Many of you might have a great childhood with many imaginary friends from the comics books or the world of cartoons. Children in India, especially in the north India are fond of Hindi comics.  Many Indians might associate their childhood or adulthood days to these fascinating stories and imaginary characters.

Comics are called चित्रकथा (Chitrakatha) in Hindi. In India, you can find many shops where one can purchase or borrow a comics book for reading. These comics have different varieties of themes from comedy,  horror, romance, thriller, Indian mythology, action, terrorism etc.  Some publication houses are especially famous in the Hindi comics worlds which include राज  कॉमिक्स (Raj Comics), द्य्मंड कॉमिक्स (Diamonds Comics), मनोज कॉमिक्स (Manoj Comics) etc.  Some foreign brands like Virgin Group, Gotham Comics etc have also entered into Indian comics scene to give Indian readers by introducing themes based on the Indian mythologies.

Let’s me show you few famous characters from the Indian comics.

1. चाचा चौधरी और साबू  (Chacha Chaudhary and Sabu)

Chacha Chaudhary is a famous figure and keeping the Hindi comics fans active since it’s first publication in 1971. In comics (Diamond Comics), his character has an incredible ability to solve any problem and claims a famous punch line that  “चाचा चौधरी का दिमाग कंप्यूटर से भी तेज़ चलता है (Chacha Chaudhary ka dimag computer se bhi tez chalta hai – Chacha Chaudhary’s brain runs faster than computer). He is accompanied by a giant, साबू  (Sabu) who came from planet Jupiter. Together, they solve problems and fight anti – social elements.

2. नागराज (Nagraj)

Nagraj (Nag – Snake, Raj – King) was introduced by Raj Comics as a completely new superhero on Indian comics scene. He was an answer to the western “Spiderman” (but as Snake king).  His is a shape – shifting snake which can attain a human form. Though, he is always shown in human form and have many super natural abilities which help him to defeat the villains and terrorist across the globe. His animation movie is awaiting which might increase his fan base.

3. सुपर कमाण्डो ध्रुव (Super Commando Dhruva)

Super Commando Dhruva is an another superhero from Raj Comics. His supernatural powers include the abilities to understand and talk to animals, sea creatures and birds. His is master in many martial arts. He can use objects around him to disarm or capture his enemies by making an innovative use of common items.

If you could find one, I would recommend you reading a Hindi comics book. I did the same while learning German! 🙂