EXTRACTS: The Modesty Blaise Companion Expanded Edition © 2018 The Book Palace (425 PAGES in Full edition)

T H E M O D E S T Y B L A I S E C O M P A N I O N I I RICCO (2) STORY 87: “FRASER’S STORY”: STRIP 9275 A highly professional and very efficient “accident specialist” employed by Union Corse to fake the murder of Modesty and Willie as required by the contract put out by Sonia Kolchak on behalf of Victor Randle. His boss, Casanova, accepted the contract to stop it going elsewhere because he owed Modesty a big debt of gratitude. She restrained herself from killing him. Sets up and stage manages the filming of Modesty and Willie being ambushed and shot in their car and his delivery of the coup de grâce. He is a rather droll but very careful and thorough operator. Very much admires the high professional standards shown by Modesty and Willie. RICK STORY 48: “THE SCARLET MAIDEN”: STRIP 5236 One of the three treasure hunters who have located the sunken wreck of “The Scarlet Maiden”. Husband of Lisa, and the brother-in-law of Barney, their treasure hunt is very much a family venture. Plays the tough guy badly to try to frighten off Modesty and Willie who they have seen diving near the wreck. Later he apologises but they did not believe him anyway and were playing along for the joke. When Dimples Calhoun and his mob arrive to take over he stops Calhoun reaching his gun but when Lisa is seized by Pinky, everyone gives up. Held captive by Calhoun and forced to help him bring up the treasure, he and the others are saved by Modesty and Willie. Offers them a share of the treasure, which they refuse as they feel unable to touch pirate loot as it is stolen property RICKMAN, Mr. STORY 24: “WITH LOVE FROM RUFUS” STRIP 2778 The manager of “The Blue Falcon”, the London nightclub in which Rufus Marsh plays the guitar and his girl friend Josie Carter, sings. When Rufus asks for a ten minute break he tells him he is doing so good he should cut it down to five. When Rufus is kidnapped and fails to turn up for the gig he fires them both. RIMA STORY 76: “A PRESENT FOR THE PRINCESS”: STRIP 8090 Widow whose husband has been killed by bandits. Daughter of Jose. Finds Willie unconscious in the river after his escape from the Guaqueros who have tried to rob him. Takes him to her village of Yuti and looks after him. Tries to help him in his efforts to regain his memory and is protected by him when Julio(3), the local Hidalgo’s son tries to take advantage of her. Travels with Willie to the port of Toccopina to start on his journey home.When Joe Ling cons Willie into believing that he is a wanted man and he leaves her, she reports his story to the police Captain Corinto and Modesty. It provides the vital lead that enables them to find him. Set up by Willie and Modesty with the shop that she had always wanted in Toccopina and assured of both the future protection and the friendship of Captain Corinto. RINGWELL, Matt STORY 74: “IVORY DANCER”: STRIP 7894 Owner of Ringwell’s Circus and an old friend of Willie’s who, with Modesty, pays him a visit when the circus is performing in the small town of Ashwille near John Dall’s Kentucky ranch. Lets him know that his former girl friend, Lolita, is now the wife of his strong man The Mighty Hercules. As a favour he asks Willie if he will to do a special once only performance of his El Cazador knife throwing act with Modesty as his target. They do. RITCHIE, Dr. Gordon STORY 30: “HIGHLAND WITCH”: STRIP 3429 Fly fishing fanatic, doctor and friend of Modesty and Willie She is staying with him in his cottage in Scotland. Helps to revive Peggy Western when Modesty rescues her from the notorious Coggies Hole, a freak vortex into which she has been thrown by Sister Binks. Using his skill as a fly fisherman he helps Modesty get into “Wilderness”, the home of Stuart Wallace and the headquarters of Binks’s gang. Later, he looks after Peggy. 136 Drawn by Neville Colvin Strip 5276 2nd October, 1981 Drawn by Romero Strip 2778 24th May, 1972 Drawn by Romero Strip 8094 14th December, 1992 Drawn by Romero Strip 7894 2nd March, 1992 Drawn by Romero Strip 3441 16th July, 1974 Drawn by Romero Strip 9277 28th August, 1997