1972, Belgian Comics: “Kari Lente”

In 1972 the "Kari Lente" album "Het Zwartgallige Spoor" is published (04/10/1972 – 14/12/1972) in the Flemish newspaper "Gazet van Antwerpen". The series "Kari Lente", initially titled "Kari Lente lost het op", was created by Bob Mau (1926 - 2006) in 1962. The stories were published in album form until 1969 by "Standaard Uitgeverij". The album "Het Zwartgallige Spoor" was published in 1976 by "Born" under the title "Kari Lente & Co". The album was republished in 1982 as "Het energiegas van Professor Knitsel" by P.S.I./Bridge as a sales promotion for Bonzo/Purina.

The main character of the comic is the journalist Kari Lente (translation: Kari Spring), along with her faithful little cat Titus and fellow journalist Bikkel. The somewhat frumpy detective Sus Pens, the strange creature Slurfie and the awkward professor Knitsel were added later.

"Het Zwartgallige Spoor", cover (1976)

Het Zwartgallige Spoor

• black and white
• never published in English
• story and drawings by Bob Mau

Bikkel and constable Dries

Synopsis

Professor Knitsel has invented the gas "Energistel" that makes people very energetic. However due to a problem during the production, a black gas is produced which convert people in senseless slaves...

Kari Lente and Bikkel

Main characters 

Kari Lente, Bikkel, Titus, Sus Pens, Slurfie, professor Knitsel, doctor Grootvertier, Zacharini, Slover, nurse Klaartje, constable Dries.

Nurse Klaartje, Kari Lente, Bikkel and doctor Grootvertier

Professor Knitsel

Professor Knitsel, Sus Pens and Slurfie

Slover and Zacharini

Titus, Bikkel and Kari Lente

Cars

• Matra Simca M530 LX
• Sus Pens oldtimer (probably Ford or Citroën)
• Ford Escort Mk I
• Mercedes-Benz W111
• Ford Thames 400E

Matra Simca M530 LX

Sus Pens oldtimer (probably Ford or Citroën)

Ford Escort Mk I

Mercedes-Benz W111

Ford Thames 400E