Can you imagine that the auditorium of a school, where the laughter of children should have echoed, suddenly turns into the silence of death? What will happen when the country’s greatest scientist stands before everyone as ‘walking gunpowder’? And the biggest question—when hundreds of bullets simultaneously pierce a hero’s body, can he rise again?
This comic from Manoj Comics’ ‘Toofan‘ series, “Chalta Phirta Barood”, is such a dangerous combination of suspense and action that it can compete with even today’s thriller films. The story by Nazra Khan and the magnificent artwork of Dilip Kadam have made this issue memorable.
That Black Mask of Conspiracy
The story begins with the cruelty of a film villain. Famous scientist Professor Sahni and his wife are brutally murdered. The killer is none other than Simon, a henchman of the international terrorist organization ‘HUNTERS’. Simon impersonates Professor Sahni by wearing a magic mask.
Story twists that will make you turn the pages:
• Fake Professor Sahni arrives at ‘Holy Child School’ and goes on stage to reveal his true identity. He shows the bombs tied to his chest and says— “I am no longer a scientist, but walking gunpowder!”
• The terrorists demand 30 crores and a high-speed plane. The entire police department and Commissioner Rana are helpless, as the lives of 120 children are at stake.
• This is where ‘Toofan’, the protector of humanity, enters! But will Toofan be able to deal with these ‘human bombs’ without harming any innocent person?
Action and Suspense: When Toofan Confronts Death
The most exciting part of the comic comes when Toofan breaks through the school roof via a window. The action sequence there is very powerful.
• Death Game: There’s a moment when the terrorists fire bullets into Toofan’s chest. The children start crying, and the police are shocked. But Toofan’s courage is something else. He returns from the jaws of death and defeats the terrorists.
• Motorcycle Stunts: Toofan’s special bike is the life of this story. The scene where he chains the bomb and sends it into the sky by breaking through the ceiling gives goosebumps.
Terror of the Villain: Doctor Balloon and Emperor Dimosa
The main villain in this story is Doctor Balloon, known for his cunning and technical brilliance. He not only creates terror at the school but also targets the hockey match taking place at ‘Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium’. The pairing of Doctor Balloon and Emperor Dimosa clearly indicates that Toofan’s troubles are not over yet.
Artwork and Presentation: The Magic of Dilip Kadam
Manoj Comics’ identity was its ‘Raw and Dark’ artwork.
• Masking Scene: The way Simon reveals his face after removing Professor Sahni’s mask looks very realistic.
• Explosion Scenes: Bomb blasts and plumes of smoke are shown very effectively through the use of colors.
• Sound Effects: Words like ‘Bhadak’, ‘Dhadak’, and ‘Khvyak’ still remind us of those old days.
Do You Remember That ‘Free Gift’?
The craze for the ‘Magic Playing Cards’ and ‘Geometry Box’ that came with Manoj Comics in the 90s was something special. Whenever we saw the advertisements for ‘Trikaldev’ and ‘Hawaldar Bahadur’ alongside “Chalta Phirta Barood”, our hearts filled with joy.
A Strong Question for You:
If there were a Toofan in today’s world, how would he deal with modern drones and cyberattacks? Would his courage outweigh today’s technology? Be sure to write your opinion in the comments!
Final Conclusion: Why Read This Comic? (Verdict)
Features:
- Fast-paced story: The story never slows down from beginning to end.
- Emotional Connect: A hero putting everything at stake to save the lives of children.
- Unique Villain: The concept of a ‘human bomb’ was very bold for that period.
Last Word: “Chalta Phirta Barood” is one of the best stories of Toofan. It teaches us that no matter how powerful the enemy is, if the courage is like Toofan, then truth ultimately wins. If you are fond of classic comics, then this issue must be in your collection.
