This comic is the direct front part of the previous episode “Dharanidhar” (number 902). While the previous comic ended on a tremendous ‘cliffhanger’, “World Guard” takes that adventure to greater heights. This story is not just a battle of two warriors—Bhokal and Dharanidhar—but also a mythological story bringing out the secrets related to Brahma, Parashurama and the creation of the universe.
In this comic, readers not only get powerful action, but also get to see many interesting references to Indian mythology, which give it a real “epic” feel.
The story begins where “Dharanidhar” ended. It is raining destructive rocks on Vikas Nagar. Bhokal is trying to stop them with full force and understanding, but Dharanidhar’s anger has flared up a lot. World Guard, published in 1998, is not just a common action comic; it shows the ongoing conflict between power, ego and the definition of real “defense”. Sanjay Gupta’s writing and Kadam Studio’s stunning art make it one of the most memorable stories in the Bhokal series.
Plot
The story begins with a terrible crisis that has hit Vikasnagar. Huge rocks are breaking from Rishiloom Mountain and moving towards the city as if some major destruction has come. Bhokal cuts the earth to the underworld with his ‘Jwala Shakti’ sword and creates a deep pit, so that the city is saved from this immediate danger.
This destruction was not natural, but Dharanidhar was behind it. Dharanidhar is not an ordinary villain, but the first son of the Supreme Father Brahma. Flashbacks show that thousands of years ago Brahma gave him the responsibility of running the universe and a wonderful palace. Dharanidhar divided the society into four varnas—Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra—and discovered ‘Amrit’ on the strength of science.
The biggest turning point of the story comes when Dharanidhar, in his goodness and enthusiasm, makes every living being on earth drink Amrit, so that no one dies. But this was against the laws of nature. As a result, the balance on Earth deteriorated and cataclysm occurred. Brahma secured the palace, but buried it under the mountain (Rishiloom).
At present, Dharanidhar breaks the same mountain and comes out again with his palace. This time his motive has changed. Now he admits that the previous mistake (sharing Amrit) was his foolishness. Now he will secure the entire earth by tying it into ‘one formula’ on the basis of harsh rule and tremendous strength. He describes himself as ‘World Protector’ and challenges all the kings of the world to accept his submission or fight him.
The story progresses when Dharanidhar sets out on his campaign and easily defeats the powerful kings along the way, such as Lohasingh (Iron Man) and Shaitan Singh (Master of Black Powers). At last he encounters the great warrior Bhokal, the protector of Vikasnagar.
Character analysis
Mahabali Bhokal: True Protector
In this comic, Bhokal is seen not just as a warrior, but as a wise leader and thinker. When Dharanidhar claims that he will protect the world by bringing the whole world under the same rule and rules, Bhokal collides with him. Bhokal argues that the beauty of the world lies in its diversity. He says, “In today’s world, people from different places live with different surroundings, language and culture. A human being cannot understand everyone’s needs and desires.”
Here Bhokal supports the thinking of democracy and decentralization. He explains to Dharanidhar that becoming a protector does not mean that you take away the freedom of others.
Dharanidhar: A Tragic Antagonist
Dharanidhar is the most interesting character in this story. He is not like ordinary villains. He is the son of Brahma and his intentions were right in the beginning. He wanted no one to die, so he gave Amrit. Later, when he returned, his motive was ‘world peace’, but his method was dictatorial.
He has Parashurama’s axe, which makes him almost invincible. But power and ego blind him. He cannot understand that there is a world of difference between ‘defense’ and ‘slavery’. When he defeats Lohasingh, he does not do it to show cruelty but to prove his strength.
Finally, when Brahma explains his mistake to him, he gives up without anger and arrogance and honors Bhokal by calling him a “true world protector”. That’s what makes him a villain whose heart could change—a tragic but deep antihero.
Other kings (Lohasingh and Shaitan Singh)
Writer Sanjay Gupta has made very good use of these two characters to show the power of Dharanidhar.
King Lohasingh: Who had the power to turn his body into iron and who had won over 161 kingdoms. But Dharanidhar defeats him in a single blow. This scene clearly shows that Dharanidhar is not just a big talker, he is actually very powerful and has no comparison in physical strength.
King Shaitan Singh: He is the master of tantra-mantra and black powers. He attacks with the help of lions and snakes, but Dharanidhar (who has drank the Amrit) swallows the poisonous snake itself. The scene is simultaneously scary and effective, showing that Dharanidhar is above magic and elusive powers.
Art and portraiture
Kadam Studios’ art has been a hallmark of 90s Raj comics. ‘World Protector’ also has an extremely great level of artwork.
Action Scene: When Bhokal and Dharanidhar come face to face, the panels show energy as if the entire page has come alive. Flame power emanating from Bhokal’s sword and the explosion arising from the collision of Dharanidhar’s axe are shown very closely.
Character Texture: Dharanidhar is shown as a giant, pink-skinned godlike male, much larger than ordinary humans. It shows his status and power without speaking. Lohasingh’s body turning into iron and colors have been used extensively to show the black powers of Shaitan Singh.
Color combination: The comic has used bright colors like red, yellow, green, which were very attractive according to the printing techniques of that time. The cataclysmic scenes show volcanoes and a raging sea in a way that feels like a real threat.
Writing and Dialogue
Sanjay Gupta’s writing has always been comprehensive and grand. ‘World Protector’ also has dialogue that is going to leave serious and heavy repercussions.
Philosophical Dialogue: The debate on page number 21 of Bhokal and Dharanidhar is the life of this comic. Where Dharanidhar says, “We want to reunite the whole world… There was no king, no people,” whereas Bhokal’s answer teaches him the lessons of modern politics.
Mythological context: By linking the story with Brahma and Parashurama, the author has given it mythological grandeur. It doesn’t just seem like a battle of an imaginary world, but feels like a forward-looking part of Indian mythology.
Importance of the title: The title ‘World Protector’ is an irony in itself. Dharanidhar considers himself a world protector, but his actions can bring destruction. In the end, Brahma tells that the true world protector is the one who works with intelligence and understanding, not just with strength.
Ideology and Message
This comic touches on a number of big and important issues:
Shakti vs Vivek: Dharanidhar has Amrit, Parashurama’s axe and Brahma’s blessing—everything. But lack of conscience leads him on the wrong path. Brahma says, “The cataclysm that was to come today would have come because of your pride and indiscretion.” This shows that power causes harm without understanding.
Integration vs pluralism (Unification vs Pluralism): Dharanidhar wants the whole world to become the same, which shows dictatorial thinking. Bhokal supports different cultures, kings and freedom—which is the true identity of diversity and freedom.
Over-protection: Dharanidhar’s intentions were not wrong—he wanted protection. But his safety was such that it would suffocate people. This shows that sometimes too much control also causes destruction.
Conclusion and ruling
‘World Protector’ Raj Comics is a comic that holds a special place in the history of comics. This is one of those few comics where you develop a certain amount of empathy for even villains. The pace of the story is very fast from the beginning—sometimes rocks fall, then flashbacks come, then battles with kings, and finally a big war—nowhere does the story seem slow or boring.
For Bhokal fans, this is a Must Read comic, because in this Bhokal does not just appear to be a sword-wielding warrior, but emerges completely as a sensible and responsible protector.
Positive side:
The story shows an extremely powerful and emotionally connecting antihero in the form of Dharanidhar, whose complexity keeps the reader fully engaged. The dialogues are fantastic, and there’s depth to the story. Apart from this, the action art and visuals of Kadam Studio further enhance the grandeur of the story. Also, the beautiful blend of mythological elements gives it the basis of a strong and fascinating story.
Downside:
The ending seems a bit quick. Brahma ji coming suddenly and stopping the war feels like a slightly easier solution (Deus Ex Machina). If Bhokal had defeated Dharanidhar with his strategy, this ending would have been even more satisfying.
Overall:
If you want to understand the Indian comics of the 90’s or see the depth of the character of Bhokal, ‘World Protector’ is a great example. It not only entertains, but also forces one to think.
Rating: 4.5 / 5
This comic clearly states that a true ‘world protector’ is one who uses his power not to suppress others, but to protect their freedom.
