Monthly Online Book Review and Listings Magazine ~ July 2009

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THE BEST OF ROY OF THE ROVERS - THE 1970s (Titan Books PB) This title celebrates another momentous decade in the career of soccer's greatest player, Roy Race, as he competes to win the GBP 30,000 Goal Rush Challenge, teaches how to play American Football, tackles the problem of hooliganism head on and struggles to control Melchester's latest signing - the fiery, arrogant but highly talented Paco Diaz. This volume also features a selection of features and articles taken from the original "Roy of the Rover" comic, including a 2 page feature written by Eric Morecambe. Also included is a selection of period ads for legendary toys including Chopper, Dinky, Corgi and a variety of Kellogg's long defunct breakfast cereals. Complimentary volume to titan's first Roy of the Rovers - the 1980s. This volukme starts with issue 1 of Roy's own comic, in 1976, and contains many rare comic strips. Of particular interest are the adverts and the features and photos. A beautifully produced book, it was out in time for Father's Day but unfortunately I received my review copy after that and can only slot it in the July issue. A real collectors' item, one to be treasured. Also available this month from Egmont, exclusively at W H smith:

EGMONT CLASSIC COMICS: Readers who grew up with the classic characters of Roy of the Rovers, Battle, Misty and Buster are in for a nostalgic treat. Egmont UK and WHSmith have teamed up to bring the adventures back to the newsstand in four special collections, costing £3.99 each, that are sure to bring those childhood memories flooding back.

Today’s grown-ups can relive the time when they waited eagerly for each new issue of these comics to go on sale, as all the archive original comic strips are brought together for the first time in these special editions.  Readers can enjoy these classic slices of

childhood all over again with the 64 page specials featuring all the best-loved characters and stories, launching exclusively in WHSmith.  Roy of the Rovers will be the first on sale on 1st April 2009, with the other titles rolling out during 2009.

Egmont acquired the Fleetway stable of comics in 1991 which included Roy of the Rovers, Battle, Misty and Buster. Tim Jones, Egmont UK said, “We are delighted to be bringing this fantastic portfolio of comics back to the newsstand for the fans to enjoy and indulge in their nostalgic reading.  These new launches are a great example of the huge portfolio of evergreen character comics, books and magazines Egmont publish, and we are thrilled to keep delivering content for their fans.”

About Roy of the Rovers

Roy Race, star player of Melchester Rovers and idol to millions, first appeared in 1954. His trademark “Racey’s Rocket” and knack for scoring match–winning goals made him a superstar long before today’s pampered Premiership stars. His footballing career lasted for many years, eventually ending in tragedy when a helicopter accident let to the amputation of his foot. Roy eventually graduated to his own comic which also featured such memorable stories as “Billy’s Boots”, “Hot Shot Hamish” and “Goalkeeper”.

About Battle

Battle began life in 1975 and ran for 13 years. Filled with action-packed, thrilling stories mainly set during the Second World War, Battle fired the imaginations of countless boys, many of whom had a surviving relative from the war. From the exploits of the unconventional soldier Major Eazy to the realistic portrayal of WW1 life in Charley’s War, Battle was the first of a new wave of British Comics that featured rugged realism from cover to cover.

Roy of the Rovers personalised book £14.99

• Personalise this (Egmont's own site

• Meet Roy of the Rovers (Egmont's own site

Exclusively on www.egmont.co.uk

Amazing - unbelievable - the opportunity every 1970s schoolboy dreamed of can come true: to join the Melchester Rovers line-up as Roy Race's new star player! Our offer features a brand new 5-page story featuring YOU - with no fewer than 12 customised illustrations and 17 name-checks throughout - including on the front and back cover! To add authenticity to this unique experience, the Roy of the Rovers personalised book features a host of stories featuring other characters from the 1970s comic, including The Safest Hands in Soccer and Mike's Mini Men. This is the ideal gift for the football comic fan who has never grown up! The back of the book will show your avatar in the team line up, as the picture below shows...

Books Monthly is published on the first day of every month. If you'd like me to publish a story you've written, please e-mail me at editor@booksmonthly.com ~ no payment, I'm afraid, as I don't make any money from the magazine. The length of your story is no problem - long or full-length stories can be serialised. Similarly, if you have a feature article on a book, author or artist you would like me to publish, e-mail it to me and I'll fit it in. Deadline for inclusion in the next month's magazine is 15th of the month