Have you ever wondered who would win if an invincible 5,000-year-old warrior were to run into a dreaded wolf of modern times? On one side is the protector of Vikasnagar, whose sword brings a ‘cataclysm’, and on the other side is the executioner of the forests of Assam, whose tail digs the graves of his enemies. Raj Comics’ superhit offering “Giants” is a golden page in Indian comics history, where the two most powerful heroes of the ‘Past’ and ‘Present’ become thirsty for each other’s blood.
This comic, presented by Sanjay Gupta and based on an idea by Anupam Sinha, is not just about a fight, but is also a great story of emotions, deception, magic and never-say-die courage, which will not let you move from your place until the end.
Maya’s illusion: When a witch’s revenge brought two heroes face to face!
The premise of the story is very complex and exciting. Its roots are linked to the previous comic, ‘Maya Ka Jadoo’. The entire plot of this great battle has been orchestrated by ‘Maya’, a witch who can make time and space dance to her tune. Maya’s only purpose is to eradicate Bhokal and Bhediya.
She has cleverly taken Bhediya’s weakness—his girlfriend Jane—into her captivity. Maya has convinced Kobi (the dreaded half of Bhediya) that Bhokal is the enemy who has made Jane disappear. On the other hand, Bhokal, who has crossed the boundaries of time and entered this era, only wants to regain his lost shield and sword. This is where the journey of becoming a ‘legend’ begins, where victory for one can decide the death of the other.
Kobi’s animal intelligence versus Bhokal’s divine power: A hair-raising great battle!
The very opening pages of the comic lead readers into a terrible battle that is frightening even to imagine. Kobi’s anger is sky-high. He pounces on Bhokal like a hungry wolf pouncing on its prey. Kobi’s style of speaking is very effective here—“The stronger the enemy, the more fun Kobi has tearing him apart.”
The combat becomes even more dangerous when Bhokal summons his magical sword and shield. Kobi uses his tail to throw Bhokal into a deep ditch whose depth no one has been able to measure to date. This scene is a wonderful example of Dheeraj Verma’s artwork. Bhokal’s helpless fall and Kobi’s loud laughter astonish the reader.
The rampage of ‘Kobi’ in the modern city: When iron cars started flying like toys!
Maya makes her move in the midst of the battle and turns Kobi towards the city. In the middle of the city, Kobi’s form becomes a symbol of complete destruction. He starts picking up and throwing moving cars and ambulances on the roads. For him, these are just ‘iron boxes’. He grabs every human being by the throat and asks just one question—“Where is my Jane?”
Here, writer Hanif Azhar has portrayed Kobi’s ‘animal intelligence’ very beautifully. Kobi does not know what a ‘hospital’ is or what the ‘law’ is. All he needs is his Jane. This stampede and chaos in the city bring out that dangerous side of Bhediya’s character, which is often buried in the stories.
A unique combination of science and magic: When fighter planes and tanks descended upon Bhediya!
The biggest feature of this comic is the part where the medieval hero Bhokal encounters modern weapons. Maya controls the army parade with her powers. Suddenly, fighter jets in the sky and tanks on the ground start attacking.
For Bhokal, all these weapons are like ‘Divyastras’. He is puzzled about how such destructive weapons can be acquired in this era without performing penance. But Bhokal is not one to accept defeat. He rides his shield to take on the jets high in the sky. On the one hand, there is magic, and on the other, modern science. The way Dheeraj Verma has brought the battle between the two to the pages still seems to be on the level of any Marvel or DC comic.
Bhediya’s internal conflict: One body, two souls and a test of loyalty!
A very important part of the comic is the ongoing tussle between ‘Bhediya’ and ‘Kobi’. Bhediya wants Kobi to help Bhokal, as he knows Maya is lying, but Kobi’s violent nature overpowers him. When Bhokal returns and attacks Kobi, Bhediya’s human side takes the blow upon itself. It is a heart-touching scene of loyalty and sacrifice that leaves readers emotional.
Artwork by Dheeraj Verma: A stunning visual masterpiece
Talking about the illustrations, the work done by Dheeraj Verma in this comic puts him among the ‘Legends’ of Indian comics.
• Body structure (Anatomy): The intricacies of Bhokal’s muscles and Kobi’s furry and powerful body are astonishing. Every vein, every drop of sweat and the redness in their eyes are clearly visible.
• Action panels: Kobi smashing cars, Bhokal chopping tanks in two with a sword and the impact of Maya’s colourful illusions—this interplay of colours and lines is amazing.
• Use of colours: Sunil Pandey’s colouring has given this comic a ‘live-action’ feel. Especially, the different shades of colour used in the fire and explosion scenes bring the pages to life.
Climax: A 5,000-year-old ‘Totka’ puts an end to Maya!
The ending of the story is like a big suspense thriller. When Bhokal understands that he cannot defeat Maya’s forces in an ordinary way, he takes the help of memories from his old times in Vikasnagar. He uses an ancient ‘totka’, an antidote to Maya’s powers.
Together, Bhokal, Bhediya and Kobi break Maya’s magical web. Maya’s body turns to ashes, and her ashes are buried beneath the miraculous diamonds that Bhokal has to use to return to his own time. In the end, the resentment among the three giants ends, and they show their respect for one another. Bhokal’s return 5,000 years into the past through ‘Kaldwar’ is an honourable farewell.
Summary of the review: Why is “Giants” a ‘cult classic’ for every comics lover?
This comic is not just the story of a battle between two heroes, but it also tells us that—
1. Misunderstanding brings destruction: How Maya took advantage of Kobi’s love for Jane to pit him against his own friend.
2. Unity even after separation: The meeting of Bhokal (past), Bhediya (present) and Kobi (animal power) shows that when evil becomes extremely powerful, different forces have to unite.
3. The golden era of Raj Comics: This comic reminds us of the time when Raj Comics stories competed with Hollywood films.
Fans’ verdict: Why is ‘Giants’ the ‘Kohinoor’ of your comics collection?
If you are a true fan of Raj Comics and have not read “Giants” yet, you have missed the biggest ‘crossover’ in Indian comics. This is a book that you will want to read again and again. There is adventure on every page, depth in every dialogue and art at its finest in every picture.
Previous Comic: ‘Maya Ka Jadoo’
Characters: Bhokal, Bhediya, Kobi, Jane, Maya, Fujo Baba.
