Cobra genio del male (Spada)
| Cobra genio del male | |
| |
| 1st publication: | Mandrake #23/1962 |
|---|---|
| # of pages: | 32 pgs |
| Writer: | unknown |
| Artist: | Senio Pratesi |
| Producer: | Fratelli Spada |
"Cobra genio del male" is an Italian made Mandrake story from 1962. This story follows the previous story: "Il morso del Cobra"
- According to the reference book Profumo d'inchiostro, the story could be written by Achille Lucarini.
Plot summary
At the secret base S.2Y., Professor Kolth demonstrates his new invention to General Godden and Senator Webb. He has invented a machine that can project an object to any other location using a powerful magnetic field.
Mandrake and Narda are out on a short sailing trip and are talking about their recent experiences. Narda says that she no longer has the courage to step on a cockroaches because she imagines that one of them could be the Cobra. Mandrake assures her that it is not possible to crush the Cobra, for he is only a cockroach as long as Mandrake's will is stronger than his. So if Narda comes to the aid of crushing the Cobra in the form of a cockroach, then the psychic illusion will break and the Cobra will be free again - as the Cobra.
The professor directs the device's magnetic field at a small rock in a basement 500 miles away. And on top of the rock is an insect - a cockroach. Suddenly the small rock appears in the secret laboratory along with - not a cockroach but the Cobra - the magnetic field had broken the psychic illusion.
Cobra quickly gains control of the secret base and immediately comes up with a sinister plan. He can use Professor Kolth's invention to project people into blocks of ice. And if he recreates his duplication machine, he can transfer their appearance and thoughts to his faceless slaves who will obey his every command, with the Cobra ruling the world. Filled with thoughts of revenge, he plans to start with his archenemy, Mandrake. The Cobra locates Mandrake and directs the magnetic field at him, and within seconds, Mandrake is trapped inside a block of ice at the secret base.
What the Cobra doesn't realize is that at the club, Mandrake is demonstrating mental projection. So what the Cobra has trapped in a block of ice is only Mandrake's body - the psychic Mandrake is still free. The projection of Mandrake seeks out Lothar and Narda, but the Cobra has set the device and they are both projected into blocks of ice at the secret base. The projection of Mandrake seeks out the Chief of Police but fails to pique his interest so he goes to Captain Matt. The projection of Mandrake knows that he must get into the secret base to take on the Cobra. The Cobra works in a mysterious strange light, which helps him control the people around him, and in such light Mandrake is powerless, but he has a plan. He has Matt find some agents with a glass eye, and gets a technician to create glass eyes with built-in lights that will give the secret base something more like daylight in which the projection of Mandrake can exist. And he has the agents take on various roles like the president, a famous banker, an ambassador.
The Cobra has recreated his duplicator machine and orders the Professor to fetch the President so he can make a copy of him immediately.
Mandrake's plan had succeeded and an agent stands inside the duplicator machine and slowly daylight spreads inside the laboratory at the secret base. The projection of Mandrake materializes in the lab room, where he manages to melt the ice around his body and unite his mental and physical selves. Mandrake frees those who were in the power of the Cobra, but as Mandrake is about to end the fight, the professor starts his device and directs the magnetic field at the Cobra, sending him to the Himalayas.
Appearances
Recurring characters
One-time characters
- General Godden, chif of the secret base.
- Mr Webb, a congress member.
- Professor Kolth, a scientist.
- Fermen, a member of a club
- Sir Godfrey, a member of a club
- Cap. A Matt, an officer
Locations
- S.2Y, a secret base
- A club
- Palace Hotel
Reprints
This story has been published in the following publications:
France
- "Cobra, génie malfaisant", Les héros du mystère #21 (1969)
- "Cobra, génie malfaisant", Les héros du mystère Album #7 (1969)
Italy
- "Cobra genio del male", Mandrake #23 (1962)
- "Cobra genio del male", I Classici dell'Avventura #59 (1964)