Raj Comicsis anIndian comic bookpublisherbased inNew Delhi,India.It published a line ofIndian comic booksthrough Raja Pocket Books since its foundation in 1984 by Rajkumar Gupta,Manoj GuptaandSanjay Gupta.[1][2]Some of its most well known characters includeNagraj,Super Commando Dhruva,Bhokal,Doga,Parmanu,Tiranga,Bankelal,Shakti,Inspector Steel,Ashwaraj,BheriyaandAnthony.[3]Raj Comics is credited as being one of the leading comic book distributors in India.[4]
 New logo of Raj Comics in English | |
| Parent company | Raja Pocket Books |
|---|---|
| Status | Active |
| Founded | 1984 |
| Founder |
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| Country of origin | India |
| Headquarters location | 330/1 Main RoadBurari,New Delhi,India |
| Key people |
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| Publication types | |
| Fiction genres | |
| Official website | www |
Raja Pockets initially published pulp-fiction books. They had a highly-successful run and published critically acclaimed authors likeSurender Mohan Pathak,Ved Prakash Sharma,Anil Mohan and Raja. At their peak, the books sold up to 1 million copies each. While Rajkumar Gupta always had a passion for crime-thrillers, his sonsSanjay GuptaandManoj Guptastarted collection Indian and International Comics from an early age and were always thrilled with the idea of creating original Indian Superheroes. One evening, while discussing the same, Rajkumar Gupta walked in on the conversation of the two brothers and thus, Raj Comics was born.
The company mainly publishes four types of comics;medieval fantasy,horror,mystery,and superhero comics, with a predominant focus on superhero content.[5][6]Their comics are usually published inHindi,with only a few titles and special editions in English. It has produced close to 35,000 comics to date and has been read by people in India and abroad.[7]The company also publishes an online exclusive web series namedRaj Rojana,with a new page uploaded every day.
Raj Comics publishes in multiple formats, which include e-book, print, andmotion comics.[8]The company also sells hardcovers of their old and new comics, as well as bundled collections of their characters.[9]
In 2008, Raj Comics was the focus of a research project conducted throughThe Sarai Programme at CSDS'sSarai Media Lab. The resulting research was published as a free PDF on the Sarai website.[2]
Team
edit- Raj Gupta (Founder & Chairman)[10]
- Manoj Gupta(President)
- Manish Gupta (CEO)
- Sanjay Gupta(Co-Founder)
- Vivek Mohan (Editor)
- Anupam Sinha(Creative Director)
- Tarun Kumar Wahi(Chief Writer)
- Jolly Sinha (Writer)
- Ajit Singh (Territory Manager)
Characters
edit
Members of team Brahmand Rakshak (Protectors of the Universe)
edit- Bheriya
- Nagraj
- Super Commando Dhruva
- Doga
- Parmanu
- Shakti
- Inspector Steel
- Tiranga
- Super Indian
- Pret Uncle
- Ashwaraj
- Bhokal
- Anthony
Members of team Research and Investigation Paranormalism [RIP]
edit
Characters based in ancient times
editComedy characters
editChhota Nagraj and Amazing Friends of Nagraj
edit- Vishaank/Chhota Nagraj
- Sillu/Cybro
- Shama/Flemina
- Durdamya Sena Panchnaag- Naagdev, Sarpraj, Naagpreti, Sinhanaag and Naagarjun
- Shooldharini Saudangi
- Amar Yoddha Kaaldoot
- Nag Veerangana Visarpi
Kids Series characters (Defunct)
editMember of Vistrit Rakshak (Extended Protectors of the Universe)
edit- Ninjadev Kirigi
- Nakshatra
- Samri
- Dhananjay
- Chandika
- Jingaalu
- Faceless
- Visarpi
- Kaaldoot
- Blackcat
- Pralayanka
- Cancer
Members of W.A.R (World Allied Rescuers)
edit- Badman
- Nakshatra
- Kali Vidhwa
- Inspector Cheetah
- Sheena
- Black Cat
- Lomri
- Madam X
- Kirtiman
- Adrishya Hatyara
- Vanputra
- Doctor Vargis
Member of P.V.N (Paralaukik Vigyan Nayakgan)
edit- Vedacharya
- Facelace (Bharti)
- Kapalkundli
- Nostradamus
- Lori
- Kishore
- Saza (Venu)
- Red Letter (Vikram)
- Baby
- Iri
Superheroes from Different World
edit- Narak Nashak Nagraj
- Krodh Ketu Kobi
- Danadan Doga
- Doga Reborn
- Swatantrata Senani Dhruva
- Show Stopper Dhruva
- Ant henn Anthony
Newest characters
edit- Sanju (10 Deadliest)
- Yugam (Sarvnayak Series) (Akhri Series)
- Adig (Sarvnayak Series) (Akhri Series)
- Paryaava (Sarvnayak Series) (Akhri Series)
- Aghori (Sarvnayak Series) (Aghori Agyat)
- Narakputra raksh (Sarvnayak Series)
Inactive characters
edit- Hunter Sharks
- Khayali Ram
- Raja
- Johar
- Barrister Vishwanath
- Aglu Pichlu
- Khaleel Khan
- Anadi
Inactive characters who came after a long time
edit- Bobby
- Tuffy
- Cherry
- Damru
- Abhedya
- Blind Death
- Liza
- Vega
- Jasoos Topichand
- Piddi Pahalwan
- Sanju (10 Deadliest)
- Fighter Toads
- Pret Uncle
- Tausi
- Bhootnaath (Nutan Comics) (Sarvaayudh by Manoj Gupta)
- Raka (Nutan Comics) (Sarvaayudh by Manoj Gupta)
- Goldheart
- Jaadugar
- Vakra (After HUM HONGEY KAMYAB)
- Meghdoot
TV show-based characters
edit- Shaktimaan
- Viraat
History
edit
Raj Comics was founded in 1986 by Raj Kumar Gupta, Sanjay Gupta andManoj Gupta.It marked the era of the rise of Indian superheroes. Raj Comics's first superhero wasNagraj.Later, they launched other popular superheroes like Dhruva,Doga,Parmanu,andTiranga.
Origins
editThis sectionneeds expansion.You can help byadding to it.(May 2017) |
Raj Comics' roots span back to the 1980s. After extreme dedication and perseverance by the brothers and their father, Raj Comics was propelled to great heights and fame. Nearly every teenager spent their afternoons glued to the latest comic addition. In the early days of its inception, Raj Comics published mythological, mystery and adventure comics. In 1985, Manoj Gupta, fueled by his passion and craze for western superheroes, notably Phantom, came up with the idea of creating a superhero centered around snakes as he believed snakes held a religious and mythological significance in India.[11]Later, the team started working on the concept and finally created the Nagraj that we know today.
The Golden Age
editIn 1997, an advertisement for Nagraj featuringSonu Soodaired on TV.[12]During this era, Raj Comics reportedly sold over a million copies a year, making it one of the most widespread publications of that time period. It has sold more than 100 million copies since then.
This sectionneeds expansion.You can help byadding to it.(May 2017) |
Modern Age
editThis sectionneeds expansion.You can help byadding to it.(May 2017) |
Raj Comics has now expanded to multiple different publication streams, with TriColor and other various business entities taking venerable steps in penetrating the Indian book market. Ongoing discussions with studio heads have been disclosed to the public about the possibility of live feature films based on their comic universe. However, nothing has since come to fruition.
In 2015, Raj Comics released anAndroidapp for the general public. It has since garnered a massive following and has an average rating of 4.5+ stars.
In 2017, Raj Comics released a concept trailer for Nagraj on its officialYouTubechannel. It has since garnered over 1.5 million views.[13]
In 2018, Raj Comics released a short feature film named Aadamkhor, partially self-produced and crowdfunded. It released on YouTube to critical acclaim by its audience.[14]
Series
editKing Comics
editKing Comics was a monthly line of comics published through Raja Pocket Books. While the division was initially successful, its popularity declined and the line went defunct after only about 2–5 years of activity. It was intended that many of King Comic's characters would be merged into Raj Comics, but only the character called Gamraj was successfully merged. During its run the division published six monthly comics.[citation needed]
Past and current series
edit- Kaliyug (Shakti, Nagraj & Dhruva)
- Tune Mara doga ko(Doga)
- Thrill-Horror-Suspense Series
- Huoooo-Series
- X-Series
- Friendy Series
- GoldheartSeries
- Kaal Series(Ashwaraj, Gojo, Bhokal, TilismDev, Parmanu, Ins. Steel, Super Indian)
- NagayanSeries(Nagraj-Super Commando Dhruv)
- AmarPrem Series(Kobi-Bheriya-Bhokal)
- Japan Series(Atankharta Nagraj)
- City Without A Hero(Multistar)
- Khazana series(vishwa Rakshak Nagraj)
- Trifana Series(Nagraj)
- Maharavan Series(Bhokal)
- Dracula Series(Multistar)
- Narak Nashak Nagraj origin Series(Narak Nashak Nagraj)
- Crow Series(Anthony)
- Born In Blood Series(Doga)
- Express Way Series(Doga)
- Aatankawadi nagraj series(Multistarrer)
- Chamatakari bhokal series(Bhokal)
- Mard aur murda series(Doga-antony)
- Mahanagayan series
- Parmatma series(Parmanu)
- Raktadaan series(Doga)
- Jalyash series(Bankelal)
- Tilismi olympic series(Bhokal)
- Raj 20(Amazing friends of nagraj)
- Nagraj ke badd series(Nagraj)
- Swarna nagri(Nagraj-Super Commando Dhruv- fighter toads)
- Belmunda ka khajana series(Nagraj-Super Commando Dhruv- Fighter Toads)
- Genius series(Super commando dhurva)
- Aadamkhoro ka swaraga series(Super commando dhurva)
- Axe series(Super commando dhurva)
- Aakhri dhurva series(Super commando dhurva)
- Pagal nagraj series(Nagraj)
- Made in India series(Ins.Steel)
- Wafa series(Doga)
- Doga diries series(Doga)
- Doga collection series(Doga)
- Mritiyjivi series (Narak nashak nagraj)
- Makbara series (Narak nashak nagraj-gagan-Vinashdoot-tahira- Monty)
- Kar Bura ho Bhala series (Bankelal)
- Aag series (Tiranga)
- Tandoor series (Doga)
- Bankelal lok se lok series (bankelal)
- Bankelal nagar se nagar series (Bankelal)
- Nagina series (Nagraj)
- Nahi bachega nagraj series (Nagraj)
- Rajnagar rakshak series (Super commando dhurva- Ins. Steel)
- Curfew series (Doga)
- Aarambha series (Yoddha)
- Hedron series (Nagraj-Super Commando Dhurva)
- Champion killer series (Super commando dhurva)
- Guru bhokal series (Bhokal)
- Game over series (Super commando dhurva)
- Andhi maut series (Super commando dhurva)
- Aagraj series (Nagraj)
- Doga Hindu Hai Series (Doga)
- Khoon series (Doga-Super Indian)
- Palra series (Multistarrer)
- Mai hu bheriya series (Bheriya- Nagraj-Super Commando Dhruv - Doga- Parmanu)
- Ins.chetta series (Doga)
- Nikal pada doga series (Doga)
- Nagraj hai na series (Nagraj)
- Lavva series (Nagraj)
- Hatyara kaun series (Super commando dhurva)
- Candakaal series (Super commando dhurva)
- Khoni khandan series (Super commando dhurva)
- Aab marega parmanu series (Parmanu)
- Lakshya purusha series (Doga)
- Ek katora au Do Ktora Khoon series (Thrill-Horror-Suspense)
- Chamatakari bhokal series (Bhokal)
- Jalyash series (Bankelal)
- Germany series (Aatakharta nagraj)
- Italy series (Aatakharta nagraj)
- Raktabeej series (Multistarrer)
- Doga unmulan series (Doga)
- Rajnagar Rakshak(Super Commando Dhruva, Inspector Steel)
- Akhiri-Last Survivors(Multistarrer)
- Balcharit(Origin Series of Super Commando Dhruva)
- Shaktiroopa (Follow up to Super Commando Dhruva's Balcharit)
Ongoing series
edit- Sarvanayak(Nearly all major RC characters)
- Sarvanayak Vistar(Multistarrer)
- Kshatipoorti(Aatankharta Nagraj)
- Sarpsatra(Vishwarakshak Nagraj)
- Naag Granth(Narak Nashak Nagraj and Krodh Ketu Kobi)
- पुनरूत्थान(Multistarrer)
- महा-नागायण(Multistarrer)
- Shuddhikaran(Kobi - Bhediya)
Upcoming series
edit- Prem Granth(Super Commando Dhruva)
- Sins of the father(Anthony-Multistarrer)
- Adharmeshwar(Multistarrer)
- अगड़म-बगड़म(Bankeylal, Nagraj, Dhruv)
- फाइटर फोर्स(Fighter Toads)
- डेड गॉड्स(Multistarrer)
Social Comics
edit- Nagraj Strikes: The Attack of the Coronaman
- Super Commando Dhruva: The Struggle with Depression
Jubilee and Kalpana-lok awards
editIn 2010, Raj Comics celebrated its Silver Jubilee by launching theKalpana-lok Awardsto honor comics artists. Participants are nominated by editors at Raj Comics and can be voted on by readers and fans on the Raj Comics website.
Raj Comics films
editIn 2014,Anurag Kashyaphad spoken about making a film onDoga—a vigilante killing machine in the style ofMarvel Comics’The Punisher—but the project was shelved after hisBombay Velvetflopped.[15]CEO Manish Gupta has had multiple ultimately unsuccessful meetings with prominent Bollywood industry personnel. In 2016, Raj Comics co-founder and studio head Sanjay Gupta said "Bollywood is yet to warm up to the idea of licensing comic book characters that come with detailed universes and visuals ready for the screen. We want to start with animated Web series first. We are expecting to make our first live-action film the year after.”[16][17]In December 2017, Raj Comics organized special screening of their horror film Aadamkhor at Nagraj Janmotsav event, Delhi. Aadamkhor is based on comic of the same name published by Raj Comics in 1992. Raj comics released Aadamkhor onYouTubeon 24 May 2018.[18]
In December 2019,Manoj Guptasaid that he was in negotiations withRanveer Singhto play Nagraj in a film produced byKaran Johar.[19]
Digital distribution
editRaj Comics are available in digital form through their android app. The Raj Comics official android app has reached over 100k+ downloads at the time of this article. Free Services: In 2017, Raj Comics started free comics from their android app.
Paid Services:Google Playin 2017. RC Android app crossed 100,000 downloads within 6 months of its launch.[20]
Legal history
editIn 1996, delivered by the Delhi High Court under docket Raja Pocket Books (Plaintiff) v. Radha Pocket Books, Raj Comics won this intellectual property case with a ruling of "prima facie infringement of the plaintiff’s character."[21]
References
edit- ^Raj Comics: About UsArchived2013-01-15 at theWayback Machine
- ^ab"Raj Comics for the Hard Headed: s a r a i".sarai.net.10 April 2008.Retrieved2 February2016.
- ^"Why Nagraj, Dhruva, Doga aren't finding space on big screen? (view pics)".India TV News.16 October 2014.Retrieved2 February2016.
- ^"Raj Comics now in regional flavor".Bollywood Hungama.23 July 2009. Archived fromthe originalon 2 February 2016.Retrieved2 February2016.
- ^Lent, John A. (1 January 2001).Illustrating Asia: Comics, Humor Magazines, and Picture Books.University of Hawaii Press. pp. 58–59.ISBN9780824824716.
- ^"Best moments of Raj Comics Superheroes".eashportsbook.com.1 November 2018.
- ^"After a hiatus, Indian comic book industry growing steadily".DNA India.14 September 2010.Retrieved2 February2016.
- ^"Raj Comics to launch motion-comics".Bollywood.com News.Retrieved2 February2016.
- ^Pratap, Rashmi (25 April 2014)."Super-heroic ventures".The Hindu Business Line.Retrieved2 February2016.
- ^Pratap, Rashmi (25 April 2014)."Super-heroic ventures".The Hindu Business Line.Retrieved17 May2017.
- ^"Indian Epics Inspire our Superhero Comics: Manoj Gupta".Center for Soft Power.29 April 2020.Retrieved25 March2022.
- ^"Blast From The Past: Watch Sonu Sood Play 'Nagraj' in This Raj Comics Ad".News18.17 May 2016.Retrieved17 May2017.
- ^Nagraj Concept Trailer | Raj Comics | Indian Comics Superhero,3 November 2017,retrieved21 July2021
- ^Aadamkhor | A Raj Comics Web Film,24 May 2018,retrieved21 July2021
- ^"'Doga depends on Bombay Velvet' says Anurag Kashyap ".19 May 2015.
- ^"In search of the Indian superhero".2 September 2016.
- ^"Why Nagraj, Dhruva, Doga aren't finding space on big screen? (view pics)".Retrieved17 May2017.
- ^"Aadamkhor | A Raj Comics Web Film".YouTube.24 May 2018.
- ^"Ranveer Singh may play Nagraj in film on the comic series produced by Karan Johar".11 December 2019.
- ^"Raj Comics (Hindi हिंदी) - Android Apps on Google Play".play.google.com.Retrieved17 May2017.
- ^"Copyright in Characters- III (Indian Decision)".19 February 2009.
Further reading
edit- Kumar, Amitabh (2008).Raj Comics for the Hard Headed.Sarai.