Nagraj

Nagraj (नागराज in Hindi) ("Snake-King") is a fictional superhero appearing in Indian comic books published by Raj Comics[1] created in the late 1980s by Rajkumar Gupta and his sons Manoj Gupta, Sanjay Gupta, and Manish Gupta.[2] Nagraj first appeared in the comics Nagraj GENL #14 which was written by Parshuram Sharma and illustrated by Pratap Mullick.

Nagraj
Publication information
PublisherRaj Comics
First appearanceNagraj GENL #14 (release date 1 April 1986)
Created byRajkumar Gupta
Manoj Gupta
Sanjay Gupta
Manish Gupta
In-story information
Alter egoEarlier
Mr. Raj Public Relation Officer of Bharti Communications
Now
Mr. Nagraj Shah CEO Snake Eyes Securities
Team affiliationsBrahmand Rakshak (Protectors of Universe), Panchnag, Sheetnag, Neernag
Notable aliasesSnakeman, Greenman, Green Death, Venomous Gunpowder, Nag-Samrat
Abilities
  • Superhuman strengths
  • Superhuman stamina
  • Divine powers
  • flight
  • Infrared vision
  • Energy absorption
  • Energy manipulation
  • Super regenerative healing factor
  • Sixth sense
  • Infrared sensing
  • Expert martial artist
  • Unique hypnotism
  • Compound powers
  • phenomenal will powers
  • invisibility
  • Poison bite
  • Snake spit
  • Venomous breath
  • Skin shedding
  • Millions of microscopic shape shifting snakes in his body
  • Shape shifting
  • Size shifting
  • Telepathy

After that Sanjay Ashtpure, Pratap Mullick, Chandu, Milind Misal and Vitthal Kamble alternately illustrated the character for 44 issues, ending in 1995 with Visarpi Ki Shadi.[3][4][5][6]

Nagraj is believed to have been inspired by the mythological Ichchhadhari Nag (shapeshifting snakes) and historical Vishmanushya (venomous human)[7]. His stories create a rich blend of mythology, fantasy, magic, and science fiction. Many of Nagraj's fans believe that, over time, Nagraj's comics have developed snake mythology of its own, which is unique to the popular Indian beliefs about snakes that are prevalent among the masses.

In the middle of the nineties Anupam Sinha (who was already running the mega-successful Dhruv series) took over the helms of Nagraj as well. Anupam Sinha’s expansive narration couldn’t completely fit in a single comic, so he used multi-comic stories to layer and enrich his tales. The Khajana arc by Anupam Sinha set up the backstory beautifully, and discredited Nagmani many years after the comics began. He also led to increase in frequency of Two-in-One comics, which combined Nagraj and Dhruv and started happening once in a year.[8] Nagraj has changed a lot in his 25 years in print, both in terms of looks as well as powers and abilities. With time many new artists such as Lalit Sharma and Hemant Kumar have done illustration of Nagraj.

Fictional character biography

In ancient times, there existed a kingdom known as Takshaknagar, ruled by King Takshakraj and Queen Lalita[9] who had no children. The absence of a prince or princess made Nagpasha, the younger brother of the King Takshakraj the only potential heir to the throne.

One day when the queen was going to pray to Deva Kaljayi, Nagpasha replaced the curtained plate of her offerings to the god with one containing a dead mongoose. The Snake God got angry and knocked her unconscious with his venomous breath. When the child was born, everyone believed him dead because his whole body was blue and showed no signs of life.

As per Hindu rituals, the newborn baby was thrown into the river. Meanwhile, the snake deity Deva Kaljayi appeared in the dreams of King Maniraj and his wife Queen Manika, rulers of ageless Ichchhadhaari nags, living secretly on an invisible island in the Indian Ocean called Nagdweep. He told them the location of the baby and asked them to cure him. Many years passed and the treatment started showing results and, although still in the suspended animation, the colour of the baby had gradually changed to green.

Later Vishandhar, an evil Tantrik placed him back into the same bushes in the river where he was found. A priest of the nearby temple located him and gave him to Professor Nagmani, who was wandering in the nearby forest searching for snakes. The child had extraordinary healing powers and was extremely venomous. He raised the baby, who became Nagraj.

In his debut issue, Nagraj was unleashed as an international terror weapon by the evil scientist Professor Nagmani. Nagraj[10], in this first mission, was tasked with stealing a golden statue of a Goddess from a temple that was protected by tribal devotees, snakes, and by a mysterious 300-year-old Sadhu named Baba Gorakhnath. Nagraj succeeded in his task, but upon confrontation with Gorakhnath and his mystic black mongoose shikangi, was defeated. Gorakhnath read his mind and discovered that Professor Nagmani had implanted a mind-control device in the form of a capsule in Nagraj's head, to keep him under his control. Gorakhnath operated and removed the capsule from Nagraj's head, setting Nagraj free of Professor Nagmani's control[11]. Nagraj then became Baba Goraknath's disciple and vowed to eliminate crime and terror from the Earth[12]. Since then, Nagraj has toured the world and defeated many villains and terrorists such as Bulldog, Gangster William, Seaman, General Tamta, Shankar Shahnshah.

Nagraj lives as Raj (After Nagraj Ke Baad, he is under the disguise of Nagraj Shah) in a fictional Metropolitan City Mahanagar as an employee of a TV channel that he owns secretly.[13]

Nagraj Parallel Series

These days Raj Comics have published three parallel series of Nagraj, where each Nagraj is involved in a different universe. There are the following three parallel Nagraj series:

  1. Nagraj – The original ongoing series of Nagraj, which is being illustrated and written by Anupam Sinha. This version of Nagraj is now called as Vishwarakshak Nagraj (विश्वरक्षक नागराज).
  2. Aatankharta Nagraj (आतंकहर्ता नागराज) – This Nagraj appears in the World Terrorism series. This version of Nagraj was introduced with the comics 'Hari Maut' SPCL #2281 which was released on 5 September 2007. This is another timeline of Nagraj which separated from Vishwarakshak Nagraj after the comics 'Visarpi Ki Shadi' SPCL #42. In this timeline, Nagraj does not move to Mahanagar but continues on the mission to eliminate world terrorism. This series, until now, has not portrayed villains with supernatural powers, but are more like gangsters or dons of different countries/cities. It is illustrated by Mr. Hemant and written by Nitin Mishra.
  3. Narak Nashak Nagraj (नरकनाशक नागराज) – This Nagraj is a bit different from the original Nagraj in appearance. He was introduced in the comics 'Hallabol' SPCL #2396. He wears a jacket and a trouser and has longer hair. He also possesses different powers (Sheetika, Takshika, and Agnika) than the original Nagraj. He also rides on a flying snake named Sarpat. Until now, the series has shown him fighting vampires, demons, zombies, etc. It was illustrated by Hemant and written by Nitin Mishra.


Nagraj currently has 3 ongoing comic series in 2 timelines and 1 dimension


Powers and abilities

Ever since Writer & Artist Anupam Sinha took over the character of Nagraj, his powers and abilities have evolved a great deal making him powerful enough to counter any character of the comic universe. Nagraj is arguably the most powerful superhero in the Raj Comics Universe and is among the most powerful Icchadhari Naagas of his time. Time and again, he has even shown the potential of challenging the Supreme Snake-Gods like Sheshnaag, Vasuki, Takshak, Kaaljayi, and has defeated the likes of Kaaldoot, Trifana, Mahavyaal and Sheetnaag Kumar, who are ranked among the mightiest snakes in their species.

  • Microscopic snakes: Nagraj uses them variably as ropes, ladders, parachutes, shields, boats, spies and messengers. Most notable among them is Naganand, at a time considered right-hand man of Nagraj, he left Nagraj's body to look after the people of Nagdweep at Nagraj's order after he upgraded to become an ichchhadhaari nag. Some of the notable snakes possessed by Nagraj are Jagmag sarp, Naav-sarp, Nagfani sarp, Ichchhadhaari-naags, Dhwansak sarp, Tishk sarp
  • Ichchhadhaari nags. It is quite notable that some of them possess such great powers which rival Nagraj's own, but they all hold great respect for Nagraj. While some of them live in his body just cause they have no better place to live, others live willingly to learn something from Nagraj's way of life. Most notable names among them are :
    • Saudaangi : She is the member of an Egyptian clan of snakes which fights against the evil mummy of pharaoh Tutankhemun. Like Nagfani snakes she too has spikes on her body when she is in her snake form, she also has a limited knowledge of Tantra.
    • Sheetnag kumar : He belongs to a clan of ichchhadhari nags living on the Himayalas. He can create and manipulate ice at his will giving it different forms like spears and arrows. Sheetnag-kumar also regulates Nagraj's body temperature making him immune to normal fire when he is inside his body and also giving him protection against severe cold; one of Nagraj's greatest weakness which makes him drowzy pushing him towards hibernation . Sheetnag-kumar's Fang can absorb many attacks and revert them back towards the enemy. He can also freeze all the liquids inside one's body paralysing him.
    • Naagu : Naagu is the most cheerful and comical among Nagraj's snakes. His acts are such that at times it becomes difficult to judge whether he is a jester or a helper. He belongs to a family of Ichchhadhaari naags living near Mahanagar.
  • Venom: Nagraj's venom is the most powerful venom of the world[14], so much so that direct contact with it results in instant death and melting of body. He gained his venom through the blessings of snake deity Deva Kaaljayi, who himself was blessed by Lord Shiva. It is explained that Lord Shiva who holds the strongest venom of the universe synthesised during Samudra-Manthan, gave a minor portion of it to Deva Kaljayi who holds a dilute form of it and Nagraj holds an even more dilute form of it. The different ways in which Nagraj uses his venom also results in various powers he is said to possess. Like : Vish-funkar Nagraj uses his breath to force out his venom in vapour form, depending upon its concentration the vish-funkar can cause a variety of damages to his enemies. Its effects include temporary blindness, drowzyness, black outs, deaths and for once it even caused fire.
  • Ichchhadhaari Shakti: Nagraj even when limited on power has been seen successfully switching between his real and snake form. He can use this power to divide his body into particles and rejoin them within 3 seconds making him invisible and intangible temporarily.
  • Hypnotism: Nagraj has a unique hypnotic effect, formerly considered a separate power, this power was later explained as an application of his ichchhadhaari shakti. Utilizing this power Nagraj can cast a hypnotic reality upon his surroundings using his eyes.[1] Breaking this hypnotic fate is extremely difficult and going against it is impossible. Nagraj and his snakes can cast normal hypnotism too.
  • Body-fusions: Nagraj at times has used this power to fuse with his allies to bring down a powerful enemy. He can perform two types of fusions :
    • Multi-membered imperfect fusion: In this type of fusion many people can join together to form a single body having many heads and hands. Every individual retains his or her own identity and set of powers. Nagraj used it for the first time fusing with the legendary five in order to fight against a creature created by Nagina.
    • Two-membered perfect fusion: In this type of fusion Nagraj can join together with a single person to form a whole new identity. The new identity has new set of powers born from the combination of the participants' sets of powers. Nagraj displayed this power for the first time fusing with Lava to become Agni-Nagraj (Fire-Nagraj). The newborn identity could release 'burning snakes' and could breathe 'venomous fire'.
  • Psychic powers: In addition to his ability to communicate with snakes, Nagraj contacted Super Commando Dhruva telepathically when he was trapped in a parallel dimension containing evil souls.

Known relatives and close friends

Nagraj, along with his deeds, has earned a large amount of friends, many of whom appeared just once, but some that appeared more often, and still fewer that became permanent figures in Nagraj's stories. Here is a list of some very well known characters in his comics :

  • King Takshakraj : father (deceased)
  • Queen Lalita : mother (deceased)
  • Baba Gorakhnath : Mentor
  • Mahatma Kaaldoot : Mentor
  • Dada Vedacharya : Mentor
  • Deva Kaaljayi : Snake Deity
  • Nagpasha : Uncle (Arch enemy)
  • Bharti/Faceless : Friend, business partner. She is in one-sided love with Nagraj. She fights with the identity of Faceless.
  • Visarpi : Queen of Nagdweep, love interest of Nagraj.
  • Nagrani : Mother to Nagraj's son Nageesh in a parallel dimension. She is the female equivalent of Nagraj.
  • Nageesh : Son that lives with mother Nagrani in a parallel dimension
  • Super Commando Dhruva : Best Friend and an ally superhero
  • Saudangi : An Egyptian snake-woman with tantrik powers and thorns on her body that lives in his body. Later on it was known that Saudangi was an Egyptian princess and Nagraj was a soldier in their previous birth.
  • Sheetnag Kumar : Friend that lives in his body, Prince of snow snakes "Sheetnaag".
  • Panch naag : Naagdev, Sarpraj, Naagpreti, Singhnaag and Nagarjuna. They are Ichchhadhari naags (shape shifting snakes) from Naagdweep.
  • Naagu : Friend that lives in his body. Very fond of watching movies.
  • Professor Srikant/Adrishya Hatyara (Invisible killer): With a situationally-driven personality.

Enemies

Innumerable enemies of Nagraj have appeared in Nagraj's comics; many died, but some lived on to appear again. Here is the list of Nagraj's major enemies that are still alive and who can be expected to make a comeback in future issues :

  • Professor Nagmani : Nagraj's so-called creator who brought up Nagraj.
  • Thodanga : A strange African creature. He has a combined body of human, turtle, and rhinoceros.
  • Nagdant : A jealous, comparatively weaker copy of Nagraj made by Professor Nagmani.
  • Tutan Khamen : Ancient Egyptian mummy whose main power-source, his mask, was snatched away by Nagraj.
  • Miss Killer : Beautiful, young, evil scientist from Japan.
  • Nagina : A female tantrik and shape-shifting snake.
  • Vishandhar : A male tantrik and shape-shifting snake.
  • Jaadugar Shakura : An evil sorcerer from an alien planet of immortal wizard dwarfs.
  • Nagpasha : Nagraj's immortal venomous uncle who murdered his parents.
  • Gurudev : Nagpasha's guru, a man good with mechanical science but evil on intentions who wishes to rule the world though Nagpasha.
  • Kentuki : A student of Gurudev, who is a physically powerful snake having the strength of fifty elephants.
  • Polka : A terrorist and scientist who works for Nagpasha.
  • Zulu : An African exorcist and scientist. An expert of Voodoo and Zombies.
  • See-Through : An invisible soul that stole a big share of Nagraj's shape-shifting power, but still wants more.
  • Sapera : A man whose power is Nagraj's weakness, i.e. snake charming music.
  • Karanvashi : A magician who uses hypnotism to enslave people.
  • Vish-Amrit : Duo of Paranatural powers troubling innocents on Earth while playing hide and seek.
  • Khalnayak Nagraj : Evil side of Nagraj's personality which still exists in his unconscious mind.
  • Tantrata : Bharti's nanaji (maternal grandfather) who took over Bharti's brother Agraj's body and wants to rule the world.
  • Garalgant : A famous enemy of Dev kaljai but also become enemy of Nagraj.

Comics list

Vishwarakshak Nagraj (विश्वरक्षक नागराज)

Serial No. Year Issue No. Original Hindi Title English transliteration of comic title Comic Title in English Solo/Two-hero/Multi-hero/other Artist Author Note
1 1986 GENL #14 नागराज Nagraj Nagraj Solo Pratap Mullik Parshuram Sharma Debut issue of Nagraj
2 1986 GENL #19 नागराज की कब्र Nagraj Ki Kabr Grave of Nagraj Solo Sanjay Ashtputre Parshuram Sharma Part 1
3 1986 GENL #26 नागराज का बदला Nagraj Ka Badla Revenge of Nagraj Solo Sanjay Ashtputre Parshuram Sharma Part 2
4 1987 GENL #31 नागराज की होंग कोंग यात्रा Nagraj Ki Hong Kong Yatra Nagraj's Hong Kong Trip Solo Sanjay Ashtputre Parshuram Sharma Part 1
5 1987 GENL #33 नागराज और शांगो Nagraj Aur Shango Nagraj And Shango Solo Sanjay Ashtputre Parshuram Sharma Part 2
6 1987 GENL #39 खूनी खोज Khooni Khoj Bloody Expedition Solo Milind Mullik, Sanjay Ashtputre Sanjay Gupta Part 1
7 1987 GENL #50 खूनी यात्रा Khooni Yatra Bloody Safari Solo Chandu, Vinay M Kumar Sanjay Gupta Part 2
8 1987 GENL #51 नागराज का इन्साफ Nagraj Ka Insaaf Justice Of Nagraj Solo Chandu, Vinay M Kumar Sanjay Gupta Part 3
9 1988 GENL #65 खूनी जंग Khooni Jung Bloody Battle Solo Milind Mullik Raja Part 1
10 1988 GENL #72 प्रलयंकारी नागराज Pralayankari Nagraj Nagraj The Destroyer Solo Milind Mullik, Vinay M Kumar Raja Part 2
11 1989 GENL #81 खूनी कबीला Khooni Kabeela Bloody Tribe Solo Chandu Raja Part 1
12 1989 GENL #85 कोबरा घाटी Cobra Ghati Valley of Cobra Solo Chandu, Vinay M Kumar Raja Part 2
13 1990 GENL #114 बच्चोँ के दुश्मन Bachchon Ke Dushman Enemy of the Kids Solo Chandu, Vinay M Kumar Tarun Kumar Wahi
14 1990 GENL #150 प्रलयंकारी मणि Pralayankari Mani Solo Chandu Tarun Kumar Wahi Part 1
15 1990 GENL #151 शंकर शहंशाह Shankar Shahanshah Solo Chandu Tarun Kumar Wahi Part 2
16 1990 GENL #172 नागराज का दुश्मन Nagraj ka Dushman Solo Chandu Tarun Kumar Wahi Part 1

Introduction of Nagdant

17 1990 GENL #175 इच्छाधारी नागराज Ichchhadhaari Nagraj Solo Chandu Tarun Kumar Wahi Part 2
18 1990 GENL #200 कालदूत Kaldoot Messenger of Death Solo Chandu Raja Introduction of Kaldoot
19 1990 GENL #220 जादूगर शाकूरा Jadugar Shakura Magician Shakura Solo Chandu Raja Introduction of Jadugar Shakoora
20 1990 GENL #234 बौना शैतान Bauna Shaitan Solo Chandu Raja Part 1
21 1990 GENL #240 ताजमहल की चोरी Tajmahal Ki Chori Solo Chandu Raja Part 2

Introdcution of Thodanga and Miss Killer

22 1990 GENL #250 लाल मौत Lal Maut Red Death Solo Chandu Tarun Kumar Wahi
23 1990 GENL #270 काबुकी का खजाना Kabuki Ka Khajana The Treasure of Kabuki Solo Chandu Sanjay Gupta Part 1
24 1990 GENL #280 थोडांगा Thodanga Thodanga Solo Mullik Studio Sanjay Gupta Part 2
25 1990 GENL #295 तूफ़ान-जू Toofan-Ju Toofan-Ju Solo Mullik Studio Sanjay Gupta, Tarun Kumar Wahi
26 1991 GENL #320 जादू का शहंशाह Jadu Ka Shahanshah Solo Pratap Mullik Tarun Kumar Wahi
27 1991 SPCL #1 नागराज और सुपर कमांडो ध्रुव Nagraj aur Super Commando Dhruva Nagraj and Super Commando Dhruva Two-hero: Dhruva & Nagraj

Guest Appearances: Parmanu, Vinashdoot & Gagan

Chandu Sanjay Gupta First special issue published by Raj Comics. It brought Nagraj and Dhruva together for the first time[15]
28 1991 SPCL #5 नगीना का जाल Nagina Ka Jaal Nagina's Trap Solo Pratap Mullik Sanjay Gupta
29 1992 SPCL #8 बुगाकू Bugaaku Bugaaku Two-hero: Dhruva & Nagraj Pratap Mullik Sanjay Gupta
30 1992 GENL #350 अजगर का तूफ़ान Ajgar Ka Toofan Solo Chandu Tarun Kumar Wahi
31 1992 GENL #375 बकोरा का जादू Bakora Ka Jadu The Magic of Bakora Solo Pratap Mullik Tarun Kumar Wahi
32 1993 GENL #390 पिरामिडोँ की रानी Pyramidon ki Rani Queen of Pyramids Solo Chandu Tarun Kumar Wahi
33 1993 GENL #420 मिस्टर 420 Mister 420 Mister 420 Solo Chandu Sanjay Gupta
34 1993 GENL #444 थोडांगा की मौत Thodanga Ki Maut Thodanga's Death Solo Chandu, Vitthal Kamble Raja
35 1993 GENL #470 बेम बेम बिगेलो Bem Bem Bigelo Bem Bem Bigelo Solo Pratap Mullik Tarun Kumar Wahi Nagraj's last solo general issue
36 1993 SPCL #16 फिर आया नागदंत Fir Aya Nagdant Solo Chandu Tarun Kumar Wahi
37 1993 SPCL #20 नगीना Nagina Nagina Solo Chandu Tarun Kumar Wahi
38 1993 SPCL #25 मिस किलर Miss Killer Miss Killer Solo Vitthal Kamble Tarun Kumar Wahi
39 1994 SPCL #29 तूतेनतू Tutenatu Tutenatu Solo Milind Misal, Vitthal Kamble Tarun Kumar Wahi
40 1994 SPCL #31 अदृश्य हत्यारा Adrashya Hatyara Invisible Killer Solo Milind Misal, Vitthal Kamble Sanjay Gupta
41 1994 SPCL #35 कांजा Kanja Kanja Solo Milind Misal, Vitthal Kamble Tarun Kumar Wahi
42 1994 SPCL #36 पापराज Paapraj Sin King Solo Milind Misal, Vitthal Kamble Haneef Azhar
43 1995 SPCL #39 विजेता नागराज Vijeta Nagraj Winner Nagraj Solo Milind Misal, Vitthal Kamble Sanjay Gupta
44 1995 SPCL #42 विसर्पी की शादी Visarpi Ki Shadi Visarpi's Wedding Solo Milind Misal, Vitthal Kamble Haneef Azhar Last Nagraj comic before Anupam Sinha.
45 1995 SPCL #46 शाकूरा का चक्रव्यूह Shakura Ka Chakravyuh Solo Anupam Sinha Anupam Sinha, Haneef Azhar First Nagraj comic by Anupam Sinha. Part 1 of a 5 part series.
46 1995 SPCL #49 नागराज का अंत Nagraj Ka Ant End Of Nagraj Solo Anupam Sinha Anupam Sinha, Haneef Azhar Part 2
47 1995 SPCL #54 ज़हर Zahar Poison Solo Anupam Sinha Anupam Sinha, Haneef Azhar Part 3
48 1995 SPCL #57 नागपाशा Nagpasha Nagpasha Solo Anupam Sinha Anupam Sinha, Haneef Azhar Part 4
49 1996 SPCL #60 खजाना Khajana Treasure Solo Anupam Sinha Anupam Sinha, Haneef Azhar Part 5, Concluding part of a 5 part series.
50 1996 SPCL #65 क्राइम किंग Crime King Crime King Solo Anupam Sinha Anupam Sinha First Nagraj comic with complete story and art by Anupam Sinha
51 1996 SPCL #67 राजनगर की तबाही Rajnagar Ki Tabahi The Doom Of Rajnagar Two hero: Dhruva & Nagraj Anupam Sinha Anupam Sinha
52 1996 SPCL #71 विषकञ्या Vishkanya Femme Fatale Solo Anupam Sinha Anupam Sinha, Tarun Kumar Wahi
53 1996 SPCL #75 स्नेक पार्क Snake Park Snake Park Solo Anupam Sinha Anupam Sinha
54 1997 SPCL #81 इच्छाधारी Ichchhadhari The Shape Changer Solo Anupam Sinha Anupam Sinha
55 1997 SPCL #88 केँचुली Kenchuli Solo Anupam Sinha Anupam Sinha
56 1997 SPCL #90 प्रलय Pralay Doom's Day Two hero: Dhruva & Nagraj Anupam Sinha Anupam Sinha
57 1997 SPCL #93 विनाश Vinaash The Catastrophe Two hero: Dhruva & Nagraj Anupam Sinha Anupam Sinha
58 1997 SPCL #102 ज़हरीले Zahareele Poisonous Solo Anupam Sinha Anupam Sinha
59 1998 SPCL #106 बांबी Bambi Two hero: Nagraj & Shakti Anupam Sinha Anupam Sinha
60 1998 SPCL #110 तानाशाह Tanashah Dictator Two hero: Dhruva & Nagraj Anupam Sinha Anupam Sinha
61 1998 SPCL #113 सूरमा Soorma Two hero: Nagraj & Parmanu Anupam Sinha Anupam Sinha
62 1998 SPCL #120 सपेरा Sapera Solo Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha First Nagraj comic authored by Anupam Sinha's wife Jolly Sinha.
63 1999 SPCL #125 फ़न Fan Hood Solo Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha
64 1999 SPCL #129 नागिन Nagin Solo Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha
65 1999 SPCL #137 कलियुग Kaliyug Kaliyug Multi-hero: Dhruva, Nagraj & Shakti Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha
66 1999 SPCL #142 विष अमृत Vish Amrit Solo Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha
67 1999 SPCL #155 सम्मोहन Sammohan Hypnotism Solo Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha
68 2000 SPCL #169 राज का राज Raj Ka Raj Raj's Secret Solo Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha
69 2000 SPCL #185 कोहराम Kohraam Furore Multi-hero Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha
70 2000 SPCL #189 क़यामत Qayamat Doomsday Two hero: Nagraj & Parmanu Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha
71 2000 SPCL #202 मृत्यु दंड Mrityu Dand Solo Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha Part 1 of a 4 part series.
72 2000 SPCL #206 नागद्वीप Nagdweep Snake Island Solo Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha Part 2
73 2000 SPCL #211 त्रिफ़ना Trifana Solo Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha Part 3
74 2000 SPCL #213 महायुद्ध Mahayuddh Solo Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha Part 4, concluding part of a 4 part series.
75 2000 SPCL #217 अग्रज Agraj Solo Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha Part 1 of a 3 part series.
76 2000 SPCL #225 नागराज का क़हर Nagraj Ka Qahar Solo Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha Part 2
77 2001 SPCL #231 तांडव Tandav Solo Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha Part 3, concluding part of a 3 part series.
78 2001 SPCL #235 ज़लज़ला Zalzala Jolt Multi-hero Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha
79 2001 SPCL #241 आतंक Aatank Terror Two hero: Dhruva & Nagraj Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha First part of a two-part story
80 2001 SPCL #246 दुश्मन नागराज Dushman Nagraj The Enemy Nagraj Two hero: Dhruva & Nagraj Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha Concluding part of the two-part story
81 2001 SPCL #253 शक्तिहीन नागराज Shaktiheen Nagraj Solo Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha
82 2001 SPCL #264 नहीँ बचेगा नागराज Nahin Bachega Nagraj Solo Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha
83 2001 SPCL #271 संग्राम Sangraam War Two-hero: Dhruva & Nagraj Anupam Sinha Anupam Sinha
84 2001 SPCL #279 कालचक्र Kalchakra Solo Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha Part 1
85 2002 SPCL #293 कुंडली Kundli Solo Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha Part 2
86 2002 SPCL #304 विध्वंस Vidhwans Demolition Multistarrer Anupam Sinha Anupam Sinha
87 2002 SPCL #315 परकाले Parkaale Bringer of Death Two-hero: Dhruva & Nagraj Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha
88 2002 SPCL #323 एलान-ए-जंग Elaan-E-Jung Solo Anupam Sinha Anupam Sinha Part 3
89 2002 SPCL #337 काली मौत Kali Maut Black Death Solo Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha Part 4
90 2002 SPCL #344 संहार Sanhaar Slaughter Two-hero: Dhruva & Nagraj Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha
91 2002 SPCL #351 नागराज अमेरिका मेँ Nagraj America Main Nagraj In America Solo Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha Part 5
92 2003 SPCL #365 आतंकवादी नागराज Atankwadi Nagraj Terrorist Nagraj Solo Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha Part 6, concluding part of a 6 part series.
93 2003 SPCL #385 ड्रैकुला Dracula Dracula Solo Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha Dracula Series- Part 2, Dracula Series- Part 1 was a Super Commando Dhruv book Dracula Ka Hamla.
94 2003 SPCL #400 ड्रैकुला का अंत Dracula Ka Anth The End Of Dracula Two-Hero: Dhruva & Nagraj Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha Dracula Series- Part 3
95 2003 SPCL #420 कोलाहल Kolahal Cacophony Multistarrer Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha Dracula Series - The Concluding Part
96 2003 SPCL #435 नागराज Vishheen Nagraj Solo Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha
97 2004 SPCL #460 इच्छाधारी चोर Ichchhadhari Chor Solo Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha
98 2004 SPCL #490 खलनायक नागराज Khalnayak Nagraj Solo Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha
99 2004 SPCL #500 सम्राट Samraat Emperor Two Hero: Dhruva & Nagraj Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha First part of a two-part story
100 2004 SPCL #515 सौडांगी Soudangi Soudangi Two Hero: Dhruva & Nagraj Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha Concluding part of the two-part story. Cover also features other Raj Comics superheroes, but they are not seen in the issue.
101 2004 SPCL #520 रक्षक नागराज Rakshak Nagraj Solo Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha
102 2004 SPCL #525 सर्वशक्तिमान Sarv Shaktimaan Invincible Multistarrer Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha
103 2004 SPCL #545 लावा Lava Lava Solo Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha Part 1
104 2005 SPCL #555 विनाशलीला Vinashleela Solo Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha Part 2
105 2005 SPCL #565 पागल नागराज Pagal Nagraj Solo Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha Part 1
106 2005 SPCL #580 मसीहा Masiha Solo Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha Part 2
107 2005 SPCL #585 चक्र Chakra Cycle Multistarrer Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha Has photographs of all credited people.
108 2005 SPCL #600 मैड्यूसा Medusa Medusa Multistarrer Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha
109 2005 SPCL #620 छोटा नागराज Chota Nagraj Solo Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha
110 2005 SPCL #635 सो जा नागराज So Ja Nagraj Solo Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha
111 2006 SPCL #650 शेषनाग Sheshnag Solo Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha
112 2006 SPCL #660 भानुमति का पिटारा Bhanumati Ka Pitara Solo Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha
113 2006 SPCL #670 नागाधीश Nagadheesh The Snake Judge Two Hero: Dhruva & Nagraj Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha
114 2006 SPCL #680 वर्तमान Vartmaan Present Two Hero: Dhruva & Nagraj Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha
115 2006 SPCL #700 फ्लेमिना Flemina Flemina Multistarrer Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha
116 2007 SPCL #2240 फ़ुंकार Funkaar Solo Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha In late 2006, the publishing company decided to combine the serial numbers of all its General(GENL) and Special(SPCL) issues, as a result of which the serial number of the titles jumped from close to 700 to above 2,000.
139 2009 SPCL #2385 नागराज के बाद Nagraj Ke Bad Solo Anupam Sinha Anupam Sinha, Jolly Sinha Part 1
140 2009 SPCL #2393 फ़्यूल Fuel Fuel Solo Anupam Sinha Anupam Sinha Part 2
141 2009 SPCL #2395 वीनॉम Venom Venom Solo Anupam Sinha Anupam Sinha Part 3, concluding part of a 3 part series.
154 2011 SPCL #2455 नागराज है ना Nagraj Hai Na Solo Anupam Sinha Anupam Sinha, Jolly Sinha Part 1
155 2011 SPCL #2460 क्योँ है नागराज Kyon Hai Nagraj Solo Anupam Sinha Anupam Sinha, Jolly Sinha Part 2, concluding part of a 2 part series.
158 2011 SPCL #2475 आदम Adam Solo Anupam Sinha Anupam Sinha, Jolly Sinha
161 2012 SPCL #2490 काल कराल Kaal Karaal Solo Anupam Sinha Jolly Sinha
166 2014 SPCL #2555 ड्रैगन किंग Dragon King Solo Anupam Sinha Anupam Sinha Vishwa Rakshak Series.
167 TBP Sheelbhang

World Terrorism Series (आतंकहर्ता नागराज )[16]

A new series named "Aatankharta Nagraj" or "Nagraj-World Terrorism Series" is being published parallel to the "Nagayana" series. In this series, Nagraj is travelling around the world to fight and eliminate terrorism.[17] "World Terrorism Series" is being written by Mr. Nitin Mishra.

Serial No. Issue No. Comic Title Artist Author
1 SPCL #2281 Hari Maut Lalit Sanjay Gupta, Tarun Kumar Wahi
2 SPCL #2255 Zehreela Barood Lalit Sanjay Gupta, Tarun Kumar Wahi
3 SPCL #2295 Mamber Lalit Kumar Sharma Sanjay Gupta, Tarun Kumar Wahi
4 SPCL #2300 Numero Uno Lalit Kumar Sharma Sanjay Gupta, Tarun Kumar Wahi
5 SPCL #2305 Operation Surgery Lalit Kumar Sharma Sanjay Gupta, Tarun Kumar Wahi
6 SPCL #2315 Mission Critical Lalit Kumar Sharma Sanjay Gupta, Tarun Kumar Wahi
7 SPCL #2320 Teen Sikke Lalit Sharma Sanjay Gupta, Tarun Kumar Wahi
8 SPCL #2325 Jung Maut Tak Lalit Sharma Sanjay Gupta, Tarun Kumar Wahi
9 SPCL #2350 Under Arrest Lalit Sharma Sanjay Gupta, Tarun Kumar Wahi
10 SPCL #2360 Omerta Hemant Sanjay Gupta, Tarun Kumar Wahi
11 SPCL #2365 Ankh Micholi Hemant Sanjay Gupta, Tarun Kumar Wahi
12 SPCL #2370 Paanchva Shikaar Hemant Sanjay Gupta, Tarun Kumar Wahi
13 SPCL #2375 26/11 Hemant Sanjay Gupta, Tarun Kumar Wahi
14 SPCL #2400 Ronin Hemant Sanjay Gupta, Tarun Kumar Wahi
15 SPCL #2405 Kamikaze Hemant Sanjay Gupta, Tarun Kumar Wahi
16 SPCL #2410 Tomo Hemant Sanjay Gupta, Tarun Kumar Wahi
17 SPCL #2415 Shikata Ga Nai Hemant Sanjay Gupta, Tarun Kumar Wahi
18 SPCL #2452 I-SPY Hemant Nitin Mishra
19 SPCL #2480 Order of Babel Hemant Nitin Mishra
20 SPCL #2485 New World Order Hemant Nitin Mishra
21 SPCL #2518 World War Hemant Kumar Nitin Mishra
22 SPCL #2524 Veergati Hemant Kumar Nitin Mishra
23 SPCL #2587 Kshatipurti Hemant Kumar Nitin Mishra
24 SPCL #2610 Maut Ka Bazigar Hemant Kumar Nitin Mishra
25 SPCL #2634 Vishparast Hemant Kumar Nitin Mishra
26 TBP Vishharta

Narak Nashak Nagraj (नरकनाशक नागराज)[18]

Serial No. Issue No. Comic Title Artist Author
1 SPCL #2396 HallaBol Studio Image Sanjay Gupta, Tarun Kumar Wahi, Vivek Mohan
2 SPCL #2425 Abhishapt Hemant Sanjay Gupta, Tarun Kumar Wahi
3 SPCL #2450 Adamkhor Hemant Sanjay Gupta, Tarun Kumar Wahi, Mandaar Gangale
4 SPCL #2464 Infected Hemant Nitin Mishra
5 SPCL #2470 Mrityujivi Hemant Nitin Mishra
6 SPCL #2500 Maqbara Hemant Kumar Nitin Mishra
7 SPCL #2515 Takshak Hemant Kumar Nitin Mishra
8 SPCL #2534 Narak Nashak Hemant Kumar Nitin Mishra
9 SPCL #2543 Narak Niyati Hemant Kumar Nitin Mishra
10 SPCL #2554 Narak Dansh Hemant Kumar Nitin Mishra
11 SPCL #2578 Narak Ahuti Hemant Kumar Nitin Mishra

Amazing friends of Nagraj

Serial No. Issue No. Comic Title Series Artist Author
1 SPCL #2381 Adhura Prem Shooldharini Saudangi Ved Prakash Khantwal Vivek Mohan
2 SPCL #2382 Milan Yamini Amar yoddha Kaldoot Hemant Vivek Mohan
3 SPCL #2383 Nagjyoyi Nag virangana Visarpi Sushant Panda Vivek Mohan
4 SPCL #2384 Panchnag Durdamya sena Panchnag Moin Khan Vivek Mohan
5 SPCL #2426 Ambreesh Nag virangana Visarpi Narayan Vivek Mohan
6 SPCL #2427 Fairo Shooldharini Saudangi Sushant Panda Vivek Mohan
7 SPCL #2428 Vishya Amar yoddha Kaldoot Narayan Vivek Mohan
8 SPCL #2429 Pratishodh Durdamya sena Panchnag Narayan Vivek Mohan
9 SPCL #2431 Kobraak Nag virangana Visarpi Narayan Vivek Mohan
10 SPCL #2432 Shrap Shooldharini Saudangi Narayan Vivek Mohan
11 SPCL #2433 Param Vishya Amar yoddha Kaldoot Dildeep Singh Vivek Mohan
12 SPCL #2434 Parajay Durdamya sena Panchnag Hemant Vivek Mohan
13 SPCL #2436 Pagal Nagin Nag virangana Visarpi Jung Bahadur Vivek Mohan
14 SPCL #2437 Dev Kanya Shooldharini Saudangi Dildeep Singh Vivek Mohan
15 SPCL #2438 Kaal Sarp Amar yoddha Kaldoot Dildeep Singh Vivek Mohan
16 SPCL #2439 Ranneeti Durdamya sena Panchnag Jung Bahdur Vivek Mohan
17 SPCL #2458 Yugal Srishti Amar yoddha Kaldoot Siddharth Panwar Vivek Mohan

Nagayana

It was first intended to be a four-part mini-series, but later, the series was extended to include more issues. It's a story based on a hypothetical future world casting Nagraj and Super Commando Dhruva 25 years into the future. Largely based on Hindu epic Ramayana, the story narrowly follows the same storyline as of the epic, but with Raj Comics characters filling in the places of original characters. The reason for the extension of the mini-series was to tell various sub-plots and the series was finally declared to be an eight-part series. The last part is Iti Kaand, which is a 128-page issue released on 10 March 2009. The new series is as follows:

Issue No. Comic Title
1 Varan Kaand
2 Grahan Kaand
3 Haran Kaand
4 Sharan Kaand
5 Dahan Kaand
6 Rann Kaand
7 Samar Kaand
8 Iti Kaand
9 Upsanhaar

Sarvanayak Series[19]

One of the most ambitious series by Raj Comics which is trying to bring almost all the characters by Raj Comics in a single narrative.

Serial No. Issue No. Comic Title Artist Author
0 SPCL #2528 Yugandhar Lalit Singh, Nitin Mishra Nitin Mishra, Tarun Kumar Wahi
1 SPCL #2535 Sarvyugam Dheeraj Verma Nitin Mishra
2 SPCL #2551 Sarvdaman Dheeraj Verma Nitin Mishra
3 SPCL #2559 Sarvsangram Sushant Panda Nitin Mishra
4 SPCL #2576 Sarvsanhaar Sushant Panda, Nitin Mishra Nitin Mishra
5 SPCL #2584 Sarvmanthan Sushant Panda, Anupam Sinha, Hemant Kumar Nitin Mishra
6 SPCL #2595 Sarvsandhi Sushant Panda, Hemant Kumar Nitin Mishra
7 SPCL #2605 Sarvkranti Sushant Panda, Hemant Kumar Nitin Mishra
8 SPCL #2615 Sarvshakti Sushant Panda, Hemant Kumar Nitin Mishra
9 SPCL #2621 Sarvagaman Hemant Kumar Nitin Mishra
10 SPCL #2624 Sarvvyooh Hemant Kumar Nitin Mishra
11 SPCL #2627 Sarvpralay Hemant Kumar Nitin Mishra
12 To Be Published Sarvran

Sarvanayak series is complemented by another ongoing series 'Sarvnayak Vistar' which also features Vishwaralshak Nagraj. The comics in Sarvanayak Vistar series are as follows -

Serial No. Issue No. Comic Title Artist Author
1 SPCL #2585 Maut ka Marathon Hemant Kumar Anurag Kumar Singh
2 SPCL #2597 Vishputron ka Agaman Hemant Kumar Anurag Kumar Singh
3 SPCL #2606 Vishksetra Sanrakshanam Hemant Kumar Anurag Kumar Singh
4 SPCL #2614 Swarnnagri ki Tabahi Hemant Kumar Nitin Mishra
5 TBP Prakoshth Ke Kaidi

Special Comics

A free special comics of Nagraj under the title ' Nagraj Strikes: The Attack of Coronaman' with serial no. #Covid-19 was launched on Facebook page to raise awareness about the ongoing pandemic of Covid-19[20][21][22]. The comics had art by Aswin Amarnath R and story by Manoj Gupta and Ayush Gupta[23].

Alternate media

Numerous attempts have been made by Raj Comics to expand Nagraj into other media. However most attempts have been unfruitful. In the late 1990s, Raj Comics tried adapting Nagraj into a live-action television show in India. A few episodes were shot. However, the show never made it to the television screen. The reason cited was the poor quality of the special effects. Raj Comics was not satisfied with the quality of the show. The production of more episodes was placed on indefinite hiatus. The three episodes that were made are available on CDs, which were distributed freely as an attachment to digest-sized comic editions. (Khalnayak Nagraj, Samraat, and Saudangi).

Nagraj was also set to feature in a proposed animated television series. Once again the show never made it to the television screen. An episodic series was in works, and a teaser was uploaded on YouTube featuring Nagraj and his arch enemy Jadugar Shakoora. However, since then there has been no news about the series. It is assumed that production has stopped because the production company Rtoonz's website has since disappeared.

In November 2007, an agreement was signed between Motion Picture Corporation and Raj Comics to produce a high quality 2D Movie featuring Nagraj.

It was, however, reported in 2019, that Indian actor Ranveer Singh could play Nagraj, in a film produced by Karan Johar[24][25]. Raj Comics president Manoj Gupta also expressed his happiness on the same.[26]

In February 2020 Bhojpuri star Yash announced on his birthday that he will make movie on issue no.71 Nagraj Aur vishkanya Starring Yash as nagraj while ,Nidhi raj will play Vishkanya as main antagonist. Its first look was shared on web platform gaining positive feedback.

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gollark: Most of them?
gollark: Just use that and swap "potatOS" for "Solaris".

References

  1. "Why Nagraj, Dhruva, Doga aren't finding space on big screen&? (view pics)". India TV News.
  2. Misra, Shubhangi (2 February 2020). "Sorry Shaktimaan, it is Nagraj who was the first superhero of India". ThePrint. Retrieved 5 February 2020.
  3. "In pics: Top comic characters". jagran.com. 25 November 2015.
  4. "Golden childhood memories: Favourite comics of 90's". jagran.com. 11 June 2015.
  5. "Origin of Nagraj in Hindi". eashportsbook.com. 19 November 2018.
  6. Chatterji, Roma (5 December 2019). Graphic Narratives and the Mythological Imagination in India. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-1-000-73697-7.
  7. Ecke, Jochen; Haberkorn, Gideon (10 March 2010). Comics as a Nexus of Cultures: Essays on the Interplay of Media, Disciplines and International Perspectives. McFarland. ISBN 978-0-7864-5587-4.
  8. Srivastav, Vaibhav (6 March 2017). "Introducing : Nagraj!". Men of Comics. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
  9. MENAFN. "India- #ComicBytes: Know about Nagraj, first-ever superhero of Raj Comics". menafn.com. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
  10. Srivastav, Vaibhav (6 March 2017). "Introducing : Nagraj!". Men of Comics. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
  11. Kaur, Raminder; Eqbal, Saif (11 October 2018). Adventure Comics and Youth Cultures in India. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-0-429-78431-6.
  12. Lent, John A. (2001). Illustrating Asia: Comics, Humor Magazines, and Picture Books. University of Hawaii Press. ISBN 978-0-8248-2471-6.
  13. "The Indian Superhero League: A Look at the Desi Avengers". NDTV.com. Retrieved 2 September 2019.
  14. Misra, Shubhangi (2 February 2020). "Sorry Shaktimaan, it is Nagraj who was the first superhero of India". ThePrint. Retrieved 24 March 2020.
  15. Sanjay Gupta. "Nagraj Aur Super Commando Dhruva". comicvine.com: Raj comics. Retrieved 25 June 2012.
  16. "Nagraj: World Terrorism (Volume)". Comic Vine. Retrieved 24 March 2020.
  17. "Nagraj: World Terrorism (Volume)". Comic Vine.
  18. "Narak Nashak Nagraj (Volume)". Comic Vine. Retrieved 24 March 2020.
  19. "Sarvnayak Series Raj Comics". Raj Comics Info. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
  20. "नागराज दे रहा कोरोना से लड़ने का मेसेज". Navbharat Times (in Hindi). Retrieved 17 April 2020.
  21. "Good News for Nagraj Fans, Here's a Free for All Special Coronavirus Pandemic Edition". News18. Retrieved 17 April 2020.
  22. "Attack of CoronaMan: How Nagraj Defeat Corona Virus Covid 19". Raj Comics Info. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
  23. Sreedhar, Nitin (17 April 2020). "Nagraj takes on Coronaman". Livemint. Retrieved 17 April 2020.
  24. months, Jinal Bhatt 3; Week, 1 (12 December 2019). "Ranveer Singh Could Play Indian Comic Book Superhero Nagraj In Film Produced By Karan Johar". Mashable India. Retrieved 25 March 2020.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  25. "Ranveer Singh to play Nagraj? Actor in talks to play comicbook superhero, Karan Johar to produce". The Financial Express. 11 December 2019. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
  26. "Ranveer Singh may play Nagraj in film on the comic series produced by Karan Johar". Hindustan Times. 11 December 2019. Retrieved 24 March 2020.

Further reading

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