Saturday, January 21, 2023

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

    


  


Sunday, January 8, 2023

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:










Saturday, December 31, 2022

Tiger 13th April 1974

 I don't know much about April of 1974, I was only six months old at the time, but I do know that I greatly enjoyed reading this week's Tiger comic from that month. Perhaps it's my holiday mood, but I found that reading this in the summer sun, with a beer in hand rather than my usual cup of tea, was a soothing experience and the low-key drama of these stories suited my mood perfectly. 

Tiger

13th April 1974

Roy Of The Rovers

It feels like a long time since the last issue of Roy Of The Rovers, such is that holiday feeling between Christmas and New Year when the days seem to drag on. If I remember correctly when we last saw Roy and the team they were facing the aptly named Bridgewall in the semifinal of the FA Cup. Bridgewall is ready for the occasion, especially after seeing a photograph of Noel Baxter rugby tackling a player in training, and expects this to be a tough physical game. This week things escalate, although not as quickly as I expect, with the game unfolding across several pages. Jimmy Slade is the first to feel the physicality of the match, with a fearsome tackle from a Bridgewall player knocking him to the ground. An incensed Jimmy lets his feelings be known, but Roy is on hand to defuse the situation. Falling behind by a goal, Melchester Rovers pull a goal back just before halftime with the tactics they worked out on the training ground. With it all to play for, this week's strip reaches its climax with a fifty-fifty ball that sees Jimmy Slade bearing down on the Bridgewall keeper, and the game threatening to explode into violence if he flattens the keeper. Although the story didn't move as fast as I wanted, there are dark clouds gathering for what might be an explosive next issue. It was good to see Jimmy in action earlier on, laying the groundwork for these final panels and raising the stakes for what follows. The game itself is proving to be even, and Bridgewall is certainly living up to its name with its wall defence. It may not be the beautiful game in these panels, but it is high-stakes drama, and next week should see things boil over. You can bet that I'll be here for it.

Rating: 7/10

Best line: "It's a race for the ball...and Jimmy's going in like a bomb!"

  


Johnny Cougar and Splash Gorton

I didn't much care for the Trickster when we met him last week, and I don't much care for him now either. As they say in the wrestling business, he's got heat - but the wrong sort of heat. There is no wrestling action this week, it is all about the Trickster and his tricks. The problem for me is that his tricks aren't funny, and he is annoying rather than dangerous. On the beach he plays several jokes on Johnny and Splash, before disappearing with a smoke grenade, The next day and our two heroes are travelling across the desert when they find the Trickster waiting for them, he has hired a helicopter and flown in just to surprise them. A couple of annoying gags later and Johnny has had enough and wraps up the Trickster in an umbrella, saying he doesn't want to see him again until the match. Here at home, I nod vigorously in agreement, and I for one can't wait to see the back of this guy. If you needed an incentive to come back next week, this is it, the chance to see Johnny deal to the Trickster good and proper. Maybe not the best way to create a page-turner, having a character so annoying that people just want to see him dealt with, but it works on a basic level, and I already have the next issue ready to go in anticipation of Johnny Cougar handing out an ass-whipping. 

Rating: 4.5/10

Best line: "Cougar tired of your foolish jokes. Take care that the joke is not soon on you..."


Martin's Marvellous Mini

A dad joke appears in the first panel of Martin's Marvellous Mini, but I forgive it as elsewhere there is some cracking dialogue that speaks directly to me. The first panel sees Tiny and Martin speaking with the piper who had previously knocked Martin out with his bagpipes. All is quickly forgiven and our chums return to their lodgings. It is in the third panel that Martin tries to speak with Tiny, who is already in bed with the covers on his head. In a line that I have heard many times coming out of my own mouth when speaking to my wife, Tiny shortly tells him that all he wants to do is sleep, so turn off the light. Ah yes, Martin and Tiny are indeed just like a married couple. The next day, Tiny and Martin enjoy the hospitality of the Highland games, where they find there is a chance to race George with a prize of one hundred pounds. While Martin rushes off to enter, Tiny is left to his own devices, and finding a stray caber, tries his hand at caber tossing. He's no expert, that's for sure, and he ends up tossing it onto an expensive-looking car. With Martin returning to confirm that they have entered the event, Tiny points out the damage he has caused and explains that they must win it for the repair bill. In many ways this is a typical episode for Martin and Tiny, short on money, getting into scrapes and the chance to make it all good again with their driving skills.  While it is typical, it is also highly enjoyable, and I never tire of these events. The highlight of this week's story was the dialogue, not just in the two panels I have previously mentioned, but also later in the story there are several times when our two pals were talking that had me smiling from ear to ear. Not a lot of action, but this one reads so well that I can't help but rate it highly. 

Rating: 7.5/10

Best line: "Not have I! An' I've never been to sleep in this bed before...but I'd like to! So put the light out!" 


Skid Solo

Skid Solo is back in Britain, but there's no Grand Prix this week, instead, we see Skid appear in a storyline that has him taking part in a challenge. We have seen a lot of these types of stories before, but this one is still enjoyable throughout. Attending a dinner, a gentleman called Payne challenges Skid to a ten-mile race, from his house to a village called Hadbury. The twist is that it is across country and while Skid will be driving, Payne will be on horseback. The race starts quickly, with the horse in front all the way as Skid struggles with the rough terrain. However, he keeps Payne in sight and has some luck when a storm hits. With a bolt of lightning spooking Payne's horse, Payne is knocked to the ground unconscious. Skid takes matters in hand, he drives Payne to the village and medical help, while towing the horse. Winning the race and saving Payne, Skid earns one hundred pounds for charity, and we end with a couple of panels of clever lines and puns alluding to the race, all par for the course in a Skid Solo story. Warm and likeable, but without breaking new ground, this is very much the stereotypical Skid Solo story. It was not as dramatic as some of the recent issues, and the change of pace served the story well as we have more time to enjoy the characters. With no high-speed action, we get some lovely close-ups of the faces involved, and I feel I know Skid a lot better after this story. Not earth-shattering, but well worth the time I took to read it. 

Rating: 7/10

Best line: "Aye, and ye ken what they say...lightning never strikes the same place twice!" 


Football Family Robinson

Things finally reach boiling point in this week's Football Family Robinson, as Digger finally has his chance to confront Crash. Although locked in a back office, Digger kicks his way out as Crash is making a match-winning save. As the game ends, Digger storms the pitch and things get ugly, only for Ma Robinson to take a hand and drag Digger off by the crook of her umbrella. Back in the dressing room, harsh words are spoken, wild punches are thrown, and the strip ends with balls flying through the window while the hooligans responsible for the hoax smirk at the havoc they've caused. This is the episode I've been waiting for, and it delivered all I could have wanted and more. The onfield save by Crash was spectacular, and seeing Digger off-field finally blowing his top and breaking-out matched it for dynamic artwork. No real damage has been done yet, it's mostly angry words, but I like the drama and fury of it all.  We have been building to this point for several weeks now, and I can only hope that this story has a few twists and turns still left in it.

Rating: 8/10

Best line: "Right, you traitor- I'm gonna start by knockin' yer block off!" 

The Tigers

Chunky Clark was wildly out of control in a land yacht when we left him last issue, and the first half of this issue has him fighting to bring it back under his steady hand. Luckily (how often do we say that in these adventures?) his line gets caught around a horse's neck, so not only does the yacht slow down, but Chunky also has the horse tow him back to his waiting friends. The second half of the story we see the early rounds of the land yacht racing, with both Chunky and Ron winning their respective heats. Next week we will see the final, but it may not bode well for Chunky as in the final panel we see Ron loosening the wheels of his yacht. Again, this was a middling episode of The Tigers, but as I always say, less is more, and especially so in these slapstick stories. There was just enough humour to make me smile, and just enough drama to make me want to keep reading. Overall, nicely balanced and although I walk away with it making very little impression on me, I did enjoy it as I read it. 

Rating: 6/10

Best line: "He is Chunky Clark - Ron never tells a fib!"


Tallon Of The Track

There is still a lot of finger-pointing going on in regard to who is responsible for the mechanical failures Ospreys are experiencing on the track. With Oggie facing the heat, Jo sends him to wait in the office for the remainder of the racing. The rest of the racing meeting doesn't go well, as the Ospreys ride well within themselves, all scared that they could suffer mechanical failure. After losing to the Larchester Lions, Jo and Dave speak between themselves about their wavering faith in Oggie, only for him to overhear every word and walk away from the team. We leave the strip with Jo having doubts that it was Oggies fault and for the first time utters the words "sabotage." Of course, when this story first started my thoughts were on sabotage straight away, so this comes as no great surprise here. But it does mark a turning point in the story and in the coming weeks, I expect the focus will turn away from Oggie as Jo's hunt for a saboteur will begin. No high-speed action, but a pivot point in the story makes this a more interesting read than perhaps a quick skim of the page would suggest.

Rating: 7/10

Best line: "They have no faith in their machines anymore! They're scared to open up in case something goes badly wrong again and they pile up!" 


A Horse Called Ugly

This week Joe and Ugly arrive back in Britain and my worst fears are realised as the story dips in form. The fun and adventure of South America are put behind us as Joe and Ugly land in Britain and are immediately taken to a garden party at Angela's fabulous house. Joe being announced to the party as "Joseph Larcombe-Mate" is funny, but the rest of the story is Joe facing the class divide and Angela telling him she wants him to do a job for her brother. We end with a slapstick moment as Ugly eats the apples off a lady's hat, but the story can't compete with the colourful characters we have met over the last three months. I do like that a lot of information is given to us through each panel, and even though Joe is at the party for barely a page a lot happens there in both dialogue and artwork. Overall I feel it is a slow start for Joe back in England, although it is only the very first days and there is plenty of time for this story to grow and develop. 

Rating: 5/10

Best line: "M'lords, ladies and gentlemen...Mister Joseph Larcombe-Mate" 



Issue final ratings:

Overall: 6.5/10

Best Story: Football Family Robinson

Best Line: "It-it's OK, chum...no harm done! I've always been 'knocked out' by Scottish music!"

Best Panel:


Roy's Sports Quiz:



Friday, December 23, 2022

Tiger 6th April 1974

The drama of the Football World Cup is over and I am back to the genuine sports drama on the pages of Tiger. To be honest, Roy Of The Rovers is going to feel a little tame compared to the World Cup Final I have just watched, but it matters little as my love of Roy Race and his stories remains as strong as ever. No matter how good Messi is, he'll never live up to the legend of Roy Race and his Melchester Rovers.

Tiger

6th April 1974

Johnny Cougar and Splash Gorton

Facing the K.O. Kid, it did appear that Johnny Cougar had quite a challenge ahead of him as we enter this week's issue. After the build-up he had, K.O. Kid promised much, and so I am most disappointed to see Johnny deal to him in a mere half page of action. Coming straight from his corner, Johnny hits his opponent with a forearm smash, leaving him knocked out on the canvas and an easy victory for Johnny. I feel cheated, and I'm not sure why the story has taken such a twist. We leave the wrestling ring behind us as Johnny and Splash head to the beach before the next round of the tournament in a couple of days. It is here that we are introduced to his next opponent, The Trickster. Trickster by name trickster by nature, Johnny and Splash are initially scared as a shark fin scythes through the water towards them, only for the Trickster to reveal one of his pranks and introduce himself. We have another interesting panel to finish as Splash speaks directly to the reader, ostensibly to hype up next week's wrestling match. This story was limp compared to previous issues, and the way the K.O. Kid story is built up and discarded in just two pages across both issues is the biggest disappointment. I can't say I'm overly happy about the appearance of this Trickster character, and I fear he may be another opponent that comes and goes in an issue. It's the old story of once bitten twice shy. On a positive note, the story was well told with clean artwork and we are facing next week with a clean slate and an open mind. Let's hope Johnny Cougar delivers what he does best - in-ring wrestling action. 

Rating: 4/10

Best Line: "Cougar think your sense of humour heap twisted"



Tallon Of The Track 

This story promised a lot last week, and although this issue doesn't elevate it in any way, it does keep it moving forward. Oggie the mechanic is still facing an angry Jimmy Benson for neglecting to do his job properly on Dave Trent's bike. After an angry confrontation, Jo smooths things over and the attention turns back to the track where the Ospreys are fighting hard and currently tied on 6 points. Heat three begins and things are looking good for Ospreys before disaster strikes as the chain on Jim Foster's bike snaps, leading to a pile-up between the two Ospreys riders. Back at the pits, accusations fly and Oggie admits that it was once again him that worked on the bike in question. This time Jo does not smooth things over and instead unleashes a barrage on Oggie in the final panel.  Although this isn't as good as last week, it still covers much the same ground and gives us several great-looking panels, with once again the crash looking spectacular on the page. With plenty of scowling faces, the drama between the characters is well expressed, and even though this isn't one of the best Tallon Of The Tracks' I have read, it remains a firm favourite based purely on the artwork. 

Rating: 7/10

Best Line: "Oh, marvellous! Which one of you incompetent grease-monkeys was responsible for Foster's bike!"



Martin's Marvellous Mini 

With a lorry load of rubbish about to derail their rally chances, Tiny and Martin are off to a hot start this week. The tailgate of the lorry towing them does give way in the second panel of this week's issue, and rubbish is strewn across the road -with an oil drum coming desperately close to hitting George. Stopping to clean up the mess, things look bad for Tiny and Martin, yet things take a turn with the appearance of two police officers who not only provide some petrol for George but also escort them to the nearest petrol station. Entering the checkpoint in Edinburgh, our chums find themselves in the fourth position, and once again seeking cheap lodgings for the night as they wait for the next stage to begin. It is here that Edinburgh becomes part of the story, with the architecture making an appearance and the stereotypical Scotsman with a tartan Tam o shanter and a walking stick warning them of a phantom piper that brings bad luck. Soon enough the boys do come across a piper, a piper being thrown out of a cafe and Martin is knocked out by some bagpipes.  A lot of these things we have seen before, the car running out of petrol, a ghost story, Tiny and Martin seeking cheap accommodation, but is all well told and doesn't feel tired. I think this can be attributed to the artwork, which props up the story and provides memorable sequences throughout. Even in this story of only a couple of pages, there are five or six panels that stick in my head, and although it doesn't shine as brightly as other stories it remains firmly dependable in delivering a highly readable story.  

Rating: 7/10

Best Line: "We'll find somewhere small...and not too expensive!"



Skid Solo

Skid and his team are leaving Australia this week, but just because they're going to be on a jumbo jet for the next 24 hours doesn't mean we're not going to get plenty of exciting motoring action. Settling in to watch the inflight film, Sparrow and Sandy spend most of the flight critiquing the driving and action scenes of the movie, which we also see panel by panel. Scoffing at the implausibility of some of the scenes, Sandy and Sparrow are rebuked by Skid who says everything seen in the film is realistic, and as the credits roll we see why he has such an opinion, he was the stunt driver for all the car scenes. The story ends here, and I admire the clever way that this got our heroes back to the UK, but kept motoring front and centre through the story. The panels depicting the motoring look fantastic, and even though I foresaw the little twist at the end I still found I enjoyed it. It's not classic Skid Solo, but I rate it very highly for the action sequences and clever storytelling. Next week we are back to racing action, and after seeing this I am well-primed for what comes next. 

Rating: 7/10

Best Line: "Gosh, he's cornering at about eighty, Sandy!" 



Roy Of The Rovers

Fifty years on, and Roy Of The Rovers feels just as up-to-date as ever as this week's strip deals with the media and Rover's portrayal in the papers. It's not "Messi Magic" that dominates the headlines, but rather "Melchester Magic" as the Rovers prepare for their F.A. Cup semifinal against Bridgewall. Ben Galloway calls for a policy of no interviews or photographers in the build-up to the match, as Melchester focus on how they are going to crack Bridgewall's famous defensive wall. With a series of dummies on the field, Roy has the team train for deflections, but unknown to him or the team, a photographer is secretly photographing the training and captures an image of  Noel Baxter rugby tackling one of the dummies. With this image appearing on the sports pages, the Bridgewall fans and club are incensed with these apparent rough-house tactics, and Melchester Rovers receive a hostile welcome when they arrive for the game. Bridgewall lets them know that they will fight fire with fire if it comes to a physical game, and we end with Roy worried about a potentially explosive game thread of them. Roy may worry about it, but I can't wait to see what will happen next. True, it is the beautiful game, but a bit of needle in the game always adds to the stakes. This issue sets the scene for next week, and even though not a lot happened, it well and truly set us up for the next issue. I'm rating it higher than it deserves, purely on the fact that it places the story in a great position for the next week where this will all pay off. 

Rating: 7/10

Best Line: "We're off...in an atmosphere like an unexploded bomb! And it only needs one hot-headed idiot to ignite the fuse!"  



A Horse Called Ugly 

Sancho was about to be shot out of hand for previously being a bandit when Joe burst onto the scene last week. This week that drama unfolds quickly as Ugly enters the fray, destroying a part of the jail and rendering the General incapable of delivering the final order to shoot. With Don Pedro arriving, things are quickly resolved. Sancho is pardoned, but only on the condition that he joins the army with his former bandit colleagues. Of course, he willingly agrees and this whole South American adventure is wrapped up n the bottom of page two. Don Pedro confesses that he wanted Ugly for himself, but he has seen that Joe and Ugly can never be parted. He then hands Joe a telegram from Anglea, requesting that he comes home urgently for a job with him and Ugly. A new adventure awaits us, but it is with some sadness that we depart South America. I have greatly enjoyed Joe's and Ugly's time here, despite my initial reservations, and I only hope that the story doesn't become dreary on their return to Blighty. This finish was rushed, but not as quickly as some other stores as they finished, and it did feel natural. I was pleased to see that we had a happy ending for everyone, and once again the art was superb. If the next adventure is even half as good as these months in South America, then I shall be very happy indeed. 

Rating: 8/10

Best Line: "Hey Joe! Are you waging a private war with the army?"



Football Family Robinson

It appears that a different artist has drawn this week's Football Family Robinson. It is not quite as intricate and detailed, and appears a lot cleaner on the page The story though continues apace as Crash comes off the pitch asking after Digger. In the office, Digger waits for his chance to confront Digger, but this never eventuates as Grandpa defuses the situation by knocking Digger to the ground with a pump! Back on the field and the family are 2-1 up when it begins to drizzle. This drizzle makes the pitch slippery and difficult to play on and with five minutes left to play Grizzly slips while making a tackle and gives away a penalty. We end with the crowd chanting for Crash to save the penalty, while Digger is locked in the office cursing him and threatening to smash his way out. This story is beginning to become a little drawn out, but it still carries momentum. The anger of Digger is palpable on the page, and every panel he is in catches the eye. I was a little thrown this week by the change in the artwork (Viv wasn't quite as vivacious as I remember) but overall the story didn't suffer and we are still accelerating to a smashing conclusion. I don't know how many issues until that conclusion, but it feels like we getting close now.

Rating: 7.5/10

Best Line:  "What's happenin' out there? You gotta let me out, before I do my flamin' Aussie nut!" 



The Tigers 

This week's issue ends on a low with The Tigers. There is nothing new in this week's strip and I am overwhelmed by the feeling that I have seen all of this before. Taking his land yacht into the park, Chunky is pursued by Ron Burton. Chunky accidentally hooks himself to Burton's yacht, and while Chunky ends up crashing through a fence and out of the park, it is Ron that is stuck in a flower bed and facing the wrath of the park keeper. Chunky is also in trouble, out of the park he can't stop and is facing a wreck himself. The humour isn't as funny as in previous issues, and the land yacht action is very close to the soapbox derby we saw just a few issues ago. I want to like this more than I do, but there is very little that appeals to me this week, and I can only hope next week is closer to what I enjoy. 

Rating: 4/10

Best Line: "My flower-beds! I'll prosecute him!" 



Issue final ratings:

Overall: 6/10

Best Story: A Horse Called Ugly

Best Line: "Don't be daft! The piper's supposed to be on the castle wall...and not having a cuppa in a cafe!"

Best Panel:



Roy's Sports Quiz: 




Saturday, December 17, 2022

Tiger 30th March 1974

I missed last week's blog. The Football World Cup got in my way and despite my best intentions I never quite found the time to update the blog. With only one game left I am reprioritising and once again ready to indulge my love of comics. And what better way to celebrate the World Cup than reading the best sports comic in the world -Tiger!

Tiger

30th March 1974

Skid Solo

We continue with Skid's adventures in Australia, and this week he is involved in a series of races leading up to the beginning of the Grand Prix season. We begin with a race in Melbourne where disaster strikes as Skid is caught in an accident while driving his new car. Speaking with the designer, Jacko, after the race, Skid reports that the car needs rebuilding after everything had been damaged except for the engine, While Jacko sets about rebuilding it, Skid enters his next race driving his car from the previous season. Exceeding all expectations, Skid and Sparrow smash all track records before finishing in a dead heat. This leaves a conundrum for Skid, should he risk driving Jacko's new car in the forthcoming season, or should he stick with his Tiger car. As he himself says to Sparrow, he has to make the right decision, otherwise, he's handing the championship to Sparrow on a plate. 
The track racing in this story looked great, and once again we have the return of my favourite race commentator. I like the way all of this is building to the new season, and there are already dramas bubbling away in preseason racing. Always dependable, Skid Solo delivers another solid issue again. 

Rating: 7/10

Best Line: "Can't control it! No chance!"


Johnny Cougar with Splash Gorton 

Johnny was well in control of his match with the Monster when we last left him. With the Monster being put into an aeroplane spin, Johhny tosses him easily into the crowd, where he faces some banter from the watching public. Back on his feet, the Monster and Johnny continue their battle outside the ring, before Johnny throws him back into the squared circle whereupon he delivers his knockout blow with a piledriver. The Monster despatched with, Johnny draws The K.O. Kid for the next round of the tournament, a man that has won forty-two bouts all by knockout. But that lies all ahead of us as this week finishes with the K.O. Kid telling Johnny what he plans to do with him in the upcoming fight. I am pleased to see the back of the Monster, I never warmed to him or his battle with Johnny, but I am deflated by the ease with which Johnny finally beat him. He promised to be much harder than he actually was in the final shakedown of things. However, I leave this story with an upbeat feeling about the next bout against the K.O. Kid, he has a fantastic villain's moustache and as you know I'm always a sucker for that. This week was flat, but next week looks promising so I can safely say I'll be back for more. 

Rating: 5/10

Best Line:  "A Monster does not give in so easily. Be silent, weakling!" 


Martin's Marvellous Mini 

Never pick up hitchhikers. That's the lesson I learnt from the first few panels of this story as Martin and Tiny stop to pick up a pretty girl, only from a gang of her friends to emerge from hiding to also get a ride. It's not as bad as I first fear, and although they are crammed into poor George and sitting on the roof, they do help our pals. First, they haul George up to a bridge and onto a faster main road. Then later in the story once they have parted company, they meet again, this time the hitchhikers stopping a lorry to help Martin and Tiny who have unbelievably run out of petrol again. This isn't the first time in this rally that they're run out of fuel, and I'm beginning to wonder if George actually has a faulty petrol gauge. However, that is never there nor there as they continue the rally, now towed by the lorry, only to face one final jeopardy in the last panel as the tailboard of the lorry begins to be pulled off by their tow rope and they face a pile of junk potentially coming through their windshield. A lot of fun throughout this story, the hitchhikers added a lot of life and colour to the panels. Martin and Tiny are far more tolerant than I am, and I certainly couldn't imagine myself putting up with hitchhikers sitting on the roof of my car. Even though they have run out of petrol before, I still smiled to see them do it again, I guess some guys just never learn. It's hard not to love this story in every guise, and once again I find the world of Martin's Marvellous Mini to be warm and inviting, high praise for the most warmhearted story in the comic. 

The Tigers

Chunky was last seen caught on a dingy trailer that had broken loose in the wind. With a large dose of his considerable luck, Chucky avoids disaster, and with the owner happy to see his boat unharmed, suggests a sand-yacht race, with sand-yacht up for grabs as a prize. While the Tigers build theirs out of found rubbish, Ron Burton builds a very streamlined-looking yacht, painted red of course as everyone knows red is faster. We aren't ready to race just yet, as the Tigers prepare, Burton's two pals watch on secretly planning sabotage. There wasn't a lot of action this week, but I found myself enjoying it more than previously. The slower pace appeals to me, I find I can only handle one action scene a week from the Tigers, and can only accept one piece of luck from Chunky. However, that's just me. The story is just getting started, and I have no doubt that there will be plenty of scrapes in future issues, but for now, this is setting the scene and I am inexplicably drawn in despite myself. 

Rating: 5.5/10

Best Line: "It's not that I don't like him - I just can't stand him! I've just got to beat him!" 


Football Family Robinson 

The saga of Crash and Digger continues, but the on-field action remains firmly in focus as Crash demonstrates that he's still a great keeper - pulling off a series of saves throughout the issue. Meanwhile, Digger is still being held by the police, and fuming at the thought that Crash had reported him for stealing the car. The story comes to a head at halftime as Crash comes off the field wondering what happened to Digger, while under the watchful eye of the police Digger waits for him in the office, threatening to break him into little pieces. It's great to see Digger riled up, and any thoughts of the easy-going Aussie we met in earlier issues are put to one side as his stormy face dominates the panels. The artwork feels cleaner in this issue, although that may be because of the printing rather than the artwork, and the expressions on the character's faces add a lot to the story. This isn't my favourite storyline for the football family, but it does enough to hold my interest, and paired with some fine on-field action I'm happy enough with where we are for the moment.

Rating: 6.5/10

Best Line: "I'm gonna break Crash into little pieces..." 


A Horse Called Ugly

Things had taken a turn last week, and with Joe caught in the stirrup, Carlos stepped upon to be the hero of the piece. This week we see that play out as Carlos lassos Joe's horse and allows him to escape to safety. Hands are shaken, bread is broken and all is right in the world for precisely two panels before it's reported that Joe's friend Sancho has been arrested. With Sancho about to be executed for being a bandit, Joe rides hurriedly to the jailhouse where he bursts in and confronts the General about to shoot Sancho. This final panel is the best panel in the whole story and contains a fantastic amount of detail, both about the people involved, and the scene itself. The rest of the story was solid, but this final panel is a cut above the rest and guarantees that I'll rate this highly and be back for more. A Horse Called Ugly continues to evolve and excite and once again is one of the better stories in the comic. 

Rating: 8/10

Best Line: "He went off to get some hotdogs, ages ago"


Roy Of The Rovers

"Now, reduced by injury to 10 men, the Rovers were fighting like wildcats to hang on to a slender, 1-0 lead" 
And so the scene is set for the final minutes of a gripping game against Crampton. With full-time in sight, the Rovers concede a corner. Charlie Carter is at his best as he punches the ball clear, but a Crampton forward volleys it back, only for Roy to head it off the line. This is Roy's final act as he passes out, leaving a young defender to boot the ball clear. With that kick, the game is over and the Rovers have made it to the semifinal of the F.A. Cup. There is further good news as more players recover from the flu, and we see the team enjoying some relaxing times a few days later before the draw is made for the semifinal. It's here that the story wraps up as it's announced that Melchester Rovers will face league leaders Bridgewall in the semifinals. This is a story of two halves as we first see the game against Crampton, before the second half is devoted entirely to recovery, relaxation, and setting the scene for the next issue. None of it feels very taxing and the story slides rather easily by without making a great impression on me. Last week's issue was a cracker, but this week that is a distant memory as the story stays safe and resets itself. A chance for us to all recover, this is a placeholder before the next drama unfolds. 

Rating: 5/10

Best Line: "Roy's gone down! He...he must have knocked himself out!"



Tallon Of The Track

Tallon Of The Track is on the track this week, and I'm happy to see it. With the season beginning for the Ospreys, the crowd is behind them as they prepare for the first race. We are introduced to their mechanic, Oggie, a veteran with more than twenty years of mechanical experience up his sleeve. However, some on the team think he is past it, and Jimmy Benson in particular makes his feelings known. Defusing the conflict, Jo turns everyone's thoughts back to the track, and soon enough the first race commences with Dave Trent taking an early lead. It doesn't last, his front wheel begins to wobble, and Dave takes a nasty fall on the track. In the pits an inquiry starts, and Jimmy Benson points out the fault, a duff connection in the front suspension. All eyes turn to Oggie, who maintains that he checked the suspension only yesterday. There have been a lot of life-and-death situations in Tallon of the Track over recent months, and it is nice to see a more homespun tale appear this week. This a reminder that this is about a group of motorbike racers, and the story looks at its best when the bikes are roaring around the track. A mechanic doing a poor job may not feel high stakes, but I am sold on it and I look forward to seeing more of the story unfold both on and off the track in the coming weeks.   

Rating: 8/10

Best Line: "I've forgotten more than you'll ever know, Jimmy and for two pins, I'd-"


Issue final ratings:

Overall: 6/10

Best Story: A Horse Called Ugly 

Best Line:  "I wouldn't trust you with a clockwork train, mate, let alone a racing engine! You're so old you can't tune a carburettor for the sound of your bones cracking!"

Best Panel:


Roys Sports Quiz:



Tiger 7th February 1976

It's not you, it's me. I have been feeling blue ever since the hype of Christmas blew over, and this is colouring my reading of Tige...