Long after the founding of the Trigan Empire, vast tracts of the planet Elekton, for geographical and political reasons, remained totally unexplored.

In the beginning of the year of Zemm, an eruption of cataclysmic proportions rent the remote mountain range of Zeros, in the continent of Tharv.

A rock wall fell during the eruption, revealing a vast and fertile valley lying within the heart of the range.

News of the development was received in far-off Trigan City, and a public announcement was broadcast in the Great Square.

A race of strange people have been found living in the secret valley since the beginning of time. His Imperial Majesty is appointing a commission to visit these people and convey to them the good-will of the Empire.

In fact, it was the Emperor’s nephew Janno and the top scientist Peric, who were even at that moment being briefed by the Emperor.

I want you to convince these people that we wish only for friendship and that they have nothing to fear from us. Understood?

Yes, Imperial Majesty.

Yes, Uncle.

Always remember, Janno, that you may,  one day, be Emperor of the Trigans. We have no wish to make enemies of these unknown people.

I understand, Uncle.

Janno piloted them both across the planet. Over deserts, mountains and trackless forests. 

Approaching Tharv now . . .























The air space over the Tharv province surrounding the Zeros range was jealously guarded by a treaty that the Tharvs had made with the Empire. The two emissaries were obliged to travel by kreed, under the suspicious eyes of mountain tribesmen.

Will they shoot us?

It has been known! But don’t worry, cannibalism was stamped out last year.

. . . At least, that’s what they say!

Presently, they came safely to the strange valley.

It’s like . . . a miracle!

They were met by the leaders of the people who inhabited the valley.

Sir . . .

Address me as “Enlightened One“ if you would be so kind. I am the present elected leader of the Nobes, and you would seem to be more emissaries from the outside world. We are flattered.

There was a strong attitude of superiority about the leader of the Nobes.

We are aware that, because you have been cut off from us since the beginning of time, there are vast differences between us. But, I assure you, the Nobes are more than willing to help you.

Help us? But . . . how?

We will assist you with our superior technology . . .

Of which that flying machine is a notable example.

One day, with our help, you will be able to construct another of those! 

A few paces distant was the piece of “superior technology”!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 740 on 20 March 1976.

Ahead of Janno were two brawny figures!

Aaaaagh!

Uuuuuhh!

He burst past them, using their combined strengths to confound themselves.

Then—daylight ahead!

He emerged in the warmth of the twin suns of Elekton.

I must bear this information to the Emperor immediately!

Presently, he was pouring out his news to Trigo and the leaders of the council.

. . . And that’s why they’re trying to destroy the city!

Astounding! There must be a remedy to this situation. Peric, what do you advise?

Sire, I have already thought of a solution . . .

Elekton’s top scientist smiled grimly.

We must provide a shock for our friends from underground—a pleasant shock!























A lunar month passed. The fungus that enveloped Trigan City grew to maturity again. One day, as the inhabitants had learned to expect, the green fog came swirling from below.

Here it comes! Put on your eyepieces!

When the swirling murk had enveloped Trigan City, the alien creatures came out . . .

Suddenly—they were surrounded!

It’s a trap! They’ve found out how to  make the eyepieces!

It was not difficult, friend—once we had the pattern!

And it is no trap, as you will see!

When the fog cleared, Trigan guards brought loads of freshly-picked fungus. The buildings had already been cleared of their burden of growth!

As our first gesture of goodwill . . .

And as our second gesture of goodwill, we have already set in motion a strict control of pollution. You may now grow the new strain of fungus underground, and I promise you it will thrive mightily!

You have done this—for us?

The leader of the strange beings eyed the Emperor of all the Trigans.

Can we trust you?

We must trust each other, my friend—for both our peoples have it in their power to destroy the other!

The people of the lower world departed with the new crop of fungus, and the Trigans set-to to clean up their city. In the course of time, by trial and error, Peric devised a chemical compound that destroyed the fungus on the buildings. One night, months later, something was stealthily left at the gates of the Imperial Palace . . .

It was brought to Trigo next morning.

This is a sign from our friends down below that their troubles are over and they are growing healthy fungus again.

How does it taste to you, Janno?

Uncle, it is . . . repulsive! . . . Horrible!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 739 on 13 March 1976.

In Trigan City, the green fog cleared away as quickly as it had come. Dazed and shocked, the people gazed at the devastation that was being wrought upon the capital.

The fungus has been gathered again!

But it will grow again in no time!

The Emperor and his advisors inspected the damage.

See, Sire. Even your Imperial Palace cannot last much longer at this rate. Another lunar year of this fungus and the whole city will be lying in rubble!

Another grave matter lay heavily on Trigo’s mind . . .

And what of my nephew?

I fear, Sire, that Janno may well have met his end in the service of the state!

But Janno lived. Far below the city, he was confronting the leader of his captors.

You say the Trigans are trying to destroy you! Why, the Trigans do not even know you exist!

I will show you what I mean . . . come! . .

In a great cavern nearby, Janno looked up to see massive clumps of the familiar growth hanging from the rocky walls.

The green fungus!

Aye! The miracle food that has sustained our people for countless generations!

The strange leader took a handful of the fungus . . .

Recently, there has been a sickness on the fungus. Its food value has deteriorated to a degree where it has become almost useless!























But—what’s that to do with us?

Pollution!

Waste gases from your air-craft, your autos, your foul machinery! The chemicals that you pour away into the ground!

The rock upon which our fungus grows is the same rock of which Trigan City is built. We are now growing a new strain of the fungus in the sunlight—your sunlight—and it is thriving!

But—the green fungus is destroying Trigan City!

Yes! And we rejoice in the irony of it!—It is our revenge!

Later, in another vast cavern, Janno was shown another secret . . .

Behold!—the means by which we cast a fog of blindness over Trigan City, to conceal our activities . . .

With the aid of a lever, the huge boulder was lifted slightly. Instantly, a rushing mass of green gas issued from the hole beneath and soared up on high.

It is a volcanic gas that we harness to our use! Released, it seeps to the city, by way of underground corridors, ancient water-courses, sewers, cellars—and remains there, blinding everything, till the sunlight destroys it!

The green fog!

Janno had heard all he needed to know. With one bound, the young Trigan made his bid for freedom!

Hah!

Uuuuuh!

His way was clear!

After him!—He must not escape!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 738 on 6 March 1976.