Tiger 25th May 1974

It wasn't easy getting up this morning. It was our wedding anniversary yesterday, and a lovely meal out with a bottle of wine turned into cocktails in a dive bar, which in turn led to, well, let's just say I'm not moving particularly fast this morning. Luckily, it doesn't take much energy to turn comic pages, and my Tiger read this morning is about the limit of my current abilities. Hopefully, Roy and the team are feeling sharper than me as they take us through our weekly sports stories. 

Tiger

25th May 1974

Roy Of The Rovers 

Pale white Englishmen on the beach in Spain, how very British. And so we begin this week's issue with Roy and Blackie in Spain taking a well-deserved break from football after winning the double. 

However, as famous as they are, there's never any escape from football, and they are soon spotted by English football fans also taking in the sun. With their girlfriends, Penny and Sue, they seek refuge, taking up an offer from a passing vehicle and the promise of a festival in the mountains.

As their driver takes them further into the mountains they have time to reflect on this festival, and they realise that they never saw this festival advertised with all the others back at the resort, nor have they heard of the village of San Palos. 

Things are not what they seem, and we know more than Roy and Blackie as we see a group of men eagerly awaiting the arrival of the English footballers. Communication by flashing a mirror, the driver suddenly veers onto a side road and begins a wild ride. 

Where this will all end, I have no idea. But I am enjoying the ride so far, and this story is a great contrast to what we have been reading the last few weeks. Seeing Roy and Blackie together with their girlfriends makes for a more well-rounded story, and a new setting is always great for refreshing a story. The future is unknown, but with plenty of hooks in the story, I will eagerly digest the next issue. 

Rating: 7/10

Best line: "As long as there isn't a football match on the programme, chum, I don't care what they get up to!"

The Tigers

Disaster is about to strike for Chunky Clark, as his penny fathin' ride is about to end with a collision with Lord Bagby. 

However, I hadn't taken into account his good luck, and the crisis is averted as he manages a spectacular evasive manoeuvre, before an equally impressive dismount. I'm not the only one impressed by his antics, and Lord Bagby takes an immediate shine to his spirit and decides to give a trophy in a veteran bike race for youngsters. 

After a brief few panels of training our contestants are ready, and as we line up for the start Lord Bagby decides that Chunky should be handicapped for the race, given that he is the favourite. 

This is the most enjoyable The Tigters I have read for a long time. It was well-paced throughout the story, it had some action, and an equal amount of plot. It may not have finished with a cliffhanger, but there s enough of a hook with the racing about to start to draw me back next week.  Chunky was lucky, but not too lucky, and Ron Burton wasn't overplayed as a villain. Let's hope next week's issue lives up to all that is laid out here. 

Rating: 8/10

Best line: "By jove! A young stunt rider, Bagby!" 

Martin's Marvellous Mini

This week we see the continuation of the feud between Tiny and Martin, and the Carlton racing team. Tiny and Martin may have lost the rally, but they are determined to get the last laugh as they enter George into the mini-race, a race that the Carlton Mini team is also entered in.  

A quick practice lap from Martin reveals what they are up against, the Carlton cars are fast, and salt is rubbed into the wound as he comes past the pits, where the Carlton mechanics are lined up with signs saying "You've got no chance"

Further fuel is added to the fire when he pulls in and finds Tiny waiting for him, with a black eye. It seems he has had an altercation with one of the Carlton blokes and came out on top as we see his opponent being bandaged up near an ambulance. This is shaping up to be an intense race all around as page by page this rivalry is built. 

Finally, in the last two panels, we come to the start of the race, and as all the minis pull away from the start line, the Carlton cars immediately jump out to the front. 

This story has been building beautifully, and each panel through the issue adds another layer to the story that I assume will be resolved by the race. I particularly enjoy seeing Tiny roughing it with some of the Carlton team, and it added some steel to a story that sometimes feels quaint. The opening panel of the race gives us a great indication of what is to come, and I look forward to seeing how this story will unfold in the coming weeks. 

Rating: 9/10

Best line: "I...er...had a difference of opinion..."

Johnny Cougar with Splash Gorton

The Gent has been quietly killing Johnny with kindness, and we see the end result of that this week. Johnny and Splash enjoy a sleep-in, an enormous breakfast followed by an equally enormous lunch and dinner. 

This continues for several days until we reach the day of the bout, and witness Johnny in the dressing room - struggling to get his wrestling gear around his now-grown stomach. It seems the Gent's plan has paid off, and in the ring he takes control, making the most of Johnny's lack of speed and lack of conditioning. 

Once again this was a story of two parts. The first half of the story was entirely devoted to showing the Gent fattening up Johnny and distracting him from training, and the second half of the story is where we see the consequences of this, and Johnny's inability to perform in the ring. Both halves we equally enjoyable, with one sequence leading naturally enough to another. It doesn't feel dangerous or high stakes, but it is enjoyable and has an interesting twist. The artist has done a great job of drawing a fat Johnny Cougar, and this made me smile more than I perhaps should have. A great job all around, it's hard to see how fat Johnny Cougar will win this one. 

Rating: 7/10

Best line: "Johnny-baby, we've been taken for suckers! All the good living was just a plot to get you out of condition!"   

Football Family Robinson

We pick up with the Robinson Family plane blown off course and making an emergency landing in an unknown location. Proving to be resourceful folks, soon enough the family have built themselves some shelter as Ma Robinson gets the kettle on. 

However, the Robinsons remain Robinsons, and by the next panel, they have organised a football game among themselves. The football game itself isn't particularly interesting, but in the final panel, Bluey chases a wildly kicked ball into the forest, where he says something which made him wide-eyed with fright. What that is, we'll have to wait until next week to find out. 

I liked the idea of this story, and the very first panel of the strip looked great. However, my interest rapidly waned once a football appeared and the game kicked off. Lost in the middle of nowhere, far from civilization, surely the family had more pressing issues to attend to. However, things may get better for my reading enjoyment, depending on what it is that Bluey has seen. We may get some heart-stopping drama, or the story may fall flat altogether, in the next seven days I will know one way or another. 

Rating: 5/10

Best line: "Th-there could be cannibals waiting to pounce on us!"

Tallon Of The Track

A new story for Tallon Of The Track, and the first half page is a superb introduction to some of the technicalities in speedway racing, specifically the start. 

However, the new story emerges later on page as Jo almost runs over a cameraman who has made his way onto the track. It seems that a documentary is to be made about the team, focussing on Jo as the only female speedway trainer in Britain. 

Jo is not pleased with this situation and lets her feelings be known before the final panel sees the chairman of the club, Basil Oldfield, threatening her to co-operate with the TV company, or tender her resignation. 

It's too early to know how I feel about this story, but I do know one thing - the artwork looks fantastic. The finger image of Basil Oldfield waving his finger at Jo as he threatens her is one of the best and conveys the emotion of the moment. The first few panels of Jo showing her team how to get the starts right are also highly rated in my opinion, and provide a good insight into the intricacies of speedway racing. Overall, we are off to a strong start to this story, and next week should continue building on this firm base.

Rating: 7/10

Best line:  "Nuts! I'm not posing and prancing about in front of the camera for anybody!"

Skid Solo

I have always had a soft spot for the Monaco Grand Prix, so I am more than happy to find that race featured in this week's story. 

Things start well enough, with Skid and Sparrow taking their cars out for a couple of practice runs, but things take a turn after a stray newspaper catches Sparrow in the face and his car ends up in the wall. 

As always, it's up to poor old Sandy to fix the car and have it race ready for the race the next day. Pulling an all-nighter, he does get the car to the start line, before hauling himself off to bed for a well-earned sleep. 

The race itself is fairly uneventful, and the experience of Skid and Sparrow pays off with a one-two finish, Sparrow taking the victory narrowly over Skid. 

Sandy has missed all of this and is still asleep, and we leave the story with Skid and Sparrow leaving the winner's trophy at his door as a pleasant surprise for when he awakens. 

A tidy little story, I followed it with interest, but I never felt completely immersed in it. The drama occurred earlier in the story, and the race felt like a forgone conclusion by the time the cars lined up at the start line. With that in mind, I rated the first half highly, and the second half much lower as we cruised to the finish. Everything was enjoyable, but nothing felt essential. 

Rating: 6/10

Best line: "yere car's ready! All te ha' to do the noo...is take it oot...and I'm going to ma bed!" 

A Horse Called Ugly

The race is on in A Horse Called Ugly. With Lotd Humphrey taking the red course and Joe taking the blue course, we are underway. Things are off to a hectic start, with Lord Humphrey failing to take a fence earlier on, before Joe and Ugly face a similar fate over the page as Joe takes a fall. 

With the race in the balance, we round out this week's issue with Joe's nemesis, Nick Mungro, reassuring his son that Joe will definitely lose the race. 

Not a lot happened in this issue, but it seemed to pass quickly. Lord Humphrey took a fall, Joe took a fall, and Nick Mungro looked smug. Even so, I still found some enjoyment in it, especially the crowds following the race, and the radio reporters dictating the action. Until Nick Mungro makes his move, we are in limbo, and as such next week holds the key to where we will go from here.

Rating: 6/10 

Best line: "Shut up, you grinning ape!"

Issue final ratings:

Overall: 7/10

Best Story: Martin's Marvellous Mini 

Best Line: "He looks as if he's been wrestling with a pile of food!"

Best Panel:

Roy's Sports Quiz:

Tiger 18th May 1974

Just when I think I have Tiger figured out, it hits me with something unexpected. It is the cover this week that has me scratching my head and thinking "what the heck?" Johnny Cougar in cricket whites, now that is a sight to see, and one that piques my interest immediately. Let's have a look and see what is going on here. 

Tiger

18th May 1974

Johnny Cougar and Splash Gorton

What a pleasant surprise it is to see Johnny Cougar on the front cover and dabbling in the most English of sports, Cricket. He is still in Sydney, Australia, and I guess there is no better place to don the whites and roll the old arm over. Cricket is a gentleman's sport, so it is only fitting that at this charity match we meet Cougar's next wrestling opponent the appropriately named "The Gent" 

The Gent lives up to his name, even going so far as to play cricket in a top hat, and soon enough Cougar and Gorton are back at his luxury house and enjoying his amble hospitality. Unknown to Cougar though, this hospitality is all part of his larger plan, a larger plan that won't be revealed to us until next week. 

It is a soft introduction to Cougar's next match and to The Gent. The story moved at a gentle pace, yet I enjoyed all the parts of it. Seeing Johnny playing cricket was an eye-catching beginning, and doubled as a good chance to introduce the Gent. There was no wrestling in sight, yet it already feels like we know the Gent well, and this earlier interaction between the two characters sets the scene well for what will follow. This was no gripping page-turner, but enough groundwork has been laid down for me to see where this story will go. 

Rating 6/10

Best line: "Hard luck, old boy! You Americans should stick to baseball...just watch how an English gentleman takes charge of things!" 

Rover Of The Rovers

It seems Roy's long-distance shot we ended with wasn't so silly after all, and as this week's story begins we get to see that the Burndean keeper was off his line, and Roy's shot was legitimate. Roy gets his just reward with a goal, and suddenly Rovers are back in the match.

Returning to the halfway line, Roy spurs on his team, urging them to forget the bonus money on offer,  and they respond in the next few minutes with free-flowing football that ultimately sees Roy score again. 

With the game in the bag, all that remains is for Roy to climb the stairs and accept the F.A. Cup on behalf of his team. He duly does so, but back in the changing rooms, he has another surprise awaiting him.

With Blackie and the rest of the team insisting that Mannering pay out all their bonuses immediately, a total that comes to fifty-nine thousand pounds, Roy is horrified by the greed of his team, that is until the team step forward and donates all the money to the youth group that we met at the start of this story all those weeks ago.

It took around about way to get there, but we got the ending that we always knew we would. The groundwork for this was laid right at the beginning of the story, although to be honest, I have totally forgotten about it until now. All the right things happened, Rovers won the cup, the youth club got its money, and at the end of the day, football was the winner.  There are no clues as to what will come next, which gives me time to lean back in my chair, take a deep breath, and enjoy everything I have just read. 

Rating: 7/10

Best Line: "My Stars! Blackie! You're as bad as the rest of them!" 

Martin's Marvellous Mini 

I am rapidly learning that when it comes to Martin's Marvellous Mini, every silver lining has a cloud. Last week, just when it seemed the rally was won, George spring an oil leak which sent them off the track with the finish line in sight. Things immediately become worse for the boys this week, as they slide off the track and crash into their competitor's cars, the Carlton team. 

Taking third place, they do win enough money to cover their expenses, and things do look on the up when, once the rally is over and the field well and truly cleared, a helicopter lands and they are approached by a representative of Mister Vanderson and offered a chance to drive his formula three car at Crankel track the next day. 

This joy is short-lived, as they arrive at the track the next day they are told there has been a mistake, Mister Vanderson thought they had won the rally, not come third, and now their service is no longer required.  They are justifiably angry, and the next part of the story falls into place as they see a sign for a mini race at the same race meeting.

Another story of ups and downs for Martin and Tiny, and although it didn't end with high-stakes drama, I am still intrigued to see how this latest escapade will end. The rally has served as the backdrop for the story for the last few months, so it will be interesting to see if this is the beginning of another longer arc, or merely a quick jaunt around the track. Not as gripping as in previous weeks, but loose ends have been tied up and we are moving forward into new territory. 

Rating: 6/10

Best line: "What a day!...it couldn't be worse..."  

Skid Solo

Skid Solo is preparing for the Belgium Grand Prix when we first see him this week. Some familiar faces are also around, and we see Al Ledstock still running - convinced that fitness is the key to beating the younger drivers, while Toni Moreillia is on crutches with a stiff knee. Both are sure they'll do well, while Skid stays quiet about his chances. The race is fast, very fast, with Toni Moreillia leading from the front and breaking several lap records in the process.

Sitting in fifth with three laps remaining, Skid makes his move, and pushes his car hard, forcing his way past the younger drivers and pulling Al Ledstock through with him. It's good enough to get him to second place, with Al third, but Moreillia remains in front for the win. 

This leaves us with the final panels as they discuss the race, Al is convinced it was his fitness that got him the result, Skid argues it was their experience. However, it is Toni who has the final word, leaving them with the comment that it's best to have a very fast motor car.

A very likeable story, this was a completely self-sufficient episode. One race, fully contained in the strip, and the idea of each of the driver's view on what it takes to win the race. It was well executed, and as always the on-track action looked good. No crashes this week, just the intense look on the driver's faces, and the close action of the cars. Not high drama, but drama nonetheless, and this contains the elements of motor racing that make Skid Solo look so good on the page. A solid issue, and entirely representative of what Skid Solo is all about. 

Rating: 7/10

Best line: "Three laps to go...I'm in fifth place, eight seconds behind! And Sandy wants me to go faster! Heck, I'm going fast enough to have won this race easily...three years ago!"

A Horse Called Ugly

A the end of last week's strip, Joe spied trouble, and that trouble is given a name in the first panel of this week's story - Nick Mungro and his mob of caravans. Joe threatens him, telling him to stay away from them, but there's a much larger scheme at hand, and later we see Mungro meeting with Joe's other enemy, Clive Mannering. 

What plan they have, we won't find out until next week, as the rest of the story is devoted to the start of the steeplechase. We learn that there are two different routes, both the same length and with the same obstacles before they come to the finish line fifteen miles away. So with a large crowd watching, they set off, the final panel a close-up of Clive promising to himself that Joe and Ugly and will ride together. 

Not a lot happened this week, it was all plotting in the background and preparing for the race. I liked it, even without the horse action, there was plenty to keep me engaged, and by the end of the strip, my brain was whirring with outcomes to all these unknown schemes. Next week promises much, based on what I have read here, and I look forward to seeing what it will deliver. 

Rating: 7/10

Best line: "Don't worry, you villain...I'll pat you well! Now, this is the plan..."

Tallon Of The Track

It seems we are getting closer to the end of the current storyline, but we are closer than I realise, and as I read the first page I little suspect that in a couple pages' time, we would be done and dusted.

We pick up right where we left off last time, with a Police Sergeant showing Jo Tallon the artist's depiction of the potential saboteur. She reaffirms that, yes, it is Jimmy Benson, one of the team's mechanics. 

Things move very quickly from here, with Jo running to the pits to confront Jimmy Benson. He is not one to take the accusations lightly, and picks up a wrench, threatening violence to Jo if she comes closer. Jo is not to be trifled with, and she slams a motorbike into Jimmy, while the rest of the team to grab him. 

A confession is soon forthcoming, and the story rights itself for the next half page as Oggie checks the bikes for further damage, before Ospreys take to the track and win the meeting. All too easy, i's dotted, t's crossed and a new story awaits Jo and the team next week. 

A tidy ending to a story, but an ending that we all saw coming many issues ago. From the start, Jimmy Benson's card was marked, and his poor attitude in the first issue of this story was a giveaway. Despite the foreshadowing, I still enjoyed watching the story unfold, and this final issue did everything it needed to do. We even got some track action, this time without the crashes we had seen earlier. As always, the artwork served the story well, and the panel of Jo slamming the bike into Jimmy Benson was the best of the lot. All in all, neat, tidy, professional and a good read throughout. 

Rating: 7.5/10

Best line: "Take one more step and I'll part your hair with this thing!" 

Football Family Robinson

Football Family Robinson takes quite a twist this week, and one I definitely did not see coming. With Digger taking off, Bluey the kangaroo is left in the care of the family. He doesn't like it, and neither do they, which leads to a sleepless night for all involved.

Luckily, the next day Digger returns. He hasn't run out on the family after all, rather he has been off buying himself a large aircraft. Yes, Digger is a qualified pilot, and he intends on flying the family out to Australia to stay at his sheep station. It's the old cliche of an Aussie with a sheep station, and it is this that spins the story off into a new direction. 

The family fly the route in several stages, but after leaving Singapore disaster strikes, and they are caught in a wild storm. With Digger unsure where they are, they are forced to make an emergency landing in the wild. 

We are far from football now, and I am invested in what comes next in the football family for the first time in weeks. This is just the radical change that was needed, and the story once again feels fresh after weeks of conflict between Digger and Crash. It may all change next week, I worry that we may see the family playing football against the natives of the area, but for now, I am pleased with the new course the story has taken.

Rating: 8/10

Best line: "Don't rightly know, sport. This storm has pushed us off course, and me instruments are on the blink"   

The Tigers

This week's edition of The Tigers is a lot of fun, and I enjoy the humour throughout. Starting with a visit to a stately home, Chunky and The Tigers are introduced to a variety of old bicycles, but it is an old Penny-farthing that really catches the eye, and soon enough Chunky is pulling himself up to sit on it. 

This is where the fun starts, as Ron Burton gives him a hearty push, setting up the chain of events that propels the rest of the story. Out of control, Chunky experiences a wild ride out the doors and down the stairs, before further havoc ensues in the gardens.  Things go from bad to worse and after an incident with an ice cream salesman on the grounds, Chunky finds himself on a collision course with Lord Bagby himself, and his group of veteran cycle riders. 

That collision will come next week, but there is plenty here that I like in the meantime. We have seen Ron Burton interfere with Cunky plenty of times in the past, but here it is only a very brief interaction, and most of the story is dedicated to Chunky's wild bike ride. The ride isn't overplayed, there is a couple of moments, but for the most part, it looks believable on the page with nothing out of the ordinary occurring. What we see is exactly what I would expect from a boy on an out-of-control bike. This was a fun ride for me and as the issue ends I have a smile on my face.

Rating: 7/10

Best line: "I-I must keep cool and c-collected! I wish I'd brought my bicycle clips!" 

Issue final ratings:

Overall: 7/10

Best Story: Football Family Robinson

Best Line: "And you can clear off again! Why didn't you tell me you were third in the rally? I thought you'd won it!"

Best Panel:

Roy's Sports Quiz:

Tiger 11th May 1974

 With Skid Solo on the front cover, I am in my happy place as I begin reading this week's Tiger. Skid Solo equates to face-paced action, and that action looks even better in glorious colour. I can't wait to see what this story is all about, so this week I'm straight into it.  

Tiger

11th May 1974

Skid Solo

Skid Solo is on the cover and it's not sleek Grand Prix cars that catch the eye, but rather saloon cars racing cross-country. Skid is merely an observer, it is Sparrow who is racing in a car lent to him by Professor Ensworth. 

It's a dynamic first page, with Skid introducing us to the action in the first panel, while the other two panels on the page see Sparrow dealing with mud on the windshield before driving over the edge of a cliff. It is definitely a page-turner, and over the page we see the outcome, Sparrow leaping from the vehicle as it sinks to a watery grave.

 It is here that the real story begins, the Professor telling Skid that a briefcase containing his work was in the car and he must get it back. Using the professor's boat, Skid, Sandy and Sparrow sail to the spot where the car went down, and using scuba gear Skid and Sparrow retrieve the now very wet briefcase. It is not all smooth sailing and they surface to find Sandy in an inflatable rescue boat, the professor's boat having hit some rocks and sunk from under him.

Making their way back to the professor, they give him his briefcase, only for him to remember that hadn't left his plans on the briefcase, but rather they were in the safe on the boat. 

It is just the sort of twist we have come to expect from these non-racing stories, and I like it. I consider myself an intelligent man, but I failed to see this twist coming, and the story was all the more delicious for it. On the page, the adventure on the boat looked exciting, and I did like the fact that they showed Sandy suffering from seasickness- this seemed entirely appropriate for his character. The opening page, in full colour, hooked me in straight away and combined with the action on the water, and the final twist, it made this a most enjoyable outing. A great start to this week's comic, the bar has been set for all the stores that follow.

Rating: 8/10

Best line: "The prof's not going to like this! First his car, now his boat!" 

Johnny Cougar with Splash Gorton

The Trickster is not quite so tricky this week, and despite a couple of flourishes, this is a more traditional wrestling match. The two tricks he does employ are a trampoline to leap back into the ring, and later a smoke screen which gives him a chance to clobber Johnny. It matters little, Johnny has the upper hand across both pages, and ends the match in a strong style, slamming the Trickster into a ring post to win by knockout. 

A pure wrestling story, I found it just as enjoyable as the previous convoluted stories with the barrage of tricks from the Trickster. The timing is right to finish this Trickster storyline, and perhaps it was a couple of weeks too long. The final panel reminds us that Johnny is now in the semi-final, and it has been some time since I have considered the overall context of his battle with the Trickster, another pointer that this has been stretched out too long. 

It was great to see wrestling at the forefront of the story, and I have high hopes for the story next week and the promise of a fresh opponent.

Rating: 7.5/10

Best line: "Seminole not talk with forked tongue! You think everyone out to fool you!"

Martin's Marvellous Mini

Martin and Tiny are living their best life, put up in a fancy hotel and about to appear on TV. Although they are looking good in their new clothes, the TV appearance does not go so well as they are goaded into arguing with the owner of the Carlton car company. With the scent of violence in the air, the show is cut short and back at the hotel Martin and Tiny get a good night's sleep before the final time trial to decide the race. 

Needing to average seventy-five miles an hour to win the race they are going swimmingly, that is until the last lap when a sudden oil leak blinds them and sends them skidding off the track. Winning the race looked like a sure thing, but now I'll have to come back next week to see the outcome. 

A sharply told story this week, it was just as quick as George around the track, with the loose ends from last week dealt with, and the new jeopardy appearing just as it looked like things were going right. I enjoyed the speed of the story, and it matched the action in the panels well. A nice little cliffhanger to finish with, once again are heroes are facing disaster after the triumphs of last week. 

Rating: 8/10

Best line: "I wouldn't have a rotten old Carlton car if you gave it to me!" 

Roy Of The Rovers 

F.A. Cup, down one-nil, this is Roy's moment. Laying down the law to his team, he urges them to forget the money and just play their natural game. Slowing the game down, and controlling the pace, Melchester begins to get on top, and as halftime is blown it seems only a matter of time before they get the goal they deserved. 

However, in the dressing room they receive another shock, the director Ted Manning is waiting for them with an increased offer of two thousand pounds per goal. While the team is delighted, Roy is anything but, and he is furious as they head back out onto the pitch. In an angry challenge, Roy gives away a freekick, but Lofty manages to get a head to it and the ball breaks to Roy, who in the final panel launches a thirty-yard attempt on goal. 

This F.A. Cup match is getting better by the moment, and although I wasn't a big fan of the money storyline, I am enjoying the on-field action. An angry Roy Race is a thing to behold, and the panels of him storming onto the pitch and then roughly fouling a player are among the best this week. Like any good football match, things are heating up in the second half and it looks like we'll be building to a thrilling conclusion.

Rating: 8/10

Best line: "You can make it a million pounds a goal, if you like...I don't want any part of it!" 

Football Family Robinson

Like Roy Race, Ma Robinson is also laying down the law to her own team. With Crash and Digger put in their place, she swaps their positions on the field, leaving Crash to cool his heels in goal while Digger takes a turn up front. It doesn't have an immediate impact, but the game does turn on this decision, and by the end of the game Digger has managed to score the goal that begins a rout and the family finishes the season on a high. 

However, Digger doesn't hang around for the celebrations, and the strip ends with the family left holding the kangaroo while they wonder where Digger has got to. I don't feel particularly invested in the whereabouts of Digger, but I did enjoy the ride to this conclusion. 

I love a strong woman, and Ma Robinson is certainly that. She got this week's strip off to a strong start, and it is her image that dominates the final panel of the strip. I can't help but look at Viv and think that one day she'll be just like her Mum, so I am enjoying Viv's youthful good looks while I can. Not my favourite story this week, but very strong and better than it has been of late.

Rating: 7/10

Best line: "You waited too long. I can't rely on anybody. I'll have to do it myself."

The Tigers 

This week we get to witness the great pogo race. As you might remember from last week, Ron Burton has laid a trap for Chunky Clark, having his cronies report to the police that there is someone scaring people by the canal, and then tricking Chunky into racing him by the canal at night. It plays out as you might expect, after a rough start Chunky has some luck and Ron goes by him with a tarpaulin wrapped around his head. The coppers nab Ron, while his two teammates reveal themselves as they exclaim in surprise. 

Less is more and shorn of some of its silliness, this strip is actually quite enjoyable. The pogo race has the potential to cover several issues, but it is wrapped up quickly here. We get some of Chunky's luck, but it's not overplayed, and the story concentrated on Burton's trap. I found myself smiling at this story much more than previously, and I rate it considerably better than the previous weeks.

Rating: 7/10

Best line: "We're off! Boggling blackcurrants. Burton's mate is a bit enthusiastic with his cheering!"

A Horse Called Ugly

When we last saw Joe, Lord Humphrey had just offered him a chance to live like a lord. More details are revealed in the opening panels of this week's issue, and the challenge is sketched out fully. Lord Humphrey and his horse Zorro challenge Joe and Ugly to a race - should Joe win, he gets to live in Lord Humphrey's Scottish castle for a month, while if Lord Humphrey wins he gets all Joe's possessions but just for one day. 

Joe rides off to consider his options, but his hand is forced when one of Lord Humphrey's friends publishes all the details in the local paper. With the local townsfolk excited by such a challenge, we end the story with Joe's exclamation "Oh, no, if they are here it means even more trouble." Just who he is referring to, we'll have to wait until next week and adds just an edge to a story that already has me hooked. 

Normally I love the horse action, especially the artwork, in a Horse Called Ugly, but with little happening on that front this week's strip is much more story-driven, yet just as enjoyable. There are still some memorable panels, and I especially enjoyed the one where Joe was fantasising about winning the challenge.  With the race front and centre next week, I expect the story to get even better. As good as this week was, next week promises much more.  

Rating: 7.5/10

Best line: "It's obvious! My brother has joined forces with Humphrey. They must be plotting something!"

Tallon Of The Track

I love a good surprise and Tallon Of The Track delivers just that on its first page. With the masked intruder knocked out, and Jo about to reveal his face, it seems the sabotage story is coming to a close. However, when she pulls the mask off, they find it is just a kid. Pumping him for details, he tells them he doesn't know anything about sabotage, only that he was offered ten pounds by someone in town to break in and steal some leathers and helmets. Handing him over to the police, Dave thinks that's the end of the affair, but Jo isn't so sure. 

However, the racing goes well, and the Ospreys face no mechanical difficulties at all. It is at this point that the story takes another turn, as the police arrive and show Jo a sketch of the man who had offered the ten pounds to break-in, a sketch that looks just like one of Jo's mechanics Jimmy Benson.  

I thought that this week might have wrapped up this story, but it now looks like it might be next week with this new information unearthed. The story is well-paced, and it doesn't feel like it's being stretched out just for the sake of it. It gives us information throughout, but never gives too much away, nor does it stagnate in its own storyline. Tallon Of The Track excels in its off-track drama, and this week is another fine example of that. 

Rating: 8/10

Best line:  "He's little more than a kid!"

 

Issue final ratings:

Overall: 7.5/10

Best Story: Martin's Marvellous Mini

Best Line: "In the boat? Is...er...that safe waterproof?"

Best Panel:

Roy's Sports Quiz

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