Super Commando Dhruv in Raj Comics, the world of Indian comics, emerged as a hero who carved a special place in readers’ hearts—not through supernatural powers, but through his intelligence, scientific knowledge, physical skills, and indomitable willpower. The main attraction of Dhruv’s stories has always been his ability to solve complex puzzles and his strategies to trap criminals in their own traps. “Quiz Master” is a wonderful story that carries forward this tradition. Written by Jolly Sinha and illustrated by veteran Indian comics artist Anupam Sinha, this comic is considered one of the finest adventures of Super Commando Dhruv. It is not just an action-packed entertaining story but also a psychological portrayal of the dichotomy between intelligence and ego.
Plot: When the City Became a Puzzle
The story begins with a bitter truth of today’s society—the blind race for money, respect, and fame. In this race, some become criminals, some turn into corrupt leaders, and some… into a Quiz Master!
At the center of the story is the kidnapping of two famous personalities of Rajnagar—Brian D’Souza, the popular host of the TV show “Quiz Hour”, and its director K. Mahendra. This was not the act of an ordinary scoundrel, but of a man who calls himself Grand Quiz Master Tito.
Tito’s backstory is no less dramatic. He was once a quiz master during the radio era. But with the rise of technology and the race for TRPs, he was thrown out like a fly from milk. The humiliation and anonymity filled him with such rage that he faked his own death and started preparing for a comeback. His motive was not just ransom, but to prove that he was the real quiz master—and no one could stand against his intellect.
And this is where our hero—Super Commando Dhruv—enters.
Tito gives his first puzzle to the police and Dhruv:
“The twenty-first house of a baboon where pearls are found.”
The police officers run around linking the riddle with places like Moti Nagar and Moti Bagh. But Dhruv shows his different way of thinking: “langur = monkey = bandar (port)” and “moti = pearl.” In this way, he directly reaches the old warehouse at Pearl Harbor. This is where Dhruv’s real strength—logical and creative thinking—shines.
Inside the warehouse, he finds Tito’s first murderous puzzle: a deadly game where hostages are about to be crushed by a toy train. Dhruv saves them with his quick wit and agility, but overconfident Tito escapes, warning Dhruv—“The game has just started.”
Tito then takes the game to a larger, more public stage. He hacks into Rajnagar’s biggest electronic billboard and displays a huge crossword puzzle on it. He also announces that whoever solves it will receive a reward of one million. But the real objective is not the reward—it is to create chaos and a massive traffic jam in the city, so he can carry out his real plan.
Dhruv, along with his commando team members Renu and Karim, begins solving the puzzle. After deciphering the clues, they realize that Tito’s actual target is Rajnagar’s Central Bank. His plan is to rob the bank during the traffic chaos and escape through the old sewer system.
The climax of the story shifts to the caves of Kali Pahari—Tito’s base, packed with deadly traps, puzzles, and a powerful electromagnetic cage. Here, Dhruv has to battle with both his mind and spirit. Using his scientific knowledge and gadgets (star-blades, ropes, etc.), he overcomes every trap. He even exposes Tito’s hologram trick.
Finally, the high-voltage boat chase scene takes place. Tito tries to escape, but once again Dhruv outsmarts him.
The story ends with a powerful message—Tito’s defeat is not just the downfall of a criminal, but the downfall of his ego.
Characterization: Mind Versus Vanity
Super Commando Dhruv
Dhruv is in top form in this comic. His greatest strength lies not in his muscles, but in his mind. He analyzes every situation with a calm head and uncovers the logic behind every puzzle. His solution of the Pearl Harbor riddle is the most brilliant example of this. Dhruv’s personality remains calm and composed, always thinking one step ahead. Though he is physically powerful, he relies on strength only when intellect doesn’t suffice. His character reminds us that real weapons are the mind and logic—not brute power.
Quiz Master (Tito)
Tito is one of the most memorable villains of Raj Comics. He is not a bloodthirsty killer, but a talented yet frustrated man who feels wronged by the world. His aim is to take revenge and prove to everyone that he is the greatest quiz master. For Dhruv, he becomes the perfect nemesis—challenging him not physically but mentally.
But Tito’s biggest weakness is his ego. He repeatedly underestimates Dhruv and ends up trapped in his own overconfidence. His character shows that when talent and intelligence are fueled by pride and revenge, a person becomes their own worst enemy.
Art and Illustration: The Magic of Anupam Sinha
Anupam Sinha’s art breathes life into this comic. His illustrations make the story leap off the pages. The action scenes—Dhruv’s acrobatics, his fight sequences, and the chase scenes—are so dynamic and energetic that they feel like a movie playing out on the screen.
Dhruv’s look is iconic—yellow-blue costume, star-belt, and unshakable confidence on his face. On the other hand, Quiz Master Tito’s appearance perfectly suits his character—oversized glasses, eccentric clothing, and a vicious smile that reflects his arrogant nature.
The panel editing and layout are also brilliant. To maintain the story’s pace, the balance of small and large panels works perfectly. Close-ups highlight Dhruv’s deep thinking, while wide panels capture the explosive energy of action sequences.
As for colors and lettering, Sunil Pandey’s work is outstanding. His vibrant color schemes and neat calligraphy capture the nostalgic charm of the 90s Raj Comics Golden Era.
Themes and Messages: The Deeper Meaning
On the surface, “Quiz Master” may look like a simple superhero vs. supervillain story, but beneath it lie many deep themes:
- Victory of Wisdom – This is the central message. Dhruv wins every time through intelligence and logic, showing that knowledge always surpasses brute strength.
- The Fall of Ego – Tito’s downfall highlights the dangers of unchecked pride. His insistence on proving his superiority drags him into crime and eventually destroys him.
- Adapting to Change – Tito’s frustration stemmed from his inability to adapt. When the radio era ended and TV took over, instead of accepting change, he grew bitter.
- The Hunger for Fame – At the very start, the comic reflects on humanity’s endless desire for fame. Tito becomes a criminal not only from fear of losing it but also from his desperate attempt to reclaim it.
Conclusion: An Evergreen Classic
“Quiz Master” is a complete, thrilling, and timeless Super Commando Dhruv comic. Even today, it feels just as fresh, fun, and exciting as it did when first published. Its greatest strength is Jolly Sinha’s tight and engaging script, which balances mystery, thrill, and action beautifully. He created a villain who truly became a mental challenge for Dhruv.
Alongside this, Anupam Sinha’s vivid artwork elevated the comic into a visual masterpiece. Together, they delivered a story that embodies everything that makes Dhruv the most beloved and unique hero of Indian comics.
This comic is not just for children but for readers of all ages who appreciate clever, well-written stories. If you haven’t read it yet, you’ve missed a precious gem of Raj Comics. This is one puzzle that every comics fan must solve at least once.
