Yosho: A Tale of Indian Comics in the 80s and the American Connection

In the thriving era of Indian comics in the 80s, there was a noticeable strain in the relationship between India and America. This tension found its expression in various comics, be it Manoj Comics, Pawan Comics, Nootan, or Tulsi Comics. Notably, Tulsi Comics took the lead in depicting American conspiracies, featuring superheroes like Angara, Jambu, and Yoga, focusing on American machinations. One such character in Tulsi Comics was Yosho, often referred to as the “Son of Fire.”

Yosho’s origin is unique—he hails not from Earth but from Suryagrah, with half of his essence belonging to our planet. His father, Yodharaj, was a renowned scientist from India who traveled to America. Yodharaj’s marriage to the princess of Suryagrah and the birth of Yosho set the stage for an intriguing narrative. Yosho’s debut comic, “Yosho: Son of Fire,” introduces Sir Johnson, an American scientist, and his assistant Michael, who uncover Yosho’s extraordinary story.

The tale unfolds with the ruler of Suryagrah, Raja Tribhuj, whose daughter Shourya marries an interstellar traveler, Yodharaj. The royal guru predicts that Shourya will give birth to a heroic figure destined to illuminate not just Suryagrah but the entire cosmos. Meanwhile, Tamagrah, the commander-in-chief of Suryagrah, plots to overthrow Yodharaj and seize power. Tamagrah succeeds in his treacherous plan, causing chaos and leading to Yosho’s quest to find his father.

Rituraj wrote Yosho’s story, with Sanjay Shirodkar as the illustrator. Yosho’s early comics depict him as a morally ambiguous character, neither a traditional hero nor a villain. In “Yosho in the Earth Realm,” when he lands in a snowy area, he is attacked by animals. Instead of repelling them, he showcases his cruelty, revealing a different side of the character. Yosho’s narrative in “Yosho in the Earth Realm,” “Pralayankari Yosho,” and “Yosho ki Jung” provides readers with a riveting journey of his transformation from birth to becoming a formidable warrior.

While Yosho’s story raises doubts in readers’ minds due to his portrayal as a superhero, the character’s ruthless acts create an intriguing and unconventional narrative. The comics explore Yosho’s complexity, challenging the conventional hero archetype and leaving readers with a compelling and thought-provoking tale.