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Manchester’s National Football Museum’s 65th anniversary Roy of the Rovers exhibition opens next week

By John Freeman on July 8, 2019

Celebrate the 65th anniversary of Roy of the Rovers with a visit to the dedicated pop-up exhibition at Manchester’s National Football Museum, which opens next week, on Friday 19th July.

The Melchester Rovers legend made his first appearance in Tiger comic in 1954, and remains a comic book icon to this very day. His exploits are known far and wide – commentators still use the term “Roy of the Rovers stuff’ when describing last-gasp winners, underdog comebacks and intense cup drama.

Rocky and Roy Race cut outs at the 65th anniversary Roy of the Rovers exhibition at Manchester’s Football Museum. Image: Rebellion Publishing

Now, thanks to Rebellion Publishing, Roy of the Rovers is back, alongside his new female counterpart, Rocky, and this exhibition is just part of a number of celebrations for the character’s 65 years, including two new collections of older strips, including a Roy of the Rovers 65th Anniversary Special, which will be released on 11th September. as well as ongoing new graphic novels and novels –

Roy of the Rovers 65th Anniversary Special

In this all-new exhibition, find out how the comic strip has evolved over the years through retrospective artwork, unique objects and family-friendly activities. Practice your drawing skills on light boxes, and don the iconic red and gold kit of Melchester Rovers in the dress-up area!

The Football Museum previously hosted the hugely popular Playing for a Draw football comics exhibition, curated by artist Steve McGarry and backed by the Lakes International Comic Art Festival, and discussion about use fo Roy of the Rovers imagery in that helped pave the way to bringing the Football Museum and Rebellion together for this new show.

• Roy of the Rovers runs from Thursday 19th July until Sunday 3rd November 2019 at the National Football Museum, Urbis building, Manchester, M4 3BG. The exhibition is free to attend, along with the wider programme

• More about the National Football Museum online at www.nationalfootballmuseum.com

• Roy of the Rovers is online at royoftheroversofficial.com

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Roy of the Rovers © and TM Rebellion Publishing Ltd

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.