The Executioner of the Jungle: Can Kobi Really Change?
The clash between Bhediya and Kobi has always shown the conflict between human civilization and animal-like violent instincts throughout the long history of Raj Comics. The special issue ‘Real-Fake’, published in the 2000s, is among the most distinctive and thought-provoking stories of this series. It is not limited to just a battle of strength, but also tries to deeply explore a character’s identity, the meaning of his existence and the ongoing complications within his mind.
Writer Tarun Kumar Wahi and Vivek Mohan, who conceived this story, have created such a complex story of mind and identity in this comic that it forces the reader to consider whether a creature’s identity is determined by his violent past and physical strength or by his firm intention to improve his actions and himself. Dheeraj Verma’s vibrant and emotional illustrations have given this story a film-like look that brings the mystery of the forests of Assam alive on the pages.
An innocent girl’s words and Kobi’s attempt to change
The story begins with a very emotional scene that unfolds unexpectedly, where Asaba (Masaba), a small and innocent girl in the forest, calls out to Kobi to rescue a baby elephant trapped in a deep pit. Kobi, who always kicks others and boasts of his immense power, pulls the little elephant out with his tail and physical strength. But when Kobi learns that the adult elephant had pushed its own child into the pit because the baby had inadvertently crushed an innocent rabbit, he is shocked.
Masaba makes Kobi face the truth about himself and says that while even a voiceless animal does not forgive its child’s mistake, Kobi keeps killing many innocent creatures and humans out of pride. She says that everyone in the world hates bad people and that, behind his back, he is called the ‘executioner of the jungle’. Kobi’s stone-like heart melts at these innocent and truthful words from Masaba. Accepting the flowers given by that little girl, he makes a firm promise that he will never oppress the innocent again and will prove himself to be a good creature.
Jewel theft and Kobi’s havoc in the forest
But this resolve of Kobi’s does not last long. When Kobi wakes up, he sees that all the miraculous ornaments on his body—his necklace, armband, wristband and waist belt—have been mysteriously stolen. Having lost his jewels, Kobi feels that his divine powers and his honor are in danger. Blinded by anger, he forgets the promise he made to Masaba and begins to create havoc in the forest like never before.
Kobi attacks the forest’s fruit sellers, passersby and members of the clan without thinking. He strangles people, overturns vehicles, breaks into the sacred temple of Khaomarkhwah and shatters the idols of gods and goddesses. To save his own life, Kangura, the chieftain of the clan, falsely tells Kobi that he saw a thief putting a bundle into the mouths of crocodiles.
Kobi immediately runs to that lake, hunts down several innocent deer, ties them with ropes and throws them in front of the dreaded crocodiles. When all the crocodiles become heavy and lethargic after eating too much meat, Kobi starts preparing to find his jewellery by tearing open their stomachs.
A terrible clash with Bhediya and the mysterious arrival of ‘Ascetic Kobi’
Seeing Kobi breaking the laws of nature in this way and killing innocent creatures, Bhediya reaches the spot with lightning speed. Bhediya grabs Kobi’s hand and challenges him, declaring that he is the protector of this forest and will not let Kobi kill innocent crocodiles. A bloody and terrifying battle breaks out between the two mighty warriors in the swamp and water. The two are intent on breaking each other’s bones when Jane arrives on her horse, intervenes and calms them down. When Kobi reveals that his jewels have been stolen, Bhediya and Jane are also alarmed because they know that if those miraculous jewels fall into the hands of an evil person, there will be a huge catastrophe.
Meanwhile, the woodcutters of the forest see a unique and unbelievable scene. On top of a hill, another creature exactly like Kobi is seen sitting quietly, performing penance with his eyes closed. All of Kobi’s genuine pieces of jewellery adorn his body, but his body is thin, his hair is neatly tied and his beard and moustache are completely shaved off. When he opens his eyes, he offers water to the sun, feeds tubers and roots to rabbits and starts teaching others not to hurt anyone, holding a plate of fruits and Charanamrit in his hands.
Two Kobis, one identity: who is real and who is fake?
When this peaceful and vegetarian Kobi reaches the settlement and starts distributing prasad to everyone, the violent Kobi, Bhediya and Jane, who are present there, are shocked.
The ascetic Kobi says in his defense that he promised little Masaba he would be good, and he thought that the root of all his mischief was the strength of his huge body. So he made his body lean by observing a strict fast for several days, had his fearsome beard shaved off and immersed himself in devotion to the wolf god.
On the other hand, the violent Kobi roars and alleges that the thin impostor is the thief who stole his jewellery while he was sleeping.
Jane takes the two aside separately to identify the real Kobi, asking private questions that only her husband Kobi should know the answers to. But the violent Kobi angrily deflects the questions and says he does not need to prove himself, while the ascetic Kobi gives evasive answers by talking about life and devotion.
Bhediya then summons the wolf army with the help of his divine belt. The pack of wolves gathers around the violent Kobi because his body carries the same familiar wild scent.
But the wise Baba Fujo points out that animals are only influenced by strength and smell; they cannot establish the truth about someone’s soul. Baba Fujo gives both Kobis three days to prove their true identities, and the story ends with deep curiosity and mystery surrounding the next part, ‘Is Kobi’.
The characters’ mental conflict and differences in their thinking
The biggest feature of this comic is the clash of ideas shown in it. The violent Kobi represents an unchanging wild force that only resorts to fear and coercion to get its point across. He is telling the truth, but his nature is so violent and rude that society considers him a villain.
In contrast, the ascetic Kobi represents a hypocritical or idealized figure who speaks sweetly and pretends to worship in accordance with society’s preferences.
Bhediya and Jane act as impartial decision-makers here, seeking to uncover the whole truth rather than judging anyone by their appearance. Masaba’s small role conveys the message that unless the desire to improve oneself comes from within, one does not become a monk merely by changing one’s clothes.
Dheeraj Verma’s illustrations and the emotions hidden in them
Dheeraj Verma has shown a clear difference in the physical appearance of each character through his excellent illustrations in this comic. While the bulging veins, terrifying fangs and sharp claws of the violent Kobi show his wild and violent nature, the slender body, calm eyes and saintly seated posture of the ascetic Kobi bring out his peaceful appearance.
The action scenes—especially the swamp fight between Kobi and Bhediya and the conflict with the crocodiles—are extremely dynamic and film-like. Sunil Pandey’s bright colors have beautifully highlighted the lush green forests of Assam and the golden glow of the jewellery.
Final thoughts on the story
‘Real-Fake’ is a special story in the Kobi and Bhediya comic series that not only gives readers plenty of action and thrills, but also keeps them caught up in a unique puzzle related to mind and identity.
This story teaches that society is often deceived by outward appearances and quiet behavior, while truth is sometimes revealed in a bitter and angry form. With its tightly constructed story, mysterious suspense and vibrant illustrations, this special issue will always be counted among the most memorable issues of Raj Comics.
Original description: Raj Comics special issue
Author: Tarun Kumar Wahi
Concept: Vivek Mohan
Illustrations: Dheeraj Verma
Calligraphy & Colors: Sunil Pandey
Editor: Manish Gupta
Presentation: Sanjay Gupta
Main characters: Kobi, Bhediya, Jane, Baba Fujo, Asaba (Masaba)
