The Trigan Empire

Having deposited his passenger on the dread island, the boatman sculled hurriedly away.

You’ll never see the light of tomorrow’s dawn, so goodbye, Trigan!

Janno gathered sticks and made a fire.

When will the trouble start, I wonder?

He had not long to wait!

By all the stars!

Is it a spectre?

We’ll soon see.

Now . . .























Speed straight and true to your mark!

Aaaaaaagghh!

Janno was beside his victim in a few swift bounds, and ripped off the hideous mask.

No spectre you, my friend, just another treacherous Zallu.

The next instant, the young Trigan’s world dissolved in a flash of agony.

Uuuuhhhh!

The unconscious Janno was surrounded by Zallus, including one of their merciless elders.

His mind is too strong to be destroyed by fear, so we must destroy his body! Take him to the Pillar of Doom!

Surfacing from the mists of insensibility, Janno found himself bound to a stone pillar by the water’s edge.

We leave you now to your fate, Trigan.

Through the long night, Janno waited, every nerve stretched to snapping point. And then towards dawn—it came!

No! It can’t be . . . It can’t!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 766 on 18 September 1976.

The monster launched itself at Janno.

Janno kicked out and evaded the deadly jaws.

Missing its victim, the monster broke through the surface and dashed the Zallu fishing boat to fragments!

Janno continued on his way, swimming as fast as he was able.

Those Zallus are paying dearly for their attempts to kill me.

Towards sunset, after a daylong struggle against the treacherous tides, he came in sight of the continent of Tharv.

I really think I’m going to make it.























It was nearly dark when he waded ashore, where he was greeted by his staff, who had flown over to meet him.

I’m glad to see you, Colonel.

Any problems on the way, Excellency?

I was ambushed by the people of the group of islets called “the Demon brethren” but they bought more trouble than they bargained for.

News of Janno’s exploits were brought to the Emperor in Trigan City.

How that young Demon defies me. Did I not send orders that he was not to fall into the trap that the Zallu Elders dug for him?

His brother intervened—and was roundly rebuked for his pains.

Trigo, you would have done just the same in the lad’s position.

Will you shut your mouth!

Since my fine nephew will neither listen to reason nor recognise his duty, and since he scorns my messengers—I, myself, will travel to the land of the Zallus and settle accounts with him!

At about the same time, Janno was receiving his next order from the assembled Elders of the Zallus.

You have done well so far. we are emboldened to subject you, next, to an ordeal from which no one has ever returned alive and sane.

Janno felt a tremor pass through his frame as the elder spoke . . .

You will pass one complete night in the abode of the dead!

The Abode of the Dead was an island offshore, where the slain warriors of the Zallu race had been laid to rest since time immemorial. A place of silence and mystery, it was reputed to be haunted. No one ever went there after sunset. Its very appearance caused even the bravest to shudder . . .

One eve, Janno was taken there . . .

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 765 on 11 September 1976.

THUNKKK! A bullet struck the masonry close by Janno’s hand.

Janno recovered, and moved swiftly to one side. Next time the hidden marksman fired Janno was behind cover.

He won’t get me now!

Others had seen the incident . . .

Go and get that sniper.

Janno’s all right. He’ll reach the top.

Sure enough, Janno climbed safely on to the high platform.

After descending safely, he was addressed by his grim-faced aide.

The sniper escaped. It’s clear that he was acting on orders from the Elders. Let me execute a couple of those scoundrels. You won’t have any more trouble then!

No, Colonel!

We have no proof. I mean to show the Elders that a Trigan is not only brave, but just.























Next day, Janno summoned the Elders of the Zallus.

For your third task you will swim the Channel of Yulf, alone.

The Emperor’s emissary demanded an interview with Janno.

Excellency! Unless you refuse to carry out this task I shall return to Trigan City and report on your conduct!

I wish you a good journey home, Captain.

At dawn next day, Janno set foot in the inhospitable waters of Yulf.

Good luck, Excellency!

By noon Janno reckoned that he was about half way across.

There’s the islets known as The Demon Brethren.

And then—trouble!

Janno dived deep, as a keen-edged harpoon slashed through the water.

And then he saw—IT!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 764 on 4 September 1976.