While escaping from jail, the police van meets with an accident, and Mike is shot by the police while escaping from the van. While dying, Mike makes Vikram promise that he will protect his younger siblings (Mona and Roni) and end the Don’s terror.
Climax:
Vikram reaches Mike’s house but hides his identity. Mona hates him, mistaking him for a criminal, while Sikander is actually protecting her and Roni. When the Don’s goons kidnap Mona, Sikander comes out in his true form. Finally, a fierce battle takes place where Sikander arrives at the Don’s hideout and kills him. The story ends with Sikander once again falling into oblivion, like a masked hero, so that he can continue his war against injustice.
Characterization
Vikram/Sikander: He is a hero who is a mixture of both an anti-hero and a vigilante. He has a serious personality and is always firm in keeping his promises. Turning skating into the art of war makes him different from the rest of the heroes. His mental conflict—on the one hand tolerating Mona’s hatred and on the other hand protecting her—creates sympathy for him in the reader’s mind.
Mike: Even though his screen time is short, he is the backbone of the whole story. His sacrifice inspires Vikram to become ‘Sikander’.
Mona and Ronnie: Both of them represent the innocent and weak people of society, who are under pressure from the powerful mafia. Ronnie’s character brings innocence and hope to the story, especially when he saves Sikandar’s life by making the sound of a police siren with his toy.
Don (Villain): He is greedy, cruel, and power-hungry like the villains of the 90s. His purpose is only to grab land, which was common in the films and comics of that period.
Art and Illustration
Hussain Jamin’s work is praiseworthy. The kind of effects used to give a sense of momentum in the action scenes are fantastic. Sikandar’s skating moves are shown in a very lively manner. The facial expressions of the characters, especially Vikram’s sadness in the prison scene and his anger during the fight, are very effective. The color scheme (Color Palette) is also lively, which is a special identity of Manoj Comics.
Dialogue and Writing
Arjun Pandit’s dialogues are agile and impressive. Dialogues such as “Death does not have to be chased, because it comes to the dying itself” add drama and seriousness to the story. The pace of the story is fast and does not slow down anywhere. Flashbacks are used at the right time, allowing the reader to easily understand the protagonist’s motives and feelings.
Theme and Social Context
‘Sikander’ is not just an action comic, but it is also a story of social justice and personal morality. It tells that when the system becomes corrupt and there is a nexus between the police and the mafia, the common man loses faith in the law and is forced to become a protector like ‘Sikander’ himself. The issue of the land mafia makes it more realistic. Mike and Vikram’s friendship and commitment give an emotional foundation to the story, which touches the hearts of Indian readers.
Review Findings
‘Sikander’ makes a special place among the vigilante heroes of Raj Comics. This is not just a fight, but also a journey of emotions. The protagonist’s skating concept was revolutionary in that period, giving him amazing speed in urban streets. Its backstory connects the reader with the character, and its raw and gritty action style makes it a great crime-thriller.
As for the shortcomings, the depth in the Don’s character is a little less, and the climax seems a little brief—perhaps the author’s focus was more on creating curiosity for ‘Sikander’s War’.
Last Word
If you want to get lost in the nostalgia of the 90s and are looking for a hero who fights not with superpowers but with his skills and passion, ‘Sikander’ is a must for you. Manoj Comics has presented him as a warrior who walks in the dark to clean the filth of society. This comic is as relevant today as it was before.
Finally, this story ends with a promise—“The battle of Sikander” has just begun. This leaves the reader curious about how Vikram will maintain his dual identity and how he will compete with the new ‘Don’.
