Posted on June 28, 2025July 5, 2025The Man with a Mission (continued . . .) Lukaz Rann’s dossier on the Tharv scientist, VALLU, gave a complete picture of that creature’s evil career. It was Vallu who had invented a plant-killer, which, if sprayed from the air . . . . . . brought swift destruction to plants and crops ! With my compound, we could wipe out an enemy’s plant food supply in the first day of war ! One drop of my X-germ in a city’s water supply will eliminate the entire population of that city ! Currently, he was at work on a sensational new explosive force. My plan is to harness the latent magnetic energy of the planet ! Many times, the clever Trigan scientist, Peric, had warned the Imperial Council of the peril from Tharv. I tell you all that it is theoretically possible that, in testing his new explosive force, Vallu will blow up the whole planet. He must be stopped. Peric ! You know we can do nothing to stop a citizen of another state ! When Vallu was questioned about Peric’s claim, he only scoffed. And what do you say to the allegation that your new force will blow up the planet ? The allegation was made by an old fool ! At his age, he should give up science and take up needlework ! Lukaz Rann read through Vallu’s dossier. I’ll rid Elekton of that unspeakable creature ! This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 702 on 28 June 1975.
Posted on June 7, 2025July 6, 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.
Posted on May 24, 2025July 2, 2025The Man from the Future (continued . . .) Janno dived his stricken craft towards a broad river. Will I make it ? I’ve blown off the canopy. There’s still a chance. Janno kicked his way out of the wreckage. I’m safe— if only my lungs . . . hold . . . out ! But as he clawed his way to the bank . . . Come out with your hands on your head ! Later, he was interrogated. Why did you start the attack at dawn ? I have nothing to say. Toth Zandu informed us you were coming at midday ! So Toth Zandu is the traitor ! The traitor was already marked for punishment. Later, in another part of the Caton headquarters, grim orders were given. You are the one who first made contact with Toth Zandu ? Yes, sir ! You will accompany this trained killer to Trigan City. You will lead him to the victim’s residence and point him out. Then you will render any necessary assistance in eliminating Toth Zandu ! All that day, bells rang throughout the Trigan Empire in honour of the victorious attack. Toth Zandu was baffled and frightened. Cato is now in desperate straits for, despite their recent victories on land and sea, they are now without air-cover. It can’t be true ! I read of the Trigans’ defeat in the future. When dusk fell over Trigan City, a high- flying aircraft dropped two avengers. Toth Zandu was alone in his luxury villa when they burst in on him. I think you can guess why we’re here, double-dealer ! Toth Zandu’s hand stabbed a button. The assassins from Cato were instantly surrounded by a sheer-sided projectile-proof wall that rose from the floor. Fools ! Though I know that no harm is destined to come to me, I take reasonable precautions against my enemies. Later, Toth Zandu left his villa and climbed into his hover-auto. This new development makes my position insecure. I must go to the Emperor and give him a number of sensational predictions about the future. Then I am safe, no matter what. As he sped towards the city centre, he heard a sound behind him. You ! What do you want ? Vengeance ! It was Toth Zandu’s sworn enemy—the one he had cheated out of a fortune. This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 697 on 24 May 1975.
