Balcharit #5 (Dead End) Review : The Mystery Deepens

In an interview Anupam Sinha said The idea of writing Balcharit series came after he wanted to tell the detailed origin story of Dhruva, his journey of becoming the super hero he is. The inspiration came from Krishna’s childhood incidents where he was attacked by demons from time to time, which helped in learning the skills to fight them. Thus Balcharit Series was born. Not much had been explored about his journey or childhood in his earlier comics. We saw some backstory of Jupitor circus in Khooni Khandaan, but that too from Shayam’s perspective. Through Blacharit series he has explored Radha and Dhruva’s past. The series began 2 years ago with Hunters, and is currently the most popular ongoing series. It brings back the flavours and art of the 90s comics. If you love the classic Super Commando Dhruva comics, Blacharit series is not to be missed. Dead end is the fifth installment in the series.

Dhruv is still in the coma inthe hospital, and reliving his childhood memories in his sub concious. In the first half of the comics we explore his days during the Jupiter Circus. We get to learn about his sharp mind and ability to learn things quickly. How he got his education and trainings. He is loved by everyone in the circus and is trained by them with various skills like aerobics, swimming  horse riding and talking to the animals. Mean while he is under continuous attacks by the Hunters but everytime he defeat them with his sharp mind and intelligence. Later he is secretly trained by Anna in kalaripayattu martial art. I absolutely adore the story of child Dhruv. That being said, my favorite part of this section is the spectacular art by Anupam Sinha. Everyone knows how close Dhruva is to Anupam Sinha’s heart, and the passion with which he draws him reflects in the detailed and vivid art.

The biggest shocker in the Balcharit series was that Radha is still alive and the DNA report proved that as well. Dead end explores Radha and Jacob’s past in more details, revealing how they met and started Jupiter Circus. The mystery of who she was before she met Jacob and how is she still alive after the fire in Jupiter Circus, is yet unkown. The mystery of Radha’s past and her connection with the hunters has becoming more and more deep. Dhruva finds out that hunters are after Radha’s camera which he noticed in the memory shots of Jacob and later finds it in an old locker by her name, but before we can find out what’s in the camera he is attacked by another hunter who was following him.

Besides all the flashbacks, in the present also a lot of mysteries are unfolding. Twisty is claiming to be Radha’s daughter and Dhruva’s sister, and Jacob is abducted by a group of attackers imitating as Hunters. Mr Dadwal, Twisty’s guardian is killed by an invisible person, the same invisible person is also stacking Shweta Natasha and Dhruva, after finding out King and Black Cat goes after him. Meanwhile at the Mathh, the Mover, who had earlier saved Dhruva from Vakra, is caught by Vakra but he couldn’t remove his mask due to vacuum lock and his identity is not yet revealed. Another unknown person covered with leaves who was observing and helping, is attacked by Hakeem Ji. In their fight the unknown person gets an edge and when he is about the attack the Hakeem Ji, Radha saves him! The comics is ended at the cliffhanger.

Artwork throughout the Balcharit Series has been superb and Dead End is no exception. The detailed penciling, sharp inking and vivid colors makes the pages come alive. The artworks in transitions of panels telling the flashback story works really well. After all these years Anupam Sinha and his long term collaborator Vinod Kumar draws Dhruva with the same energy and passions. The colors and lettering by Sunil Dasturiya and Mandar Gangele is great making the comics and story visually appealing.

In conclusion , Dead End is a worthy installment to the series, it has equal dose of mystery, action and emotions. the comics has been ended at a cliffhanger leaving the readers wandering with many questions. Who is/was Radha? How is she still alive? Why is she helping the Hakeem? Who is Mover? Who is the invisible person? Who is the person covered in leaves? What’s in the Radha’s camera that Hunters are after it? Now, the mystery has deepened but unfortunately we have to wait for few months before the final and conclusive part END GAME comes out in 2018.