Posted on June 21, 2025June 22, 2025The Man with a Mission (continued . . .) We found this animal lurking in the shadows. Do I smite him in two, Zorza ? Not yet ! Who are you and what are you doing at the encampment of Zorza ? Lukaz Rann’s quick wits came to his aid. By your leave, Master, I am an entertainer, a tumbler and acrobat of some merit, I have come to amuse you and earn my supper. Then I’ll see your entertainment. If it amuses me, you sup. If it doesn’t—you perish ! Lukaz asked for ropes to be rigged in the surrounding trees, and then climbed high above the camp. As a trained rocketeer, he was, of course, an adept acrobat. If I fail, I shall still enjoy the six months of life left to me. He swung into space over the searing heat of the campfire. Even the battle-hardened barbarians cried out in alarm, as he released the rope and hurtled towards the other. Aaaaaah ! Look at that ! Zorza never saw his peril till it was too late. The rocketeer’s booted foot caught the barbarian leader in the chest, knocking the breath from his powerful body. Uuuuu—u—uhhh ! With one muscular arm around his unconscious victim, Lukaz Rann continued his swing. He landed neatly on the back of a tethered kreed . . . . . . and was away, before the dumbfounded barbarians could raise a finger to rescue their leader. His craft was where he had left it. It’s going to be a close run thing ! It WAS close, indeed, but Lukaz Rann had claimed his FIRST VICTIM. It was to the picturesque old Vorg castle out- side Trigan City, which he had bought with the proceeds of his daredevil rocketeering, that Lukaz Rann took his prisoner. No sooner had he locked the dungeon door upon Zorza, than he reached for the next dossier. Now for another dangerous and detestable creature ! This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 701 on 21 June 1975.
Posted on June 14, 2025June 14, 2025The Man with a Mission (continued . . .) What are you trying to tell me, Peric ? That you have six lunar months to live, my friend ! You will speedily recover your former strength and skill. But six lunar months from now, you will suffer a sudden collapse. The end will then come swiftly . . . painlessly . . . A few days later, Lukaz Rann looked out from the grounds of his sumptuous villa, over the city he loved so well. Six lunar months and then I must be parted from all this. I must spend those six months doing something to benefit those I leave behind . . . something to benefit all Elekton ! I have it ! In the time left to me, I will destroy the power of the six most evil inhabitants of this planet, leaving Elekton a better place to live in. While his strength improved, Lukaz Rann prepared dossiers on his six intended victims. The six most dangerous and detestable creatures ever to blight this planet ! And the first one is . . . ZORZA THE BARBARIAN, scourge of Elekton’s southern hemisphere, but a constant threat to the rest of the planet. Burn ! Destroy ! Yaaaaaaaah ! Half the vast planet lived under the heel of the barbarians who burned, destroyed and enslaved. Where Zorza sets his foot, nothing ever grows again ! His preparations made, Lukaz Rann left Trigan City in his personal craft. Dusk found him high above the great southern wilderness, abode of the savage horde. I’m coming to get you, Zorza ! That night, as ever, there was feasting and merry-making in the barbarians’ camp. Lukaz Rann was close at hand. Tonight, when you are asleep, Zorza, I shall . . . Suddenly, the bushes rustled and the next moment . . . Take him to our leader ! Zorza will swiftly loosen his tongue ! This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 700 on 14 June 1975.
Posted on June 7, 2025June 9, 2025The Man with a Mission It seemed that all Trigan City was gathered on the great plain outside the walls. The announcer’s voice stilled the multitude to silence. Now for the most thrilling sporting event of the lunar year ! I give you . . . Lukaz Rann ! . . . Champion rocketeer of the Trigan Empire and the planet Elekton ! And today, Lukaz Rann will attempt to break his own height record of thirty-thousand fromms ! Rocketeering was the most dangerous sport known, and Lukaz Rann was its most intrepid hero. Three—two — one—zero—fire ! The living projectile streaked skywards. He’s done it ! He’s broken his own record ! The height indicator gives thirty-one thousand—thirty-two thousand fromms ! Now he’s parting from his rocket ! He . . . he’s in trouble ! Before the horrified gaze of thousands of upturned eyes, the rocketeer’s rescue equipment failed on opening. Lukaz fell thirty-three thousand fromms into the waters of Trigan Bay. By great good fortune, he was picked up by a pleasure boat. Careful with him, wife. When news of the mishap was brought to the Emperor, Trigo summoned Peric, Elekton’s top scientist. The surgeons are operating on Lukaz Rann immediately. I should like you to be present and give them the benefit of your vast knowledge of the healing arts. Gladly, imperial majesty. Throughout the rising and setting of many suns, the rocketeer’s life hung in the balance. The surgeons’ skills seemed to bring success. Before long, Lukaz Rann was able to take a few steps. Do you see me, Peric ? In no time at all, I’ll be riding a rocket again ! Lukaz, I have news for you. Lukaz, you are possibly the bravest person on this planet. But steel yourself ! What I am going to tell you is going to test your courage to the breaking point ! This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 699 on 7 June 1975.
