SIMPLE SPYMAN

Full Name:	Spyman
Series Name:	Simple Spyman
Codename:	SS
Nationality:	British
Organization:	Unknown
Occupation	Agent

Creator:	Bill Ritchie
Time Span:	1975 - 1976

ABOUT THE SERIES

Simple Spyman is an agent with British Intelligence.

Well, we assume it is British because it is presented in a British comedy comic book magazine. The Intelligence part is only because he is named "Spyman". Considering the daffy things he gets involved in and the goofy things he does, it is hard to say if there is any intelligence involved. Certainly he

Still, Agent "SS" - my abbreviation to not have to type Simple Spyman so many times and besides, he is never given a real name - is there, week after week, to follow the instructions of his rotund, soup-strainer mustached, cigar-chomping, bow-tie wearing boss who, though he sends SS on a lot of varied missions, never seems to get dismayed at the end results.

In the first recorded adventure of Simple Spyman, we are greeted with "Meet the guy who's the world's worst spy!" That could say it all but, of course, I'll say more.

Like the less-than-genius Simple Simon who was undoubtedly the foil for the play on words name of this 'agent', SS is a man who does not realize how ridiculous he is or how foolish his plans are. As his namesake in the nursery rhyme 'went a-fishing for to catch a whale', SS is constantly trying to get to do something in the silliest of ways and failing OR he is succeeding but with hilarious outcomes.

And it all starts with his incredibly outfit of super over-sized hat, all dark apparel, and a beard that cannot be believed even when seen. Regarding the latter, you have to wonder what strange sect he belongs to having a beard that extends to his waist.

But for all the zaniness that abounds in these spoof tales, he does kinda grow on you. [I'll skip the comparison of 'like a fungus' but you'll think it, nevertheless.]

COMIC BOOKS, GRAPHIC NOVELS, AND MANGA

Number of Stories:	87
First Appearance:	1975
Last Appearance:	1976


1			Can't Swim Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 01/18/1975 From Cracker No. 1 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman is ordered to swim to James Blonde's underwater cube and attached a listening devise. But he can't swim! Click here to read the story.

2			The Choc Bar Mix Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 01/25/1975 From Cracker No. 2 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman's in a fix - in the choc bar mix! He must find out how Chunchi Choc Bars are made. Click here to read the story.

3			On The Run Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 02/01/1975 From Cracker No. 3 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman isn't given a mission, but told he needs to watch out for Big Mack. Is the man he can't shake him? Read and find out. Click here to read the story.

4			Lurking Around Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 02/08/1975 From Cracker No. 4 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman is given the mission to spy on a football (soccer) team called The Rovers. But when found he gets the boot. Click here to read the story.

5			Cunning Disguises Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 02/15/1975 From Cracker No. 5 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman is sent to school to learn about disguises. Yet, he's bad at the disguise game. Click here to read the story.

6			Laughs & Photographs Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 02/22/1975 From Cracker No. 6 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman is sent to get photos of Fairy Sleet's new washing powder. Can he do it without a mistake? Find Out Mate! Click here to read the story.

7			Day of Rest Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 03/01/1975 From Cracker No. 7 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman gets a day off, but can't stay in his chair. He must find out what is happening in the area. That's a bad idea for sure! Click here to read the story.

8			Magical Tricks Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 03/08/1975 From Cracker No. 8 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman is given the mission to go to the Magician's Club to find out if Willi The Wizard is a fake. Just what will happen to him this time? Click here to read the story.

9			Big Job Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 03/15/1975 From Cracker No. 9 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman is to get a big job from Boss. But he has ideas of what it could be. Of course he is wrong and has to follow an onion seller. Click here to read the story.

10			Whiter Than Anything Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 03/22/1975 From Cracker No. 10 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman is given the mission to find out about Sudso's new soap-powder. He discover that it washes whiter than anything else. Click here to read the story.

11			Spy on Red Flash Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 03/29/1975 From Cracker No. 11 with 1 black & white page.Simple Spyman is told to go to the race-course and spy on a horse called Red Flash. He must record the plans of the jockey and owner. But, tapes Red Flash eating. Click here to read the story.

12			Spyman in France Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 04/05/1975 From Cracker No. 12 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman has a mission in Paris to spy on the new Spring fashions. Will be bring home the goods? Click here to read the story.

13			Spying On A Band Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 04/12/1975 From Cracker No. 13 with 1 black & white page. The mission for Simple Spyman is to spy on the Glue Factory Brass Band. What a Wheeze and Sneeze for laughs. Click here to read the story.

14			Up The Pole Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 04/19/1975 From Cracker No. 14 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman has a secret mission to find out what some guy is saying on his phone. But he taps the wrong lines and then something else happens. Click here to read the story.

15			The Wax Policeman Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 04/26/1975 From Cracker No. 15 with 1 black & white page. The Boss sends Simple Spyman to Madam Toosud's Waxworks to discover how dummies are made. There he runs into a wax copper and ends up jumping into the wax himself. Click here to read the story.

16			Movie Star? Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 05/03/1975 From Cracker No. 16 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman is given the assignment to play a Spy in the new James Blond movie, but after reading the script ops out of the gig. Click here to read the story.

17			A Chance Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 05/10/1975 From Cracker No. 17 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman must spy on Big Ivor's, but he wants to sing and dance. Then when caught spying he's told to talk and he just sings and dances. Click here to read the story.

18			Paper Lunch Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 05/17/1975 From Cracker No. 18 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman is given a number of items that he is to memorize and destroy. He eats them of course. Click here to read the story.

19			What's In The Case Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 05/24/1975 From Cracker No. 19 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman is asked by the Boss to take Mini-Spy with him. But all Mini-Spy can think about is the case and what might be within. Click here to read the story.

20			Messages From Spyman Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 05/31/1975 From Cracker No. 20 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman is asked by his Boss to send messages on how his mission is going. Yet none get through but the last. Click here to read the story.

21			Damper In Hamper Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 06/07/1975 From Cracker No. 21 with 1 black & white page. Mini-Spy can't find Simple Spyman, so he looks for him in hampers and when he finds him it's not him at all, but a dummy. Click here to read the story.

22			Snake In Hand Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 06/14/1975 From Cracker No. 22 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman's rival named Fritz is in town. So, he decides to spy on him. Click here to read the story.

23			Spy In The Sky Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 06/21/1975 From Cracker No. 23 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman gets a mission up in the air and hopes he'll learn to fly. But not the way he does. Click here to read the story.

24			On Holiday Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 06/28/1975 From Cracker No. 24 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman goes on holiday at the seaside for a week. Click here to read the story.

25			Just Who's The Enemy? Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 07/05/1975 From Cracker No. 25 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman is sent to watch enemy agents, but Mini-Spy tags along and is more of an enemy himself. Yes, a real pain! Click here to read the story.

26			Strange Soup Mix Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 07/12/1975 From Cracker No. 26 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman has a mission to find out what's in Binn's Tomato Soup, but ends up going to Mac's Paint next door. Click here to read the story.

27			Learning Kung-Fu Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 07/19/1975 From Cracker No. 27 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman goes to young Foo to take a class in self defense. Click here to read the story.

28			Hot-House Jungle Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 07/26/1975 From Cracker No. 28 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman is sent to find out why Old Bert Greenfinger's plants grow better than anyone else. Click here to read the story.

29			Camera Shy Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 08/02/1975 From Cracker No. 29 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman is sent to spy on Big Al's Studio, but he's a little camera shy. Click here to read the story.

30			Spying at the Ritz Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 08/09/1975 From Cracker No. 30 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman is sent to the Ritz to find out about all the strange characters there and wins a prize. Click here to read the story.

31			Spy On The Champ Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 08/16/1975 From Cracker No. 31 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman is sent to spy on the boxing champ Ray Cooper and ends up getting a left and a right. Click here to read the story.

32			Black Pudding Mix Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 08/23/1975 From Cracker No. 32 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman must find out what is in Black Pudding made at the Sausage & Pudding Factory. Will he become part of it? Click here to read the story.

33			Funny Money Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 08/30/1975 From Cracker No. 33 (aka Summer Holiday Issue) with 1 black & white page. The Boss sends Simple Spyman on a mission to Ajax Printing to see if they are printing money. Are they or aren't they? Click here to read the story.

34			Follow The Thread Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 09/06/1975 From Cracker No. 34 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman decides to follow Boriski the spy by putting a reel of thread in his pocket. Click here to read the story.

35			Night Fright Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 09/13/1975 From Cracker No. 35 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman and Mini-Spy go on a mission at night and one gets a fright. Click here to read the story.

36			Angry Spyman Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 09/20/1975 From Cracker No. 36 with 1 black & white page. Mini-Spy clears up Spyman's office and makes him mad, because the dust from his desk were micro-dots. Click here to read the story.

37			The Monster Spy! Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 09/27/1975 From Cracker No. 37 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman is sent to Scotland to see if the Loch Ness Monster exists or not. Click here to read the story.

38			See Spy At Sea Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 10/04/1975 From Cracker No. 38 with 1 black & white page. The Boss sends Simple Spyman to find the location of the millions of gallons of oil that have been found by D.P. Oil Company in the North Sea. Click here to read the story.

39			On His Tail Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 10/11/1975 From Cracker No. 39 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman thinks he is being tail by a foreign spy. But is the man following a spy or not? Click here to read the story.

40			Is The Castle Haunted? Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 10/18/1975 From Cracker No. 40 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman must check-out a castle to see if it is haunted. Will he think it is? Click here to read the story.

41			Animal Tracks Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 10/25/1975 From Cracker No. 41 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman studies a book and then tries finding animal tracks. But what are the tracks he don't know? Click here to read the story.

42			Spying On The Boss Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 11/01/1975 From Cracker No. 42 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman peeks through the door of the office of his boss to see what he does all day. Click here to read the story.

43			Spy Aids Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 11/08/1975 From Cracker No. 43 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman is asked by his boss to try out some new items the lads in the lab came up with. Click here to read the story.

44			Never Escape! Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 11/15/1975 From Cracker No. 44 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman tries to get away from someone selling raffle tickets for the Spy Club. Click here to read the story.

45			Tick, Tick! Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 11/22/1975 From Cracker No. 45 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman thinks he has found a bomb on the Boss' desk. So he gets rid of it. But was it really a bomb or something else? Click here to read the story.

46			Spy Car With Tricks Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 11/29/1975 From Cracker No. 46 with 1 black & white page. The car owned by Simple Spyman is given a few tricks. What will he think of them? Click here to read the story.

47			What's In Spyman's Case Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 12/06/1975 From Cracker No. 47 with 1 black & white page. Mini-Spy wants to know what is in the case that Simple Spyman has. Click here to read the story.

48			Read and Destroy! Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 12/13/1975 From Cracker No. 48 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman is sent to get a message from an informer but has to eat it, then to get the info to the Boss he get an X-ray. Click here to read the story.

49			Bit Of Shoplifting Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 12/20/1975 From Cracker No. 49 (aka The Christmas Cracker with 1 black & white page. The Boss sends Simple Spyman to Brown's to catch shoplifters. Will Something be pinched? Click here to read the story.

50			Santa's Xmas Sock! Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 12/27/1975 From Cracker No. 50 (aka A Welly Merry Christmas with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman put out a few traps to catch Santa and ends up getting a "SOCK" from Santa in his Christmas sock. Click here to read the story.

51			Agent M Is Too Fat! Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 01/03/1976 From Cracker No. 51 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman has to help Agent M stick to his new diet. Can he do it or will he get fat as well? Click here to read the story.

52			Spying Or Flying Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 01/10/1976 From Cracker No. 52 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman must get the secret plans back that Mad Mike has taken. Will he err or take flight? Click here to read the story.

53			Mission Suiting Up Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 01/17/1976 From Cracker No. 53 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman believes he must have a special suit for the mission his Boss needs him to do. Click here to read the story.

54			Country Trip Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 01/24/1976 From Cracker No. 54 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman gets a day off from a trip to the county. But who or what is spying on him? Click here to read the story.

55			Library Undercover Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 01/31/1976 From Cracker No. 55 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman tries to return a book to the library that over due 2 weeks. He does not want to pay a fine. Click here to read the story.

56			Torture Test Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 02/07/1976 From Cracker No. 56 with 1 black & white page. The Boss wants Simple Spyman to take a test with an enemy agent to see if he will talk. Click here to read the story.

57			One Of Those Days! Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 02/14/1976 From Cracker No. 57 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman hasn't slept all night so his day isn't going to be great until he learns he's getting an undercover job. Click here to read the story.

58			The New Spy Hat Published by D.C.Thomson Copyright: 02/21/1976 From Cracker No. 58 with 1 black & white page. The Boss and Simple Spyman see what a new spy hat can do. But there is a problem with it. Guess what it is?

59			Tear The Place Apart! Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 02/28/1976 From Cracker No. 59 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman and Mini-Spy are sent to find top secret paper of the enemy. Will they find them? Click here to read the story.

60			Nothing To Say! Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 03/06/1976 From Cracker No. 60 with 1 black & white page. The Boss gets a new agent that's a parrot trained not to give information to anyone. Simple Spyman thinks it funny! Click here to read the story.

61			Up The Chimney Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 03/13/1976 From Cracker No. 61 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman wants to find secrets a Bad Borris's place and has to hide. Where will he choose? Click here to read the story.

62			Horsing Around Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 03/20/1976 From Cracker No. 62 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman's Boss wants him to get a new outfit so he goes to a costume shop. Click here to read the story.

63			No Luck Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 03/27/1976 From Cracker No. 63 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman is sent to watch out for Lefty Malone, but he never sees him. Yet Lefty is out to get him! Click here to read the story.

64			The Chinese Package Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 04/03/1976 From Cracker No. 64 with 1 black & white page. The Boss sends Simple Spyman after a package to make sure their HQ isn't known. Click here to read the story.

65			Memorize and Burn! Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 04/10/1976 From Cracker No. 65 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman must memorize and burn his instructions before he goes to take the enemy's microfilm. But when there he can't remember what he was to get. Click here to read the story.

66			Hope For Spy Car Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 04/17/1976 From Cracker No. 66 with 1 black & white page. The Boss give Simple Spyman a mobile patrol mission and he hopes that he gets to use a spy car. But he gets a bike instead. Click here to read the story.

67			Snap Shots Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 04/24/1976 From Cracker No. 67 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman is send to the enemy's HQ to get photos but ends up getting other kinds of snaps. Click here to read the story.

68			I Spy Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 05/01/1976 From Cracker No. 68 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman is called to the home of the Boss for a special assignment. Click here to read the story.

69			The Fake Witness Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 05/08/1976 From Cracker No. 69 with 1 black & white page. The Boss wants Simple Spyman to find out some of the recipes at a eatery and he ends up playing a waitress. Click here to read the story.

70			The Wrong Kind Of Tan Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 05/15/1976 From Cracker No. 70 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman is given a day off to enjoy the summer sun, but he is nabbed by enemy spy who put him under a lamp want him to talk. Click here to read the story.

71			Real Odd Code Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 05/22/1976 From Cracker No. 71 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman tries to break a code but it makes no sense. So he decides to take a look for himself on who he thinks is a spy. Click here to read the story.

72			Hollow Spy Equipment Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 05/29/1976 From Cracker No. 72 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman shows Mini-Spy what he calls equipment for spies and all the items are hollow, even his pie for lunch. Click here to read the story.

73			X-ray Specs Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 06/05/1976 From Cracker No. 73 with 1 black & white page. The Boss gives Simple Spyman some special glasses to try out. Click here to read the story.

74			New Spy Boots Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 06/12/1976 From Cracker No. 74 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman must try out some new type of boots that were made by the Professor. Click here to read the story.

75			Spy Toughness Test Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 06/19/1976 From Cracker No. 75 with 1 black & white page. The Boss needs Simple Spyman to take a test to make sure he wont crack. Will the office tea be his undoing? Click here to read the story.

76			Flying Spy Car! Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 06/26/1976 From Cracker No. 76 with 1 black & white page. The Boss finally wants to let Simple Spyman have a spy car and this one can fly. But Simple Spyman can't drive! Click here to read the story.

77			Messages For Spyman! Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 07/03/1976 From Cracker No. 77 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman gets a number of message to work on but misses the one left by Mini-Spy about lunch. Click here to read the story.

78			Agent X Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 07/10/1976 From Cracker No. 78 with 1 black & white page. The Boss wants Simple Spyman to test the new agent which happens to be a mechanical man (aka robot). Click here to read the story.

79			Meeting With Agent W Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 07/17/1976 From Cracker No. 79 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman is to meet with Agent W by boat. So who would have thought it would be in a kids pool. Click here to read the story.

80			Safety Messages Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 07/24/1976 From Cracker No. 80 with 1 black & white page. The Boss tries out some new messages that he claims are safe. Yet they make Simple Spyman mad. Click here to read the story.

81			Spy Skates Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 07/31/1976 From Cracker No. 81 with 1 black & white page. The Boss wants Simple Spyman to try some new spy skates out. But Simple Spyman can't skate! Click here to read the story.

82			The New Spy Pen Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 08/07/1976 From Cracker No. 82 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman is shown a new pen by the Boos for his next mission that he puts in the trash because it won't write. Click here to read the story.

83			Bugged By Bugs Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 08/14/1976 From Cracker No. 83 with 1 black & white page. The Boss has a new mission for Simple Spyman, but he finds that the office of his boss is bugged in more ways than one. Click here to read the story.

84			The New Spy Case Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 08/21/1976 From Cracker No. 84 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman and Mini-Spy are shown a new case to use as spies. Yet they can't lift it because it's too full. Click here to read the story.

85			Message From Q Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 08/28/1976 From Cracker No. 85 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman has a mission to get a micro-dot from Agent Q, but he cleans up the park and put the trash in the bin with the micro-dot. Click here to read the story.

86			The Hitch To Each Twitch Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 09/04/1976 From Cracker No. 86 with 1 black & white page. Simple Spyman is to contact Agent X but all his tries are only seen by the auctioneer, so he has a bill for six thousand pounds. Click here to read the story.

87			Robot Decoy Published by D.C.Thomson Contributors: Bill Ritchie (writer and artist) Copyright: 09/11/1976 From Cracker No. 87 with 1 black & white page. The Professor make a robot decoy of Simple Spyman and the Boss ends up being the guy it's tested on.

MY COMMENTS

I'd like to pretend that I pondered long and somberly about whether to add such a silly series as Simple Spyman to the compendium but ... ah, nope! I was shown it by a frequent contributor and immediately grinned and said, 'Oh yeah!'. No particular reason other than it was so ridiculous I could not resist.

The character is utterly stupid and the plots, if you can call them that, are ridiculous. There is no plot to speak of. No development worth noting (except for the introduction of Mini-Spy decades before Dr. Evil's Mini-Me). The main protagonist's outfit is crazy to a fault.

But to get a minor chuckle now and then is good. Simple Spyman, if taken in very small doses, is almost kinda sorta fun-ish.

GRADE

My Grade: C-

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