The Trigan Empire

Krusi left the Trigan Imperial Bank with a song in his heart—and a pocket full of priceless gems.

Thank you, fellow.

To the door-keeper of the bank he gave a jewel fit for an emperor’s crown.

By all the stars! I need never work again in my life!

Then followed a riot of spending . . .

I’ll have it!

I’ll have two of those!

I’ll move in tomorrow!

Some days later, Janno was driving out of the city on his way to the air base. He was late. And he was exceeding the speed limit.

That idiot!—Why doesn’t he look where he’s going?























Next instant—impact!!

The collision was spectacular, but not disastrous. Janno leapt from the auto, blazing with fury—but . . .

Now, see here! ..

Sir, the fault lies entirely with us. Pray accept my apologies . . .

Gavo, radio for my heli-jet to come and pick us up.

In no time at all, a heli-jet descended upon the autoway.

Now, Sir, if I can make some amends—where can I drop you?

That’s very kind of you, Sir. At the air base, please.

And so . . .

Permit me to introduce myself—I am Simbal.

How do you do, Sir . . .

I am Lieutenant Janno.

Not—The Janno, nephew of the Emperor?

That’s right.

The former Trigan City street sweeper gasped in awe.

To think of it! Me—hob-nobbing with a member of the Imperial Family!

That night, the false Simbal summoned his new valet in his new luxury villa.

Lay out my evening attire, Porsho. I am attending a reception at the Imperial Palace—at the invitation of Lieutenant Janno.

Very good, Sir.

Later, amidst the pomp and pageantry of an Imperial reception, the ex-street sweeper was introduced to Trigo himself!

Sire, may I present my very good friend Simbal.

How do you do. Any friend of Janno’s is a friend of mine.

I must be dreaming . . . I must . . .

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 772 on 30 October 1976.

Later that afternoon, refreshed by his nap, Krusi went to find his new friend. He discovered Simbal floating in the pool—face downwards!

Simbal, are you all right? Simbal—speak to me!

But Simbal had finished for ever with speech!

He’s . . . He’s . . .

It was then that temptation entered the life of the formerly honest street sweeper . . .

Why not? . . Why not, indeed?

And so . . .

After all, he can’t spend his money now!

The late millionaire was laid to rest in the lovely garden of the villa.

Put it this way, Simbal—you told me you had no friends or relations. So there’s no harm done to anyone. The money will simply go to waste otherwise . . .

Why shouldn’t I—Krusi the poor street sweeper—take over the identity of Simbal the millionaire?























Investigating Simbal’s room, Krusi suffered something of a shock . . . 

Who would have thought that anyone—even a millionaire—could be so untidy?

Dressing himself in fine clothes, he went out to the garage.

What an automobile! And mine, all mine!

At about that time, on a hillcrest in far-off Cato, a heli-jet was descending upon a hidden encampment.

Out stepped the three thugs who had called upon the millionaire Simbal—with such dire results to his well-being.

Well—was your mission successful? Did you eliminate that treacherous animal and discover the whereabouts of the loot he stole from us?

Simbal we discreetly disposed of. But, though we searched his quarters, we were able to find no clue as to where he hid the loot!

You eliminated him without getting the information? Fools! Dolts!—You should have brought him back here! Chango would have made him talk!

The leader of the bandit-tribe turned to address a fearsome figure.

Chango! The proceeds of ten lunar years of successful crime is somewhere in or around Trigan City! You will find it—if you have to take the city apart, stone by stone!

Trust me!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 770 on 16 October 1976.