Roy of the Rovers – new book covers revealed, pre-order launch offer bargain on offer

By John Freeman on August 16, 2018

Rebellion have revealed the covers to the new Roy of the Rovers books: Tom Palmer’s Scouted, on sale in October, and Rob Williams’ Kick-Off, out in November.

The first book to hit the shelves is Scouted by Tom Palmer, an illustrated fiction novel featuring 20 fully awesome illustrations by Lisa Henke (whose artwork you’ll recognise from Roy’s recent Match of the Day magazine strip). The novel follows Roy as he attempts to catch the eye of Melchester Rovers scout Johnny Dexter and get a shot at becoming a pro footballer!

Next up is Kick-Off by Rob Williams and Ben Wilsher, a hardback graphic novel featuring an amazing 50 page story, packed with football, drama, action, and more football!

The both are also now available to pre-order in from the official Roy of the Rovers online shop

Roy of the Rovers: Scouted

Out: 4th October 2018
Written by Tom Palmer
Illustrations by Lisa Henke

Roy Race is a totally normal 16 year old. He just happens to be the best striker in Melchester, too…

Roy always dreamed of becoming a professional footballer and playing for Melchester Rovers, the team he’s supported his entire life, but he never thought he had a chance – until now.

Rovers are on the lookout for new players, but is Roy good enough to catch the scout’s eye? He’ll have to be fitter, stronger and more determined than ever – but if he’s going to become Roy of the Rovers, now’s the time.

Pre-order available from the official Roy of the Rovers store here

Roy of the Rovers: Kick-Off

Out: 1 November 2018
Written by Rob Williams
Art by Ben Willsher
Letters by Jim Campbell

Times are tough for Melchester Rovers. Languishing at the bottom of League Two, the once-proud powerhouse of British football is out of money and out of luck.

Sixteen year old Roy Race always dreamt of playing up front for Rovers. Oozing with natural talent and possessing a powerful left foot, Roy may just be the answer to all of Melchester’s prayers.

Can Roy break into the Rovers first team and bring back the glory days of old? Or will the pressure of problems on and off the pitch prove too much for the young prospect?

The epic footballing saga begins here!

Pre-order available from the official Roy of tge Rovers web site here

• More details – including a pre-order offer of both books for only £15 (inc p&p) here on the official Roy of the Rovers web site

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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.