The Return of Doctor HI-5
| The Return of Doctor HI-5 | |
| |
| Start date: | March 8th, 2010 |
|---|---|
| End date: | August 28th, 2010 |
| # of strips: | 150 (25 weeks) |
| Writer: | Fred Fredericks |
| Artist: | Fred Fredericks |
| Preceded by: | "Idol with no Name" |
| Followed by: | "When Vampires Strike" |
"The Return of Doctor HI-5" is the 259th Mandrake daily story. The story was written and drawn by Fred Fredericks.
Plot Summary
Mandrake and Narda were strolling through the city streets when they noticed a large crowd gathering. The commotion was caused by their old friend, the renowned musician Ricky Noble. When they attempted to approach Ricky, his bodyguard, sporting sunglasses, rudely turned them away. Despite this, Ricky managed to slip a note to Mandrake during their handshake, arranging a midnight meeting at 110 Casper Street.
At the specified location, Mandrake encountered Ginger, one of Ricky's backup singers, who revealed Ricky's fear of his bodyguard, Ruffshod. Ricky believed Ruffshod had deceived him into signing a contract that granted the bodyguard control over his life, decisions, and finances. Mandrake consulted Mel, Ricky's agent, to probe Ginger's claims. Later, when Mandrake tried to visit Ricky's apartment, he was confronted by Ruffshod, who informed him that Ricky was undergoing treatment at a private hospital due to a breakdown.
Mandrake attempted telepathic communication with Ricky and successfully made contact. During their conversation, Ricky warned Mandrake about Ruffshod's dangerous nature, specifically mentioning the bodyguard's silver eyes. Mel informed Mandrake that other artists had experienced breakdowns under Ruffshod's watch.
Lothar proposed a plan: he would investigate disguised as Doctor HI-5, his famous rock star rapper alter ego. With Mel's assistance, they orchestrated Doctor HI-5's comeback, drawing Ruffshod's attention as the doctor now needed a bodyguard. Lothar met Ruffshod, signing a contract for the mission. Mel informed Mandrake about Doctor HI-5's successful performances, with offers pouring in.
Simultaneously, Lorna, Ruffshod's partner, discovered Lothar's true identity and devised a deadly trap for him at Club Dobious. Ricky managed to escape from the rehab hospital and sought refuge with Mandrake on Xanadu. During the club event, Ruffshod attempted to hypnotize Lothar, compelling him to touch a microphone rigged with lethal electricity. However, Lothar resisted the hypnosis, leading to a fierce altercation. Just as Ruffshod and Lorna were about to activate the deadly trap, Mandrake intervened, unplugging the microphone.
After the incident, Agent Mel encouraged Lothar to accept the numerous offers to perform as Doctor HI-5, but Lothar adamantly refused.
Appearances
Recurring characters
One-time characters
- Ricky Noble, a famous rock star
- Ruffshod, a bodyguard
- Ginger, on of Ricky's back-up singers
- Mel, Ricky's agent
- Lorna, Ruffshod's partner
- Skid Rowe, band leader of "The Moldy Figs"
Locations
- New York City
- 100 Casper st
- Xanadu
- Club Dobious
- a private rehab hospital
Behind the scenes
Title
- The title for the story taken from the strip of March 8th, 2010 (Beginning: The Return of Doctor HI-5 !).
Reprints
This story has been published in the following publications: