Football's comic book heroes - Adam Riches

Ever since comics for boys were first published in the late 19th century, they have offered their readers fun, adventure, and escapism. As participation and attendance at sports events rose dramatically during the first half of the 20th century, boys comics began to regularly feature sportsmen of all types, andsoccer playersbecame the ultimate favorite. The introduction of soccer comics presented in a cartoon-strip format became immensely popular during the 1960s, with Rover, Hotspur, and Wizard among the top titles. Although these comics are no longer in circulation, there is still a significant level of interest, and the culture of the comic-book hero continues. Renowned publisher D.C. Thomson has delved into its archives to produce the definitive document of the most legendarysoccer playingcharacters to grace the pages of comics, including such favourites as Limp Along Leslie, Roy Race, Billy Dane, and Hotshot Hamish. Extensively researched to cover the history and the storylines associated with these comics and their heroes, this is a unique, nostalgic account of the soccer comic book phenomenon that will jog the memories of older readers and introduce the magic of these imaginary sporting stars to a new generation.