Posted on December 20, 2025December 21, 2025The Ultimate Collection (continued . . .) The fiendish cunning by which the diadem had been taken was the most sensational aspect of the news story. Following on an unsuccessful attack upon the temple, one of the thieves posed as the Abbot of Zemf, switched the diadem for a fake and made off with the true jewel ! The Emperor Trigo summoned an extraordinary session of the Imperial Council. Janno’s kidnapping and the various thefts are clearly the work of one will. But what is the reason behind it all, Peric ? Majesty, it is difficult to say. The great scientist pondered on his sovereign’s question. It is simple to guess the motive behind the kidnapping of a member of the Imperial Family. But what connection does that have with the theft of a pile of ancient fossilised bones ? Trigo’s retort was short and brutal. You will find that connection, Peric ! And you will work day and night till you do ! It was night. The great ocean liner “Emperor Trigo” was heading for port with a host of passengers. Danger lurked nearby. Prepare to surface and fire a warning projectile. The first warning of peril came with a thunderclap of sound, followed by a streak of lurid flame. They’re signalling us to halt, or else they’ll sink us ! Stop the ship ! A party of masked and ruthless raiders soon boarded the ship. See here, you animals ! I protest . . . Aaaaghh ! Silence ! Down into the palatial dining saloon, among the horrified passengers, they marched. They halted by a mild-looking individual who was eating alone. Get to your feet ! It’s you we’ve come for ! News of the outrage reached Trigan City before dawn. It was immediately passed to Peric, who had spent a sleepless night in his laboratory, puzzling his brain. What did you say ? Repeat the name of the kidnappers’ victim. A great light dawned in Peric’s mind. I’ve got it ! I’ve found the connection ! This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 727 on 20 December 1975.
Posted on December 13, 2025December 13, 2025The Ultimate Collection (continued . . .) News of the snatching of the Emperor’s popular nephew was flashed round the planet. For the first time, there was a mention of a sinister connection between Janno’s disappearance and other sensational events. In this manner, Lord Janno was snatched up into the sky. It will be recalled that the Ultimate Aircraft and the Monster of Vorg were taken in the same way. Beyond the borders of the Trigan Empire, in the domains of Cato, the sacred city of Zemf was dominated by the mystical Temple of the Jewel, where thousands of worshippers a day filed past the great green glittering diadem. The diadem was guarded by the most sophisticated electronic devices. It was reckoned that the sheer complexity of the defences were sufficient to defeat any intruder. And then one day, they came. The invaders landed on the temple’s roof, and immediately ran into electronically discharged projectiles that turned the roof into a death-trap. By the time they had broken through into the temple, it had been emptied of panic-stricken worshippers. But their troubles had scarcely begun. When they attempted to mount the stairs to the diadem the stairs straightened out to become a slippery slide ! Aaaaaghhh ! Eeeeeghhh ! By then, the wail of police sirens outside the building told the intruders that a hue and cry had been raised. Their leader came to a swift decision. We have been beaten by time ! Back the way we came ! Thwarted by the very complexity of the defences, the raiders broke off the attempt and flew away. Guardian and keeper of the Great Green Diadem was the Abbot of Zemf, who dwelt in a palace on the mountain crest and was seldom seen. Soon after the departure of the raiders, the Abbot arrived at the Temple of the Jewel. The Great Green Diadem is untouched, Most Splendid One. This I must see with my own eyes, and with my own hands. I must ensure myself that it has suffered no harm. Only the Abbot himself was allowed to lay hands on the sacred gem. This he did, in full view of all. All is well. The sacred diadem has not been defiled ! Later that day, the resident high priest of the temple received a call on vidi-phone. This is the Abbot’s secretary. His Excellency, the Most Splendid One, wishes to come to the temple and assure himself that the diadem has not been defiled. Please make arrangements to receive . . . But the Most Splendid One has already been ! What ? Do nothing and touch nothing until I am with you ! One hour later, the Abbot’s secretary was inspecting the huge gem. Fools ! Dolts ! Bunglers ! This is not the Diadem of Zemf. He who came here was an impostor. He took the true diadem and left behind this copy. This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 726 on 13 December 1975.
Posted on December 6, 2025December 9, 2025The Ultimate Collection (continued . . .) All Trigan City turned out to see the fossilised monster being carried off. They’ve got the Monster of Vorg ! The Air Fleet defences of the city were hastily sent up. Head for area three-five-one. Intercept, but do not open fire. Understood ? Order received and understood. Later . . . Leader of the interceptors reports they’ve lost contact sir. With a thing that size ? Impossible ! When it was all over, the experts went through the operation in detail and came up with a surprising conclusion. The thieves, whoever they are, made their escape in this direction. Shortly before passing the boundary of greater Trigan City, they disappeared from sight. So we estimate that “the Monster of Vorg” is still somewhere near at hand ! Speculation about the missing giant fossil was on everyone’s lips for a few days. The incident was then completely overshadowed by—the Trigan Empire Games ! People of the planet Elekton. We proudly present the twentieth Trigan Empire Games ! A star athlete and strong contender for the victor’s grand crown was Janno, the Emperor’s nephew. Competitors for the pole-climbing take your places. Good luck, Janno. Pole-climbing—the most physically-demanding and dangerous of all Elekton athletic events and Janno was the first to plant his flag. Then followed the ancient and traditional five-zarra foot race, the competitors bearing armour and weapons with Janno again the winner. Throwing the spear from a galloping kreed meant another win for Janno. With three firsts in main events and sundry other placings, the Emperor’s nephew was an outright winner of the victor’s grand crown. Well done, lad ! Thanks, Uncle ! It was while he was making a triumphal circuit of the stadium that . . . . . . It happened ! Uuuuuhhh ! Before a finger could be lifted to help him, the victor of the games was snatched into the sky. Janno ! This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 725 on 6 December 1975.
