Written and illustrated by Mauro Marchesi
1. THE GREATEST THIEF IN THE WORLD
It’s a calm night in the centre of Grandville. Only the voice coming out of a radio breaks the austere silence of the Guggenstein Museum.
Following the newest sensational caper by Perfidious, police are in the dark about the criminal’s identity.
The Masked Menace, as Inspector Hound calls him, stole the 5D technology projects from Mega Games Ltd …
… thus delaying, for at least a decade, the development of video games.
Is everything looking OK? Yup. Everything’s running smoothly.
Not even Perfidious will get in.
I’m more worried about the schoolchildren visiting the exhibition tomorrow!
Our museum has the best safety devices.
It’s the alarm in the Hittite artefacts hall!
Good evening, gentlemen.
Shut the doors! HURRY!
The steel doors are a nice touch …
F-freeze!!
Reinforcements are on their way!
I can get out the way I came in. Anthrony? Activate the winch.
Adios amigos!
Right away, Sir.
Activate the new security grid!
Woah!
You’re trapped!
Why wasn’t I aware of this new laser security grid, Anthrony?
I’m afraid my database hasn’t fully updated.
Outstanding move, officer. Congratulations.
Not as long as I have my Stink -O-Jelly ® spray. HA!
I can create a wall around me with this gel!
Bleah!
It will interrupt the grid and I can safely pass through.
Umph!
Awful, isn’t it? The smell’s not necessary … but it makes everything more fun.
Now I’m going to show you another little invention of mine.
As soon as the capsules come into contact with air they expand!
Each one transforms into a faithful and hardworking helper: THE THUGS!
Stop! This time I’ve got you! You’re too late, Inspector Hound.
Anthrony, prepare the pigeons.
GET TO THE ROOF! STOP HIM!
Of course, Sir.
The pigeon slippers are activated and ready to fly.
Thanks, Anthrony. Are we on schedule?
Everything as planned.
The Thugs will dissolve in an hour so the police can’t study my secret technology.
I’ll get you! You hear me?
I WILL GET YOU!
Good night, Inspector! See you soon!
Trentbourg district, 00:15 a.m.
Activating voice command to open the doors. I’m in the sewers. Disable the safety systems in tunnel 23.
Infrared, lasers and cryogenic inhibitors off.
Thanks, Anthrony. Update me on the parental situation.
Welcome back, Sir. Congratulations on the masterfully executed job.
They’re enjoying ice cream in the living room.
Good.
