Tiger 4th May 1974

On May 4th of 1974, Liverpool defeated Newcastle 3-0 to win the F.A. Cup. Meanwhile, in the pages of Tiger, Roy and his beloved Melchester Rovers play out their own FA Cup. Will they too be 3-0 winners? Let's turn the page and find out! 

Tiger
4th May 1974

Roy Of The Rovers 

A fantastic cover introduces us to the final as Roy leads his team onto the hallowed turf of Wembley. The first page feels like we are at the game, the crowd cheers when the team owners take their seats, and the respective teams are introduced. This part of the story is immersive and it's hard not to be cast back into the past and the feeling of these big games. The bonus money of 5000 pounds on offer is still at the forefront of everyone's mind, and we learn that people are calling this '"the golden final"  - we are a long way from the modern game and the billions of petro-dollars sloshing around the Premier League. The game-day nerves are still the same, however, and despite the extra incentive, the Burndean players face an early strike from Roy as he tests their keeper. He makes the save, but the scene is set for the rest of the strip as we face end-to-end action from here on in. Melchester Rovers are the aggressor, but their constant flooding forward in search of a goal leaves them exposed to the counter-attack, and after offering a couple of chances the inevitable happens and they concede a goal. A frustrated Roy, hands on hips and glaring at the goal, is our final image this week, and it's still all ahead of us for next week. 

Like so many of these stories, the story feels like three parts, a page of induction, a page of action, and the final half page throwing us into the setup for next week. I enjoyed all three parts this week, especially when the story pulls back and Wembley and the crowd become part of the storyline. Despite the money being key to the plot, the story remains firmly in the realm of football and what is happening on the pitch, and as I have said before, this is where Roy of the Rovers excels. Another great addition to the comic, and the opening cover is spectacular. 

Rating: 8/10

Best line: "I've never seen them so hungry for goals, Tony! I hope this money talk hasn't made them reckless!" 

Johnny Cougar and Splash Gorton

The wrestling action continues throughout Johnny Cougar this week as his battle with the Trickster continues. It follows the same form as last week, with the Trickster pulling several tricks while Johnny does his best to fight on. After a slippery beginning, in which Trickster places some grease on Johnny's boots, Johhny removes his boots and the fight becomes far more serious. Johnny holds the upper hand, and even though he himself has already faced a couple of eight counts, he gets Trickster with a nerve hold, before the bout pauses as Johnny notices the ring robes are broken. A non-believing Trickster jeers at him, thinking that Johnny is playing him at his own game, only to tumble out of the ring as he leans back on the robes. What happens next is in the hands of the writer and artist, as this is where the story for us ends this week. 

Like the Roy Of The Rovers story before it, Johnny Cougar is at his best when competing, and the story always shines when he is in the ring. Trickster exhausted me before this fight even began, but each week I warm to him a little more, and this week I found myself greatly enjoying the back-and-forth between him and Johnny. Please, if we could have more of this next week, I would be a happy man indeed.

Rating 8/10

Best line: "Haw, haw, haw! Very clever, redskin...but I don't fall for tricks like that!"

Martin's Marvellous Mini 

The rally is back on, and in the first panels, we see Tiny and Martin hurriedly driving George to the start line, with the briefest of detours past a Firestation where George is quickly hosed off, cleaned up and ready to go. We are introduced again to their competitors, with the Carlton factory cars our race leaders as the stage begins. They are as fast as they look, but the boys are surprised to find themselves crossing the finish line first. It seems the Carlton cars had been stopped for exceeding the speed limit, leaving the way clear for George to take the lead. Things are looking up, and it gets even better as they are offered free accommodation at a luxury hotel, with colour TV no less, and new outfits. It seems everyone wants to be associated with the rally leaders. 

I have read countless issues where Martin and Tiny find themselves scrambling for cheap accommodation after a hard day driving, so this is a twist and something we have not seen before. I'm just as surprised as they are! Although, I did feel old when one of the main attractions of the hotel was a colour TV. We have certainly come a long way since 1974. Things look too good to be true for Tiny and Martin at this moment, and next week things can only go downhill for them. Hopefully, they will get a good night's sleep in their luxury accommodation before whatever dramas befall them next week. I enjoyed seeing them reap the rewards for a good day driving, but I know it won't last and next week's drama will probably see normal service resume.

Rating: 7.5/10

Best line: "A free hotel...free clothes...appearance on the telly! We...we've hit it big, Martin!"

The Tigers

Oh yes, the pogo story that started last week. We have the usual story, Chunky Clarke is riding his luck on the pogo stick and when Ron Burton interferes it is Ron that ends up taking the blame for causing property damage. The second part of the story sees Ron concocting a scheme to get even. He challenges Chunky to a Pogo race along the canal at night, while his two accomplices report to the police that there is a leaping figure along the canal scaring people. 

One can see where we are going from here. Although I find the stories simplistic, and frankly a little silly at times, The Tigers remains somewhat of a guilty pleasure. I couldn't honestly say that I liked this week's strip, but I do enjoy seeing the artwork, especially the facial expressions. Even if it's not my cup of tea, it is a thing well made, and it delivers on what it promises each week. This week is fairly typical for The Tigers, and I'm going to give it an average rating, even though the work that has gone into it definitely deserves more. 

Rating: 6/10

Best line: "It wasn't me! It was a fat creep - on a stick!"

Skid Solo

The Grand Prix season is put aside for this week's Skid Solo story. Skid is fishing with his neighbour, Sir George Catom, and they return to Sir George's house to find it has been burgled. Speaking to the police, Skid is told to take care as burglars often strike several times in the same area. With the help of Sandy, Skid does his best to make his house safe from burglars but returning from race practice the next day they find that they too have been struck by the crooks. Sandy is nonplussed and pulling out some radio equipment he commands Skid to drive the car. Directing Skid, they travel at high speed until Sandy points at an ambulance and shouts at Skid "Stop that vehicle!" Ramming the ambulance off the road, they find it full of stolen goods and the police make the necessary arrests. There is nothing left to do but for Sandy to explain how he was able to follow the villains. He shows Skid and Sparrow the bug he planted, and how he followed its transmission with his radio gear. Skid wonders how Sandy could be sure the burglars would steal the bug, and Sandy reveals he planted it in the one thing he knew they couldn't resist - a wad of cold hard cash.

 An enjoyable story, Sandy once again saves the day with his technical know-how. Every character plays to his strengths, and the story moved at a fast pace throughout. Normally I prefer to see Skid on track and racing, but as far as these off-track stories go, this is a good one. With plenty of memorable lines, some great-looking car action, and brains beating brawn, this was right up my alley. Not quite Skid at his best, but close enough for me.

Rating: 8/10

Best line: "You crafty Scotsman!"

Tallon Of The Track

Jo Tallon has a plan to flush out the saboteur that has blighted the pages of Tallon Of The Track over the last few weeks. She lays a trap as the Ospreys travel to Appleford for their next race meeting. While the team stay in at the hotel, Jo, Dave and Oggie hide in the workshop where the bikes are stored. It is a cold and miserable vigil, but they are rewarded when in the early hours of the morning a masked figure breaks in through a window. Despite Dave revealing their position too soon and affording the crook a chance to escape, Jo manages to make amends by dropping the figure with a well-thrown spanner. With the body yet to be identified we finish the story with Jo and Dave about to pull the mask off the potential saboteur. 

Tallon Of The Track excels at these types of stories, and over the last six months, we have seen many mysterious figures fall at the hands of Jo Tallon. This sabotage story is proving to be just as good as anything that has come before, although it feels as if it's moving much faster than those previous stories. Already it looks like the story is coming to an end, and I would not be surprised to see the story wrapped up next week with the unmasking of the saboteur.  One thing that this story does particularly well is the balance between the characters, and this week Jo, Dave and Oggie share the panels and the load of the story. Jo's may be the marquee name, but the story belongs equally to all three characters as each has their moments throughout. Well-paced and well-balanced, my love affair with this story continues. 

Rating: 8/10

Best line: "No, Dave, wait! Not yet...you've acted too soon!"

Football Family Robinson

The ongoing animosity between Crash and Digger is cancerous and spreads throughout the team in this week's instalment of Football Family Robinson. As Crash and Digger's confrontation escalates they give away a goal, leading to further splits within the team as fingers are duly pointed. Some girls are pretty when they are angry, but not so Viv Robinson, and her face sums up the displeasure felt by much of the team. As chances are missed by the family in front of the goal, matters become heated again and by the time the team goes in for half time a full-blown civil war is on the cards. Bickering and arguing dominate the dressing room, before, in the final panel, Ma Robinson slams her umbrella down and seizes control of the situation. Her plan for the second half remains in the future for us the reader, but it is a good hook to bring me back next week. 

By now, the clash between Digger and Crash has been exhausted, so it was a timely move to widen the conflict and drag the rest of the family in. If I had to face another week of watching Digger and Crash alone arguing I may have been tempted to skim this story. It's always good to see the strong motherly figure of Ma take control, and it was the perfect way to end this week's issue, bring the family under control and as well as giving us a reason to come back next week.  

Rating: 6/10

Best line: "What a way to end the season. The family's in a state of civil war!"

A Horse Called Ugly

Some fantastic panels in the week's strip, and even if I'm not totally convinced by the storyline, the artwork certainly has my attention. We begin where we left off, with Clive Mannering in his room with thoughts of revenge swirling around his mind. Although it's the middle of the night, he takes to his car, driving to Lord Humphrey's estate with a devious scheme to be revealed. It is not a warm reception he receives, and initially, he is seen off by a shotgun blast from the gatekeeper. However, he is not easily dissuaded and heading to the back entry he gains entry to the manor house. Although Lord Humphrey is reluctant to speak with him, Clive manages to catch his ear with a scheme, and the next day, while he is out riding Ugly, Joe meets up with the pair, now seemingly friends again. Lord Humphrey offers Joe a chance to live like a lord, and as Joe appears interested Clive smiles at the trap he has set. 

I shall have to wait a whole seven days to find out what the trap is, and those seven days can't pass fast enough. I was lukewarm on this story, but this week's issue has piqued my interest, and with some great-looking panels, and new story hooks, my enthusiasm is rekindled. A Horse Called Ugly has been an uneven read over the last month, but this story is picking up speed now, and I am more than happy to see it.

Rating: 8/10

Best line: "If you are supposed to be Gentlemen, I'm glad I ain't one!" 

Issue final ratings:

Overall: 8/10

Best Story: Tallon Of The Track

Best Line: "Dinna ask questions, young mon...just do as I tell ye! An' I'm telling ye to get in that car, fast!"

Best Panel:

Roys Sports Quiz:

Tiger 27th April 1974

I feel so guilty. I should be outside playing sports, not inside reading comics about them. True, it is a beautiful day outside, but why take the risk of skin cancer, or sunstroke, when I can sit here in the shade, staying hydrated with a cold beer in hand. No doubt I will regret this decision once winter rolls around, and I'm trapped inside looking at the cold weather, but for now, I'm happy with my decision and looking forward to seeing what this week's comic holds in store. 

Tiger
27th April 1974

Johnny Cougar and Splash Gorton

Finally, Johnny Cougar is in the ring with the Trickster, and to be honest it is much better than I expected. Sure the Trickster is living up to his name with a variety of tricks coming thick and fast, but there is also some dynamic wrestling action on the page making for a well-balanced and fast-moving strip. With the  Trickster coming out of his corner wearing a mask, Johnny is caught off guard and the first moments of the bout belong to Trickster. Johnny regains his composure but the Trickster manages to fool him a couple more times before we end with the Trickster catching Johnny with a forearm. There are many things I liked about this week's strip, the action looked good, the Trickster played his tricks and got the results he seeking in the ring, and Johnny looked strong, yet vulnerable against his opponent. I had previously written off this storyline, but once again it has snared me with its wrestling action and Johnny Cougar deserved to appear on the cover this week with a story that is much better than the previous weeks. 

Rating: 7/10

Best line: "Cougar get up...not so easily fooled again!" 

Roy Of The Rovers

The F.A. Cup is just days away and Melchester Rovers are training hard. With the thought of the five thousand pound bonus offered to the Burndean players for winning the cup playing on everyone's mind, the players are distracted by the appearance of Melchester's newest director, Ted Manning. Ted has money and isn't afraid to throw it about, declaring that he will offer the Melchester players the same bonus if they can win the cup. The intensity of training picks up immediately and there is a new enthusiasm among the team. Leaving the training, Roy goes to a local youth club where he has donated some money for a football court. The next project is doing up the gym, and Roy complains to Penny that it's not fair that Ted Manning is chucking money around while the kids can't even afford a gym. One can already see the storylines converging here, but there is one final twist as the next day's newspaper carries the headline that Burndean's players are now offered an extra thousand pounds for every goal they score. One can see the larger story developing here, and with plenty of money on offer, the next few weeks will decide where it is distributed. There is no doubt in my mind that it will end up at the youth club, but how we get to that point remains to be seen. This week is one of those weeks that sets up for what comes next and contains no real action or drama within itself. It's an enjoyable read, but we all know that next week is the issue where it all happens, and as such, this week's story is still in low gear just waiting for what comes next.

Rating: 5/10

Best line: "You'd better make sure you win the cup, Roy!  Then you can donate your five thousand to the club...!"

Martin's Marvellous Mini.

Martin's Marvellous Mini was my favourite story in last week's issue, and I have been wondering all week how they would get George around the loop the loop.  I needn't have worried too much, George handles it just fine, and they continue apace around the obstacle course. It's not all smooth running, the hill climb at first proves challenging, and they are briefly overtaken, but the balanced is restored on their second attempt and after a successful run through the skid-pan, they manage to just edge their rivals at the finish line. With their prize money in hand, they are able to pay for the damage previously wrought on another car, before we are hurled back into the rally action with the news that they only have thirty minutes to get to the start of the next stage. With George looking a mess, and both Martin and Tiny tired from the hectic race they've just taken part in, the scene is set for next week's issue. This brief diversion at the highland games and through the obstacle course has proved to be a lot of fun, and a pleasant distraction for the longer-running rally storyline. I'm pleased to be back on track through, and I certainly look forward to the start of the rally again next week. This issue has some great-looking art, the colour made the drive around the loop look spectacular, and the story wrapped up in grand style. As always, there is a lightness and sense of fun throughout these panels, and once again I am more than satisfied by what Martin's Marvellous Mini has delivered. 

Rating: 7.5/10

Best line: "Stone the crows, now we are on a skid-pan!" 

A Horse Called Ugly

The first panel of this week's strip is identical to the one we left with last week, Ugly and Joe leaping over a jump and challenging Lord Humphrey to a race. Ugly is at his best here, and as they race across the first page of the story, Joe and his horse are well in control and win easily. Lord Humphrey is livid and fires his groom immediately, before telling Clive Mannering that he has embarrassed him and their friendship is over. It is an unhappy ride home but Joe offers the now redundant groom a chance to look after Ugly, while Clive Mannering glowers and plots revenge against Joe for ruining his friendship with Lord Humphrey. While Joe and Tom enjoy baked beans for dinner and are joined by Angela, who is happy to see Lord Humpry get his comeuppance, the strip ends with Clive Mannering at his window smiling at his new plan to get revenge on all that have done him wrong. This story was at its best for the horse action and as important as the second half was to the overall storyline, it didn't look as appealing on the page. However, the right pieces have now been manoeuvred into place for the next part of the story, and I know that will involve a lot more thrilling action with Ugly in full flight. Overall, this was a solid issue in a story that is finding its feet after a long South America sojourn and is an improvement in the preceding weeks. 

Rating: 7/10

Best line: "Joe, I've just heard how you made a fool of that conceited idiot, Lord Humphrey. Good for you!"

Football Family Robinson

With the Crash and Digger saga now behind us, we embark on a new storyline this week in Football Family Robinson. While working in the yard, Fred is injured and Titch runs to prevent Digger from returning to Australia, they now need him to make up the numbers for the next game. Perhaps I spoke too soon when I said the saga of Crash and Digger was over because they both begin to argue about which of them will play in goal, and who will play centre-half. Once again it is the strong matriarchal presence of Ma that calms the situation, and it is resolved with a coin toss. With Crash playing centre-half and Digger in goal one would think that the story would run smoothly from here on, but things are far from resolved and Digger simmers in resentment as he sits in goal with very little to do. As the game progresses he begins to further stew, and by the final panel, we once again have him threatening to break every bone in Crash's body. I thought we have moved beyond this, and I am disappointed to be retreading the same ground with the conflict between Digger and Crash. It colours my overall impression of this week's strip, and it feels like the story is going backwards with this latest wrinkle in the conflict between the two. I could comment on the great artwork and facial expressions, but to be honest none of it makes up for my disappointment in the overall story.

Rating: 4/5

Best line: "Be quiet, the pair of you, or I'll bang your heads together. You'd better toss for it"

Tallon Of The Track

With sabotage and foul play afoot, we last saw Jo tumbling over her handlebars as her bike failed at the worst possible moment, halfway down a steep slope of coal. The finger-pointing starts immediately as Jo is carefully placed on the truck for medical attention, and once again it is Oggie in the firing line as all eyes turn accusingly towards him. However, Jo is tougher than she looks, and coming around she orders the team to continue their training. While they continue, Jo calls Oggie and Dave behind the truck and again brings up the possibility of sabotage. Dave doesn't believe her, but now she has evidence, a bolt on her bike that has been sawn through. It is here that the story ends, but I am hooked by this final piece of information and already know that this will be one of the first stories I seek out in next week's issue. The hair-raising bike riding looked great, and Jo lived up to her strong character as she emerged from the wreckage of her accident with a new clue in hand. Like so often with Tallon Of The Track, we have a fantastic whodunnit combined with racing action, making for a winning combination that keeps me coming back for more and more. Another fine entry from Tallon Of The Track and, as always, I rate it highly. 

Rating 7.5/10

Best line: "It looks bad! Come on..."

Skid Solo

It's great to see Al Ledstock appear in the first panel of Skid Solo this week. He has been a long-time competitor against Skid, and his appearance heralds the arrival of the latest instalment of their friendship and race career. He also introduces us to three young new competitors for this year's race season. They are Juan Landio (Argentina), Jean Corbonne (France) and Mike Elton (England). Al isn't too worried by their arrival on the scene, he is confident that Skid and he have the experience to beat any newcomers. This is put to the test as the first race of the season commences, and although Al Ledstock leads the way, the three young drivers are not far behind him. As the race progresses they continue to press hard, and with four laps left Ledstock's car overheats, leaving Corbonne in the lead, pursued by Skid Solo and Mike Elton. In a fast finish all four cars cross the line close together, Corbonne first, Mike Elton second, Skid Solo third, and Juan Landio fourth.  The final panels have Al and Skid discussing the performance of the young drivers, and Skid mentions that not only do they have fast cars, but also superior fitness, which gives us the final panel of Al jogging behind a trainer on a bike, in an attempt to raise his own fitness levels. I am very pleased to finally have a proper Grand Prix race back on the pages of Skid Solo, and with the arrival of three new challengers, it looks like Skid could be in for a difficult season. The story introduced three new drivers very cleverly, and once again it injects a fresh angle into a story that on paper could read the same year after year. The steadying influence of Al Ledstock helped anchor the story in the history we already know so well and gave a good mix of old and new. I'm pleased we didn't rely on an accident to add drama to the story, and this is a solid start to what could be a very interesting season.

Rating: 7.5/10

Best line: "Three more miles, Mister Ledstock...you can do it!" 

The Tigers

Not a lot happens in The Tigers this week. We met the latest challenge (a homemade pogo stick), there's a confrontation with Ron Burton, and the story ends with Burton in trouble for damaging property and seeking revenge on Chunky. Sure, this could be the plot for any week, but it seems particularly stark this week with very little action propping up the storyline. This is typical for this strip, and often the first introduction of a new sport is often just that, an introduction, with the real action and adventure to come further down the line. The problem is, this time I don't care to see what becomes of the pogo stock and Ron Burton. There is a feeling I've seen it all before, and I can't seem to raise any enthusiasm for a sport that is fringe at best. Here's hoping we get a few laughs along the way, and the story blooms into something more entertaining than this week's strip. 

Rating: 4/10

Best line: "What did I tell you! Burton's accident-prone. He's always breaking things!" 

Issue final ratings:

Overall: 6/10

Best Story: Martin's Marvellous Mini

Best Line: "My so-called accident just now! Oggie said he checked my bike thoroughly, and I believe him! What happened was deliberate!"

Best Panel:

Roy's Sports Quiz

    

  

Tiger 20th April 1974

An oddly flat issue this week. Some stories are shining bright, but there are a couple of strips here that drag the comic down and leave me feeling distinctly underwhelmed. Still, sitting at home reading old comics is better than being at work sending angry emails, so I intend on enjoying this as much as possible as my summer holiday winds down. 

Tiger

20th April 1974

Skid Solo

Back in Britain and Skid is keen to give his new car the good testing it needs. It does appear to be an unlucky car, and Skid is in trouble early on. Some workmen appear on the track to do some repairs, although rather luckily they do seem to build a ramp. I suspend my disbelief for a minute as this drama plays out - Skid appears around the corner, travelling much too fast to be able to stop. Seeing a chance to escape a bad accident, he drives up the planks the workmen have constructed and neatly takes a jump and lands safely on the track. This doesn't deter Skid, and he decides to take another half a dozen laps and he smashes the lap record by five seconds. Sandy fears for the new car and sends Sparrow Smith out to slow Skid down, but all he ends up doing is driving Skid off the road in another near miss. Deciding that's enough, Sandy drives the cars home on the trailer, declaring it will be safer than letting Skid drive such an unlucky car. After facing a press conference, Skid and Sparrow return home to find Sandy alone and with no car. It seems he had a mishap driving home, and Skid's new car is now a write-off after the trailer became uncoupled and went off the road. We leave our hero here, facing a new season without his unlucky new car. Apart from the jump earlier in the story, I liked most of the things we have here. Even the opening panels with the unbelievable jump were good, the artwork looked sensational, even if I didn't like what they were depicting. Elsewhere the art stayed at this high standard, whether it be on the track, or in the faces of the characters. Speaking of the characters, there is a great contrast between the always sunny disposition of Skid and the constant negative outlook on life that Sandy has. The two balance each other out nicely, and their different outlook on life often helps propel the story along. The future outlook of the story itself is unknown. This new car of Skid's has been built up for weeks, so I'm not sure where the story will go from here, it seems that all that buildup was for nothing now. All will be revealed as they say, but for now, I am very happy with where this story sits.

Rating 7.5/10

Best line: "Hey...get this stuff out of the way...there's a car out there practising!"  

Roy Of The Rovers

Tensions were high when we last saw Roy and the Rovers in the F.A. Cup semi-final against Bridgewall. With scores locked at one all, and Jimmy Slade charging at the Bridgewall keeper for a fifty-fifty ball there is potential for the match to boil over. However, Jimmy is more level-headed than people give him credit for. He hurdles over the keeper, saving him in the process, but ends up crashing into a goalpost headfirst. Amidst the chaos Roy delicately chips the ball into the back of the net, giving Rovers a two-one lead. With Jimmy back on his feet, and the Bridgewall team appreciative of his sacrifice to save their keeper, the game resumes at a less intense level, with the beautiful game emerging from the ashes of the previous fraught tussle. Not only is football the winner, but also Rover's who finish the game with a three-one victory and thoughts of the final against Burndean. Burndean hasn't won the cup final for thirty years, but with the Burndean chairman offering a five thousand bonus to his players if they win they have much more to play for than the glory of the cup. This was a well-balanced story with football action, plenty of goals, and a healthy dose of sportsmanship. Plenty there that would please a football fan. Jimmy Slade looked dynamic and exciting in every panel he appeared in, and he was the star of this week's strip in my opinion. He also added a very real human element to the story, and I enjoyed seeing how the game changed after his moment on the first page. A nice way to wrap up the semi against Bridgewall, here's hoping that the final will be just as good. Sometimes final can be dour boring affairs, but if it lives up to the 2022 World cup final we may be in for a rare treat. 

Rating: 7.5/10

Best line: "My stars, it's like a different game! It's developing into a classic!"

Martin's Marvellous Mini

I never knew that they had car obstacle courses at the Highland Games, but here we are with George about to take part in one, ostensibly to win the one-hundred pounds that Tiny needs to party for the damage he wrought upon another car. What follows is an entire two pages given over to racing action as the pals hurl George through a variety of obstacles. There is a lot to take in here, each obstacle proving challenging but not impossible for the pair. I enjoy every single moment of it, be it when they are struggling through mud, ploughing through a haystack, splashing through a water obstacle, or taking a jump. It is the final panels where the biggest peril is revealed, with signs advising them to speed up to fifty miles an hour, they are faced with a giant loop the loop. Dramatic enough that I'm tempted to skip to the next issue immediately. I can't get enough of this story, and all of it looks glorious in colour. The first page is dominated by wide-screen shots of the racing, while the second page focuses its attention solely on George. There are many visual highlights, while the dialogue takes a back seat. Reflecting on the story, I can't remember much of what was said but I sure remember the striking images. Top-notch yet again, the adventures of Martin, Tiny and George continue to thrill me. 

Rating: 8/10

Best line: "I've heard of a needle in a haystack...but a mini is ridiculous!" 

The Tigers

We are still with the land yacht action, and it feels like this has been going on far too long. As I read today I can't help but think that we are seeing the same story played out week after week with these land yachts, with very little variation or story progression. There is story progression this week, thankfully, but the actual race is much as we have seen previously.  The race is on, but Chunky loses a wheel, thanks to Ron Burton's sabotage. Luckily, this wheel hits Ron in the back of the head and while Ron crashes Chunky is blown towards the sea. More of his good luck is at play, as the waves toss him back and with a strong wind, he is blown across the finish line riding on his front wheel alone. Another trophy for his cabinet, but I can't say it is well deserved. The most pleasing aspect of this story is that it is over and we can move to a different sport next week. There were plenty of high jinks with the land yachts, but towards the end, it was all too much for me and despite trying to stay positive I just had the overwhelming feeling that I wish it would all end. And now it has, so onwards and upwards for next week.

Rating 3/10

Best line: "He's like a pudding tied up with string. Just wait till the wheels drop off..."

Football Family Robinson

It's all on in the opening panel as Digger and Crash clash with all the family intervening and trying to cool them off. With tempers frayed, it is Detective-sergeant Gill who finally calms the situation with a well-thrown bucket of water. With peace duly restored, the confusion that led to this is unravelled, with some open communication getting to the bottom of it. Of course Digger and Crash both recall the boys who caused the trouble in the restaurant right back at the start of this, and soon enough the detective has the case solved, the only problem is that there is no hard evidence to link the boys back to the hoax phone call. However, all is not lost and as the police and the family approach the young offenders, they begin to panic and grass each other up immediately. Thus, the case is officially closed, Crash and Digger are friends again - with Digger apologising, and it looks like we're about to begin a new chapter on the football family. However, the story has one final hook in the tail. As Digger packs his bags to return to Australia we hear a loud noise from the training ground, and a call that Digger can't leave, they need both him and Crash for Saturday. This unknown factor is enough to finish the strip with a warm feeling, a firm knowledge that I too will be back next week for me. I can't begin to imagine what has just happened, but I certainly know I want to see more of it. The main story wound up, with a gentle finish rather than an exclamation point, and we are building into whatever will drive the story for the coming weeks. I was pleased with this soft landing, the story had been explosive with drama on every panel and this kinder ending with the hooligans arrested with little fuss felt about right. I do wonder how much longer Digger will remain the focus of these stories, something we will know much better after next week's issue.

Rating: 7/10

Best line: " Reckon I made a right fool of myself, Crash, mate-" 

A Horse Called Ugly

I'm not so fussed by the beginning of this week's story, but the art is a knockout and there are some fantastic panels to be digested on the first page. We begin with the fallout of Ugly eating the hat of one of Angela's guests, and thankfully this is quickly dealt with, but not before we get some of the fantastic artwork I alluded to. The looks on the faces are just right, and even Ugly manages to have an innocent face, despite his wrongdoing. The second part of the story is much more enjoyable from a story perspective, with Angela's brother asking Joe and Ugly to race against one of his associates who he has bet 5000 pounds with. Joe is reluctant, given his history with Clive, but he changes his mind once he meets who he is competing against, an even more loathsome character called Humprey Fotheringay. Joe takes an instant to him, and we finish the strip with a splendid couple of panels of Jow and Ugly racing him neck and neck around the showjumping course. This is the most thrilling part of the strip, and as good as I thought the artwork was on the first pages, this manages to top it. There is nothing better than seeing Ugly in full flight, and whatever misgivings I had about the story earlier on are completely forgotten in the fast and furious moments. Joe and Ugly against the world, there is nothing better. 

Rating: 7.5/10

Best line: "Dash it all, Clive - I didn't think you would insult me by producing those scruffs!" 

Johnny Cougar with Splash Gorton

Ah yes, the annoying Trickster. Here's hoping he gets everything he deserves in the ring. Before we get to the wrestling though, Trickster has one final trick up his sleeve. Leaving Johnny and Splash the in the desert, he flies over them in a helicopter and drops flour bombs on them. How annoying, and I know just how Johnny feels as he threatens to get even. We next see them together in the ring, with the Trcickerster having a tricky entrance, springing from a trap door in the ring. Johnny is not amused, as you might well imagine, and in the final panels before the fight starts we see the referee insisting on no tricks, while the Trickster is planning all sorts of tricks. This story feels stretched out, I was expecting to see the wrestling begin today, but instead, we have the coda to last week's encounter and then merely the introduction for the fight. It does give the sense of being padded out, and I'm disappointed that I don't get to see the Trickster get his comeuppance this week. It looks like this story has some way to go, with the Trickster promising to shock Johnny Cougar in sorts of ways, the wrestling match will certainly take more than a couple of weeks. 

Rating: 5/10

Best line: "All set, pal? Remember, you've got to watch this guy closer than a wasp that's on the war-path!" 

Tallon Of The Track

Everyone loves a good sabotage storyline, especially me. Jo is hot under the collar about it from the first we see of her, and her sense of injustice sees her speaking to Oggie and restoring him to his position as a mechanic for the team. She has Oggie working on her bike, then takes the team out to an abandoned colliery to practice broadsiding. taking her turn first, Jo and her bike scramble up the side of a slag heap, before she full throttles down the side of it, preparing to broadside through the gate below. Of course, things don't go well, and we see her handlebars come adrift and she ends in a spectacular crash. Spectacular crashes are what this story does best, and I find I have to resist the urge to make the panel in which she crashes the panel of the week. As much as I enjoyed seeing Jo on her bike and all the action that entails, I found I didn't enjoy this as much as I usually do. Perhaps its position at the end of the comic didn't help, but overall I felt it was a little flat. The story has yet to pick up steam, and for the third week in a row, we see a bike with a mechanical malfunction, but nothing else to push the story forward. The sparkling artwork is carrying the load at the moment, one can only hope that the story reaches the same level soon.  

Rating: 6/10

Best line: "Let's hope I do, Dave...because you blokes are going to be trying it next!"   

Issue final ratings:

Overall: 6/10

Best Story: Martin's Marvellous Mini

Best Line: "It-it's impossible, Martin! - Stop now...while we're still in one piece!"

Best Panel:

Roy's Sports Quiz: