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Heroes R Us
A SUPERHERO ADVENTURE FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE AMAZON.COM #1 SCI-FI BESTSELLER, ALICE IN DEADLAND SOON TO BE A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE PRODUCED BY THE ANIL KAPOOR FILM COMPANY IN INDIAFirst published in paperback as 'Herogiri' by Random House India, 2010.What happens when fate chooses an ordinary man for an extraordinary mission?Arnab Bannerjee has little excitement in his life other than tracking down missing books as the Assistant Librarian in a small college in Delhi. All that changes one day when he is beaten and left for dead after a robbery. Arnab awakens to discover that he has developed fantastic superhuman powers and he tries to master his new¬found powers and to use them for good. As a hooded superhero he takes to the streets on a one-man crusade against injustice. However he soon realizes that in a society where the only power that matters comes from having money or the right connections, one man, even a superhero, can make little difference.When he embarks on a final, desperate mission, he realizes that to succeed, he has to become a part of the very system he loathes by tapping into a motley set of allies such as the Minister who wants to use his powers to rig elections, the corrupt policeman who shot Arnab for exposing him and the corporate tycoon who wants to sign him up as a brand ambassador!At one level, Heroes R Us seeks to entertain with a delightfully contemporary take on the superhero genre, and at another level it asks the provocative question of whether in the dark and corrupt times we live in, there is any place left for heroes. Slumdog Millionaire meets Spiderman in this exciting novel that will entertain and make you think at the same time.BONUS CONTENT in this The Making of Heroes R Us- the origin of this novel in the author's own words- Free sample of Vimana, the science fiction thriller by Mainak DharPraise for the paperback "Strikes a chord somewhere, chronicling his journey from a nobody into a somebody and this theme for a dream - to dream big, rather - is what makes it endearing. Overall an honest attempt, Dhar tries to weave the superhuman existence with contemporary; Leaves the reader with the feeling that hope floats, after all!"- IBN Live"The plot, thereafter, is engaging, and wholesome Bollywood film material. Herogiri ends on a high note, the action sequence in the stadium is confusing but exciting."- Hindustan Times"A delightful take on the superhero genre."- LiveMint"Excellent balance between super powers and what they leave out, Herogiri also has a surprisingly refreshing take on politics and society. Arnab 'GA' Bannerjee is the unpretentious hero you want by your side.... The most super man ever, this affable, retiring 25-year old is possibly the most likeable of all characters you shall meet this summer."- Financial Express"Here's a delightfully engaging and refreshing take on the superhero genre.... racy good versus evil roller coaster"- Mid Day"Exhilarating!"- Tehelka Magazine
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2011
26 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Mainak Dhar
58 books278 followersAfter finishing his schooling at Modern School, Barakhamba Road and his under-graduation at Hindu College, Delhi, Mainak Dhar graduated from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad. He has spent two decades in the corporate sector — starting with Procter & Gamble in India. He spent eighteen years with P&G, fifteen of them outside India across the Asia Pacific region. In 2014, he moved back to India as the CEO of the India operations of a major consumer products multinational.
A self-described cubicle dweller by day and writer by night, Mainak is also the author of over a dozen books, some of which have been bestsellers in India and abroad. These books have been translated into Turkish, Vietnamese, Japanese, French, German and Portuguese. He lives in Mumbai with his wife, Puja, and their son, Aaditya. When not at work or with his family, he can usually be found working on, or thinking about his next book. Learn more about him and contact him at www.facebook.com/AuthorMainakDhar.
A self-described cubicle dweller by day and writer by night, Mainak is also the author of over a dozen books, some of which have been bestsellers in India and abroad. These books have been translated into Turkish, Vietnamese, Japanese, French, German and Portuguese. He lives in Mumbai with his wife, Puja, and their son, Aaditya. When not at work or with his family, he can usually be found working on, or thinking about his next book. Learn more about him and contact him at www.facebook.com/AuthorMainakDhar.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 4, 2022
Superhero
I loved this. I laughed and I cried. The story gets progressively darker but like all great superhero stories in the darkest moments there remains hope. It becomes bittersweet but worth every second spent reading.
I loved this. I laughed and I cried. The story gets progressively darker but like all great superhero stories in the darkest moments there remains hope. It becomes bittersweet but worth every second spent reading.
November 8, 2013
“Heros R Us” published in India under the title Herogiri may not be "The Catcher in the Rye" of superhero novels, but it is marvelously entertaining, funny, thrilling and, in the end - in a perfect ending, in fact - thought provoking.
"Wait a minute. What did he say? Superhero novel? Oh, I get it. This is kid stuff, right?"
Not quite, although "Heroes R Us" may be appropriate for young adults and older. I've been expecting to encounter a few more of these than I have. Just because the heroes of our youth inhabited four color, pulp worlds didn’t mean that they had to stay there. Chapter Serials of the 1940’s? Sure. Television? Of course. Movies? Hell, yeah - but a serious novel? I'm not talking Graphic Novels - and yes, some of those are pretty darned good - sublime, in fact. I meant NOVEL novels, the big books with no pictures. There have been a few attempts: solid but competent, corporate product like the Marvel Xmen and Spiderman adaptations, “The Death of Superman,” not to mention Joe R. Lansdale’s priceless Batman short stories along with David Campbell entertaining but abandoned novel/blog "The Velvet Marauder” but so far, the best anyone could achieve was reasonably semi-adult adventure saga.
This is something a little different.
You'll have to make some adjustments to your expectations to enjoy this. Although the language is proper - very proper – English, the idiom is definitely Indian. Apparently, the writing maxim "show don't tell" hasn't hit in New Delhi literary scene yet as the first part of "Heros R Us" is indubitably TOLD and not shown. The effect, though, is curiously pleasant, as if the great Indian actor Saeed Jaffrey had walked into your living room and started reading you a fairy tale. “Heros R Us” has a a likeable, charismatic, omnipresent narrator who occasionally comments on the action. The result, although jarring, turns out to be charming. I’d never heard of Mainak Dhar before, but he seems to be a master story teller.
The hero, Bannerjee, a "tall, dark and bugeyed" assistant librarian gradually discovers that he has super powers. He has no idea of where they came from and certainly won't parade around the Pizza Huts of New Dehli with his undies outside of his pants. He would rather ignore his new powers and get on with the business of finding a girlfriend and preparing for his future, but of course fate, and then finally his conscience, forces him to use his powers to help others. Thus, an often reluctant hero is born. Gradually, Bannerjee progresses from fighting common street criminals to social and political thugs, people with REAL power. Corporations chase him for endorsements, the government wants him to be a stooge for the political party in power, and then further plot twists personal, professional and romantic complications ensue.
And what superhero story is complete without a terrorist plot and thousands of lives at stake?
Four stars because this isn't for every body and the plot, although fresh because of the setting is still pretty much by the Joseph Campbell numbers of a heroic epic. The intended story tone may have been lightweight – but it looks like the author couldn't help himself. The slim volume has an engaging hero with heart, boundless energy and a passion for justice.
What else can you ask from a superhero novel?
"Wait a minute. What did he say? Superhero novel? Oh, I get it. This is kid stuff, right?"
Not quite, although "Heroes R Us" may be appropriate for young adults and older. I've been expecting to encounter a few more of these than I have. Just because the heroes of our youth inhabited four color, pulp worlds didn’t mean that they had to stay there. Chapter Serials of the 1940’s? Sure. Television? Of course. Movies? Hell, yeah - but a serious novel? I'm not talking Graphic Novels - and yes, some of those are pretty darned good - sublime, in fact. I meant NOVEL novels, the big books with no pictures. There have been a few attempts: solid but competent, corporate product like the Marvel Xmen and Spiderman adaptations, “The Death of Superman,” not to mention Joe R. Lansdale’s priceless Batman short stories along with David Campbell entertaining but abandoned novel/blog "The Velvet Marauder” but so far, the best anyone could achieve was reasonably semi-adult adventure saga.
This is something a little different.
You'll have to make some adjustments to your expectations to enjoy this. Although the language is proper - very proper – English, the idiom is definitely Indian. Apparently, the writing maxim "show don't tell" hasn't hit in New Delhi literary scene yet as the first part of "Heros R Us" is indubitably TOLD and not shown. The effect, though, is curiously pleasant, as if the great Indian actor Saeed Jaffrey had walked into your living room and started reading you a fairy tale. “Heros R Us” has a a likeable, charismatic, omnipresent narrator who occasionally comments on the action. The result, although jarring, turns out to be charming. I’d never heard of Mainak Dhar before, but he seems to be a master story teller.
The hero, Bannerjee, a "tall, dark and bugeyed" assistant librarian gradually discovers that he has super powers. He has no idea of where they came from and certainly won't parade around the Pizza Huts of New Dehli with his undies outside of his pants. He would rather ignore his new powers and get on with the business of finding a girlfriend and preparing for his future, but of course fate, and then finally his conscience, forces him to use his powers to help others. Thus, an often reluctant hero is born. Gradually, Bannerjee progresses from fighting common street criminals to social and political thugs, people with REAL power. Corporations chase him for endorsements, the government wants him to be a stooge for the political party in power, and then further plot twists personal, professional and romantic complications ensue.
And what superhero story is complete without a terrorist plot and thousands of lives at stake?
Four stars because this isn't for every body and the plot, although fresh because of the setting is still pretty much by the Joseph Campbell numbers of a heroic epic. The intended story tone may have been lightweight – but it looks like the author couldn't help himself. The slim volume has an engaging hero with heart, boundless energy and a passion for justice.
What else can you ask from a superhero novel?
September 9, 2014
First Sentence : Arnab Bannerjee wondered if Tolstoy would ever be found guilty of causing his death.
I started reading this book without even bothering to read the blurb or reviews. Truthfully speaking I fully expected to not even get past reading 10 pages of this book. Earlier I have tried reading books by Indian author and DNF'ed those books by the time I have crossed 50 or so pages. So this is what I expected of this book too. So Wrong !
Arnab Bannerjee is an assistant Librarian in a Delhi college. His search for a missing book led him to a ongoing robbery in the campus Bank. His attempt at saving the book was misunderstood for him rebelling against the robbers and him getting beat up by them. Later after recovering from some minor injuries from the scuffle, one day Arnab stands up against a few eve-teasers and discovers he has some new powers. Still trying to figure out what is happening with him, he finds himself falling for a girl named Mishti, who is his boss's niece. And when Mishti escapes from the clutches of some fiends who tried to threaten her life, Arnab decides to take matter in his own hands. He follows up on those low-lives and with his new found powers defeats them and then makes his escape when he sees the police coming.
That was just the beginning. I don't wanna dish out the whole story in my enthusiasm. Arnab is the new Generation Superman. Who stands for and will fight for the people, and overthrow the justice system if it comes in the way. I liked the naivete and clumsiness of Arnab. Mishti although she was the love interest but not the center of the plot which was refreshing to say the least. But the most interesting character parallel to Arnab was Khan Chacha. He was a mentor, a friend, a guardian, and a father figure to Arnab. As far as the villain goes, there were more than one unlike other superhero stories.
To cut it short. The story is good and definitely worth a read. I was expecting more than a few laughs but fell just short of some giggles but that's ok. If someone is not into politics than they will be seriously disappointed because this one has a lot of politic issues. Other than that I will definitely recommend it.
My Rating : 3 out of 5 Stars.
I started reading this book without even bothering to read the blurb or reviews. Truthfully speaking I fully expected to not even get past reading 10 pages of this book. Earlier I have tried reading books by Indian author and DNF'ed those books by the time I have crossed 50 or so pages. So this is what I expected of this book too. So Wrong !
Arnab Bannerjee is an assistant Librarian in a Delhi college. His search for a missing book led him to a ongoing robbery in the campus Bank. His attempt at saving the book was misunderstood for him rebelling against the robbers and him getting beat up by them. Later after recovering from some minor injuries from the scuffle, one day Arnab stands up against a few eve-teasers and discovers he has some new powers. Still trying to figure out what is happening with him, he finds himself falling for a girl named Mishti, who is his boss's niece. And when Mishti escapes from the clutches of some fiends who tried to threaten her life, Arnab decides to take matter in his own hands. He follows up on those low-lives and with his new found powers defeats them and then makes his escape when he sees the police coming.
That was just the beginning. I don't wanna dish out the whole story in my enthusiasm. Arnab is the new Generation Superman. Who stands for and will fight for the people, and overthrow the justice system if it comes in the way. I liked the naivete and clumsiness of Arnab. Mishti although she was the love interest but not the center of the plot which was refreshing to say the least. But the most interesting character parallel to Arnab was Khan Chacha. He was a mentor, a friend, a guardian, and a father figure to Arnab. As far as the villain goes, there were more than one unlike other superhero stories.
To cut it short. The story is good and definitely worth a read. I was expecting more than a few laughs but fell just short of some giggles but that's ok. If someone is not into politics than they will be seriously disappointed because this one has a lot of politic issues. Other than that I will definitely recommend it.
My Rating : 3 out of 5 Stars.
November 11, 2011
A superhero who is more than a comic book stereotype
Just when you thought that there could be no new perspective on the superhero, along comes this book, with its portrayal of an ordinary guy suddenly given special powers who wants to use them to rich the rich and powerful corrupt folks in charge. They, of course, want to try to get him to misuse his powers for their own ends, and who try to corrupt him. How he deals with some of the moral dilemmas his presents creates a fascinating and believable story which goes far beyond the comic book stereotype of the superhero. Given the current explosion of the Occupy Wall Street movement across the globe, the theme of the ordinary man against the rich and powerful couldn't be any more relevant or thought-provoking.
A thoroughly entertaining story that uses the daily life of the poor but developing country of India as a backdrop. The author obviously wrote this book as a labor of love, and his care for humanity and desire for real justice shine through. Additionally, this is a book published by Random House, with highly professional editing and vetting. There are layers of meaning, and it is a book that is worth re-reading.
Just when you thought that there could be no new perspective on the superhero, along comes this book, with its portrayal of an ordinary guy suddenly given special powers who wants to use them to rich the rich and powerful corrupt folks in charge. They, of course, want to try to get him to misuse his powers for their own ends, and who try to corrupt him. How he deals with some of the moral dilemmas his presents creates a fascinating and believable story which goes far beyond the comic book stereotype of the superhero. Given the current explosion of the Occupy Wall Street movement across the globe, the theme of the ordinary man against the rich and powerful couldn't be any more relevant or thought-provoking.
A thoroughly entertaining story that uses the daily life of the poor but developing country of India as a backdrop. The author obviously wrote this book as a labor of love, and his care for humanity and desire for real justice shine through. Additionally, this is a book published by Random House, with highly professional editing and vetting. There are layers of meaning, and it is a book that is worth re-reading.
November 9, 2011
I enjoyed reading this book. As you follow Arnab Bannerjee you find that he has to make many of the same decisions we have to make in society today; the most important being, whether we stand up for others or just watch them get hurt. Having chosen to take a stand against all the crime in his beloved India, he comes face to face with the filth and grime of politics, the media, and even the same society he vowed to protect. In the end we see that a true hero never turns his back on those in need, even after he's been ostracized. Heroes R Us teaches us the true meaning of a hero; a person that never gives up. Great job!
November 11, 2011
Some heroes are made by the gods. Some get bit by spiders or pull swords from stones. Arnab, a lowly clerk in a library, receives his super hero powers from a blow to the head by bank robbers. Thus begins his transformation and his Clark Kent crush on the upper caste beauty Mishti. In a Bollywood twist on an oft told tale, the formula still works as we pull for Everyman Arnab to crush the bad guys and track down the gang who put Mishti in the hospital. A quick read where the social customs of India put the slow burn courtship back into boy meets girl, but the constant corruption of society makes it difficult even for superheroes.
May 16, 2012
Maybe it was the translation or maybe the writing, since it's rather difficult to seperate the two, but the book didn't do it for me. It was too disjointed and often times felt forced. I saw so much potential in the story that I kept slogging through it not really thinking any of my grievances would be abated but rather hoping that the conclusion would be sufficient to keep the book from being a total flop. Which it did. The book went from disastrous to OK which was a huge improvement. On the bright side the author demonstrated what life is like in modern day India which was probably the only thing I'll take away from it.
TL;DR
Recommended? No.
TL;DR
Recommended? No.
April 4, 2013
As a comic reader for over 30 years, I'm well aware of the super-hero formula. Mainak Dhar executes the formula to perfection in Heroes R Us. There is no clunky origin story. The hero discovers his powers and we're off and running.
The fact that it takes place in India, a country I've never visited, brings some freshness as I'm used to my super-heroes operating in New York.
Some reviewers complain about the writing format but this must be the format in India and I have no problem with it. Better to be well-written and engaging than formatted the American way.
All comic book readers will enjoy the story just as I did. Well done!
The fact that it takes place in India, a country I've never visited, brings some freshness as I'm used to my super-heroes operating in New York.
Some reviewers complain about the writing format but this must be the format in India and I have no problem with it. Better to be well-written and engaging than formatted the American way.
All comic book readers will enjoy the story just as I did. Well done!
January 24, 2012
Never has anyone more unexceptional been made so extraordinary. The author does a wonderful job of portraying a lonely loser that almost anyone can at least somewhat identify with, and then turning him into one of the best heroes I've read about in a long time. The main character feels totally realistic and doesn't just jump right into being super the moment he finds himself with new abilities. His struggle to decide how and if he should even use his abilities made for some very interesting reading, and while it wasn't the happiest of storybook endings I loved the way it all wrapped up.
November 11, 2011
I love a great super hero tale, and Mainak Dhar has delivered. Arnab, a shy librarian is transformed into a superhero after being left for dead when he walks in on bank robbery. Arnab's near death experience exposes the corruption in the government. He is falsely presented as a hero and he feels compelled to seek vengeance. I also appreciate that Dhar pays homage to his Indian heritage and gives all his characters traditional Indian names.
November 11, 2011
This book was not my typical type of reading but it was great! It was an action packed superhero story that had me hooked from page one! I was so engrossed in the story what was going to happen next. The style of writing was great and kept me wanting to know more. This was a great tale of a librarian that turns into your above average superhero. This was my first book by Mainak Dhar and it definitely will not be my last. Pick it up today! You will not be disappointed!
January 11, 2012
This is the story of an assistant librarian in Delhi who develops super powers. He goes from nerdy, shrinking violet to confident hero.
I really liked this book. It was nice to see the superhero genre from a non-Western point of view. It also takes a few tropes, like the hero deciding to give up his powers, and twists them a little.
I really liked this book. It was nice to see the superhero genre from a non-Western point of view. It also takes a few tropes, like the hero deciding to give up his powers, and twists them a little.
February 13, 2012
Amazingly poignant, realistic modern superhero. Moving, dark and bitter-sweet. Another free book that'd I'd gladly pay for, and that will have me keeping an eye on the author.
October 17, 2012
2.5 stars really. Not written very well, but the concept is good and there is a lot I liked about the ending. Also interesting look into Indian culture.
April 17, 2013
Not quite what I expected. It was good to see an underdog fight for justice and win.
July 18, 2015
Good read. Slow to start. Picks up about halfway through so don't give up on it. The last half is really good.
January 6, 2017
Interesting read.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews