Indian comics of the nineties were not just about stories and characters – they were the hallmarks of our very own desi superheroes. While Western superheroes often relied on scientific experiments or some supernatural phenomenon to gain their strength, India created ‘Yoga’—a hero whose power came from our age-old heritage: from yoga and spirituality.
Today, we’ll discuss in detail the comic ‘Yoga’, published in Tulsi Comics Digest No. 457. This comic is not just a story—it is a cultural glimpse of that era, showing how Indian writers and artists created a completely new kind of hero by blending the concept of Western superheroes with Indian roots. The comic was written by the famous novelist Ved Prakash Sharma and illustrated by veteran artist Pratap Mullick. It narrates the story of the birth of Yoga and his first big feat.
Story: Eternal struggle between righteousness and unrighteousness
The story begins like a Hollywood thriller. A dense forest, a stormy night, and the ‘Yogiraj Yoga Training Center’ standing in the middle of it—the entire atmosphere is shrouded in mystery and fear. From the very first scene, the comic grips the reader.
Meanwhile, four mysterious figures—whose expressions and mannerisms clearly show they are hardened criminals—attack the center. Their real objective is to either kidnap or eliminate Yogiraj, the guru and director of the center.
Here, writer Ved Prakash Sharma works his magic. Instead of introducing the hero first, he strengthens the foundation of the story by giving entry to the villains. And these villains are no ordinary crooks.
- Their leader is King Don, a sharpshooter who never misses his target.
- Then comes Peter, a man so powerful that he can lift five hundred pounds as if it were a child’s toy.
- Toto, a martial arts expert, can snap a neck with a single blow.
- And finally, Bitta, a swordsman so lethal that he can slice a man into pieces in the blink of an eye.
Each villain is introduced with dramatic dialogues and a powerful entry style, immediately making the reader realize—these are not ordinary criminals, but a real threat.
When the four reach Yogiraj’s room, they are stunned by what they see. Yogiraj, an old yogi, is not lying on the ground but floating in the air in deep meditation. This scene shocks both the villains and the readers alike. It’s the first clear sign that the story involves supernatural powers far beyond ordinary human capabilities.
The criminals’ confidence begins to waver. Even with all his strength, Peter fails to move Yogiraj. All four together try, but to no avail. King Don, enraged, orders Toto to break Yogiraj’s neck. When that fails, Bitta attacks with his sword. But Yogiraj’s body seems like an impenetrable fortress—every strike is useless. Even bullets fired at him melt away as if they were hitting wax.
Terrified, the criminals try to escape. But Yogiraj traps them within invisible walls created by his yoga powers. And this is the turning point—because now, our hero Yoga enters the stage.
Yogiraj calls his disciple, and Yoga’s arrival feels like the incarnation of an angel. A divine aura spreads across the scene. Standing tall is a young man with a strong, sculpted body, a Rudraksha garland around his neck, and the symbol of ‘Om’ glowing on his chest. His calm yet determined face radiates immense self-confidence and spiritual strength.
Yogiraj then reveals the true secret of Yoga’s birth—one of the most emotional and unique parts of the comic. Yoga, he explains, was not born from a mother’s womb. Instead, one hundred great yogis from across India combined their collective life-energy and yogic power into a single body, sacrificing their own lives willingly to fight against unrighteousness and demonic forces. Thus, Yoga was born—the living embodiment of those hundred yogis, a symbol of their powers. This extraordinary origin sets him apart from all other superheroes.
The story moves forward as Yoga, guided by his guru Yogiraj, sets out on his mission to eliminate crime and injustice. His first encounter is with local goons harassing a girl. Here, Yoga demonstrates his strength—standing unharmed against bullets, lifting a jeep with one hand, and vanishing into thin air to confuse the thugs. But unlike a ruthless warrior, he doesn’t kill his enemies. He teaches them lessons and even gives them a chance to change.
The climax intensifies when Yoga faces King Don’s true master—a foreign general who seeks to steal India’s secrets of yogic power. This general also commands a fearsome warrior created by a tantric guru using dark powers of tantra-mantra. The final battle between Dharma and Adharma, Yoga-Shakti and Tantra-Shakti, begins.
Yoga uses not just raw strength, but also intelligence and subtle yogic powers—such as creating multiple forms of himself. The battle is fierce and prolonged, but ultimately Yoga emerges victorious. He captures the general and his allies, handing them over to the law. And thus, the world finds a new protector of Dharma—Yoga.
Characterization: A blend of spirituality and modernity
• Yoga:
Yoga embodies Indian spirituality. More than a warrior, he is a disciplined yogi. His powers—invulnerability to fire, water, weapons, and bullets; the ability to multiply his form; and entering people’s dreams—are drawn directly from the wonders of yoga. His calm nature, deep respect for his guru, and his vow to protect righteousness make him an ideal hero. The ‘Om’ on his chest and the Rudraksha beads around his neck highlight his desi identity. Unlike Western heroes who are often rebellious or tragic, Yoga is balanced, purposeful, and resolute.
• Yogiraj:
Yogiraj is the embodiment of the perfect guru. Not only powerful, but also wise and visionary, he is the creator, guide, and inspiration behind Yoga. His demonstration of power in the opening scene evokes both respect and curiosity, setting the stage for the hero’s journey.
• Villains:
King Don and his gang may resemble classic crooks from the 80s–90s, but their distinct skills make them formidable. They provide Yoga with the perfect platform to showcase his abilities. The foreign general, meanwhile, adds international intrigue, emphasizing how India’s spiritual heritage has always drawn the attention of external forces.
Art and Illustration: The brilliance of Pratap Mullick
The soul of this comic lies in its story, but its body is formed by the magnificent illustrations of Pratap Mullick. In Indian comics, Mullick is regarded as a pillar of the artform. From Amar Chitra Katha to Nagraj, his art has influenced generations. His work in Yoga is another testament to his mastery.
• Character design:
Yoga’s design is powerful and unforgettable. His muscular build, flowing black hair, green cape-like sheet, and waistcloth give him the look of an ancient warrior. Yet his confident face carries the charisma of a modern superhero. Yogiraj’s calm, scholarly appearance contrasts with the cruelty etched onto the villains’ faces.
• Action scenes:
Mullick was a master of action. His fight panels radiate speed and energy. Scenes like Yoga lifting a jeep with one hand or multiplying himself are bursting with power. Sword clashes, gunfire, and punches leap off the page with onomatopoeic sounds—“beat,” “crack,” “cold”—and sharp lines, making readers feel like the action is unfolding before their eyes.
• Panels and colors:
The panel layout is simple yet effective, keeping the narrative flow smooth. The color scheme, impressive for its time, uses darker tones for night and mystery, while bright hues for daytime scenes enhance the excitement. When Yoga appears, the glowing yellow aura around him elevates his divine presence.
Writing and Dialogue: Ved Prakash Sharma’s touch
Ved Prakash Sharma, the uncrowned king of Hindi thrillers, also brought his brilliance into comics. His unique style is evident in Yoga.
• Pace and thrill:
The story moves at lightning speed. Suspense and action begin on the very first page and continue till the end. Sharma avoids unnecessary diversions, staying sharp and to the point.
• Dialogue:
The dialogues are short, impactful, and character-driven. Villains’ words drip with arrogance and cruelty, Yogiraj’s lines radiate wisdom and calm, and Yoga’s few but firm statements reflect confidence and perseverance.
• Originality:
Perhaps Sharma’s greatest achievement here is the originality of Yoga’s origin story. He created a superhero who is purely Indian—whose strength arises not from chemicals, science, or outer space, but from inner spiritual practice and yoga. This originality makes Yoga truly unique.
Conclusion: An unforgettable desi hero
Tulsi Comics’ Yoga is not just another comic—it’s a fascinating blend of Indian tradition and modern superhero concepts. It showcases the creativity of a time when Indian writers and artists were producing original and engaging stories rooted in their own culture.
Ved Prakash Sharma’s sharp writing and Pratap Mullick’s dynamic art combine to deliver an experience that still feels fresh and exciting today. Yoga’s character reminds us that we don’t need to look outward for heroes—our own culture, philosophy, and traditions hold countless powers and inspirations.
Even though Tulsi Comics has long ceased publication and characters like Yoga have faded from popular memory, this comic remains a milestone in Indian comics history. For older readers, it’s a cherished memory; for new readers, an opportunity to discover how unique and rich India’s superheroes were.
Yoga is truly a desi superhero we can still be proud of today.
