Most of you should have read comics in your life. Though, they are mostly associated with Children’s and childhood, yet there are people, you love reading different kinds of comic books throughout their life. If you are an Indian then you should be able to associate yourself with comics and in particular Diamond comic books. They have been the most popular and the oldest comic book series in India. In this article, we are going to have a nostalgic look at the world and the times of comics and try to explore its Paradigm shift in all these years.
A brief history
The comic trend started in the early sixties in India. As it was a new concept for India, early comics were taken from established brands like Marvel and superheroes like Phantom and Mandrake were popular at that time. Slowly English comics became Hindi and started being circulated in regional languages as well. In this article we are going to discuss some of the Indian as well as International popular comic characters.
Chacha Chaudhary
Amongst all comic heroes, Chacha Chaudhary is undoubtedly the most popular character that everybody would be able to identify with. Even if you have never Read comics, you should have heard about Chacha Chaudhary in one way or the other. Such is the Charisma and popularity of the character that he enjoys popularity throughout India and even outside.
Billoo
Comics always have a place for boys next door and Billoo played the perfect boy next door in Indian scenario. He was a fun loving boy with a typical hairstyle and his naught activities were identifiable and contemporary. There was nothing larger than life in his character but his simplicity and fun activities were able to draw the attention of the readers and he became quite a popular character in comics.
Super commando Dhruv
Super commando Dhruv is one of the most popular superheroes from the Raj comics. Dhruv is a young person with an athletic body and Commando skills. He does not have any superpower but his physique and mind makes him separate from the ordinary. He is committed to reduce crime and takes all the necessary actions against the criminals as and when needed. He is ethical and has good habits. He is a role model for youth who wants to be fit, energetic, smart, handsome and dynamic. The character was introduced in the early eighties and became an instant hit. When the comic’s era was at its peak, super commando Dhruv was one of the most popular superheroes in Indian comics. As per now, efforts have been made to take the comic Hero to the digital world and there are plans of making and releasing a movie series online as well as in the cinematic world in next few years.
Nagraj
Nagraj is probably the most popular superhero from the Raj Comics. This character was introduced in the 80s and gradually achieved heights of popularity. Indians are always fascinated by Snakes and their concept of ‘ichchadhari saap’ meaning snake that can impersonate anybody. Nagraj is a snake man who can control Snakes and has all the snake related powers. He can also hypnotize people with his eyes and powers. Nagraj was introduced as an invention of a scientist who was controlled by the evil but he gradually realized and freed himself from the evil and became a good icon and role model. He fights against evil and takes all the necessary actions to prevent crime in and outside India. Nagraj series of comics were quite popular in the 80s and 90s and just like super commando Dhruv, there are plans to take him to the big screen in near future.
Phantom
Phantom is one of the earliest International superheroes of all times. ‘The man, the ghost’ is the popular Abbreviated as Phantom. It is a saying that Phantom Never Dies and the fact is that the generation of Phantom continues from Father to Son. He uses a mask to hide his face and therefore nobody has seen him. Generations after generations, Phantom keeps on continuing and takes care of the Jungle and saves it plants, animals and the Jungle life
Halwaldaar Bahadur
Hawaldar Bahadur has been one of the most entertaining characters from the Manoj Comics. The first Indian hero was Bahadur and Hawaldar Bahadur is a comic version of it. Hawaldar Bahadur pretends to be courageous but in fact is quite afraid. This tendency leads to humorous situations. However he is always lucky to survive and comes out of different difficult situations victoriously and with lots of appreciation that he does not deserve but luckily he gets appreciation every time. Hawaldar Bahadur is a fun and entertaining series and Hawaldar Bahadur has been one of the most entertaining characters from the Manoj Comics.
The road ahead
There have been hundreds of different characters that came and went in Indian comics. Some of them had short slot machines kind of duration while some stayed longer. People who Read comics in the 80s and 90s when it was at its peak, would be able to identify and remember Famous characters like Chacha Chaudhary Nagraj, super commando Dhruv etc.
Right now, the comics trend is not at its peak but efforts are being made to revive the Lost glory of the comic world. There have been efforts to take these popular characters to the big screen. It is quite possible as the superheroes have got all the potential to be developed as a mass puller in the world of cinema. Once they start delivering on the big screen, we can also expect the revival of Indian comics.
Let’s hope for the best and hope that the comic world would be able to get back to its old stage of popularity which it actually deserves. Let us know your list of Superheroes is well. There should be lots of interesting and forgotten comic characters that have not been listed in this article due to lack of space and memory. So do let you know your say as well in the comment section.
