Posted on June 28, 2025June 28, 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 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, 2025July 2, 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.
