Posted on August 26, 2022May 5, 2024The Fiendish Experiment (continued . . .) From the split hull of the stricken fighter- craft there emerged a thin trickle of water. Then the water . . . Became . . . Vella ! In addition to all the other advantages, I now find that I am indestructible ! Janno had landed his own craft, and was among the first to arrive on the scene of the crash. I killed him—my own comrade —with my idiotic carelessness ! I’ll never forgive myself—never ! Then . . . Vella ! But—you’re alive ? As you see, Janno. But how could he have got out ? The cockpit cover’s still jammed on ! There’s not a mark on you, Vella ! It’s a miracle, that’s what it is—a miracle ! This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 554 on 26 August 1972.
Posted on August 19, 2022December 21, 2023The Fiendish Experiment (continued . . .) A few days later, all Trigan City crowded the streets for the ceremonial visit of the King of Daveli. Later, the King visited the Air Fleet Headquarters, where he was introduced to the crewmen by his son—Keren—himself a pilot of the Trigan fleet. Janno you already know well, my father. Greetings, Lord Janno. Your Majesty ! Vella watched—and pondered. I’d like to get my hands on that jewelled helmet of the old fellow’s. And it shouldn’t be too difficult—though I might have to eliminate him first. My father has expressed regret that he missed the marvellous feat you two performed on Empire Day. Well . . . we swore never to attempt it again. But what do you think, Vella ? If it would amuse his Majesty . . . Accordingly, the two young pilots climbed into their speedy fighter-craft, which were then chained together. Take no risks, Vella—as you once said, eventual disaster is a mathematical certainty ! And this will be the last time we ever do it, I hope ! The display began . . . Ready for next evolution ? . . . Ready . . . The death-defying close aerobatics were controlled by Janno. Commence right- hand climbing turn . . . now ! Commencing ! And then—Janno gave an uncontrollable sneeze ! Aaaaa-shoooooo ! Disaster was immediate and fatal ! His wingtip sliced into Vella’s craft ! Aaaaaaaagh ! Then he was watching in horror as his comrade spun down to his certain doom ! Eject, Vella ! Get out, man, before it’s too late ! But there was no escape, it seemed, for Vella ! The ejector gear’s damaged ! I’m trapped in here ! What does it matter if I am ? —Ha, ha ! Moments later, the craft ploughed into a hillside ! This installment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 553 on 19 August 1972.
Posted on February 19, 2022February 14, 2022The Miniature Killers of Zelph This installment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 527 on 19 February 1972.