Grant Morrison’s 18 Days #13 – The Final Stand of Bheema
📚 Genre:
Mythological Epic, Action, Fantasy, War Drama
👥 Main Characters:
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Bheema – The powerhouse of the Pandava brothers, known for his brute strength and unshakable resolve.
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Bhagadatta – Legendary elephant warrior king and ally of the Kauravas, renowned for his mastery over super-elephants.
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Duryodhana – The power-hungry prince of the Kauravas, orchestrator of war and destruction.
✍️ Writer:
Grant Morrison – Renowned for his cerebral and mythic storytelling, Morrison reimagines the Mahabharata with a sci-fi and superheroic lens.
🎨 Artist:
Mukul Anand Studio – The artwork breathes cinematic life into the battlefield, blending traditional Indian aesthetics with modern fantasy elements.
✂️ Editor:
Sharad Devarajan – Brings visionary editorial direction to balance mythological authenticity with contemporary storytelling.
🏢 Publisher and Brand:
Graphic India – A bold publisher pushing Indian mythology to global audiences through high-octane visual storytelling.
Brand: Grant Morrison's 18 Days Series
📅 Release Year:
2016
📖 Brief Plot Summary:
In this thrilling conclusion to the two-part arc, 18 Days #13 sees the war escalate with Duryodhana summoning Bhagadatta — the formidable commander of a monstrous elephant battalion. The battlefield quakes under the stampede of towering war-beasts, each armored and bred for destruction.
Standing in their path is Bheema, a lone warrior who refuses to retreat. What unfolds is a titanic clash of brute force and unwavering will, as Bheema wages a desperate battle against Bhagadatta and his elite elephant corps. The issue builds to an earth-shattering finale, with valor, bloodshed, and myth colliding in spectacular fashion. 🐘⚔️💥
🔥 Notable Arcs or Storylines:
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“Wrath of the War Elephants” – A two-part storyline that highlights the psychological and physical toll of war, focusing on the strength and endurance of Bheema as he confronts a seemingly invincible enemy.
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“Commanders of Chaos” – Dives deeper into the unique warriors of the Mahabharata, particularly Bhagadatta’s tactical brilliance and his bond with his elephants.
🧠 Fan Theories or Interpretations:
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Some fans interpret Bhagadatta’s use of super-elephants as an allegory for weaponized nature—how even noble beasts become tools of war in the hands of men.
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Bheema’s lone stand is often discussed as symbolic of individual morality resisting overwhelming forces of destruction and ambition.
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There are theories that the battle metaphorically reflects the modern struggles of man vs. machine, where elephants represent primal force manipulated through unnatural control.
🧐 Review Summary:
18 Days #13 delivers a visually explosive and emotionally charged chapter in the mythic war saga. The artwork is both majestic and brutal, capturing the scale of the battle with sweeping panels and intense close-ups. Morrison’s narrative remains grand yet focused, centering on Bheema’s heroic defiance and Bhagadatta’s terrifying presence.
Character depth shines through even amidst the chaos, making readers feel the stakes and spirit of the war. A fitting and thunderous conclusion to the arc — myth reimagined for a new era. 🌟🌟🌟🌟⭐
🔥 A must-read for fans of mythological epics, superhero fantasy, and stories of unbreakable courage!
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
