Egmont launches Classic Comics imprint

Egmont has a rich archive of classic comics material which includes Roy of the Rovers, Battle, Misty, Whizzer and Chips and Tammy. Egmont will be distributing a broad programme of iBooks and e-comics, starting with four iBook volumes of Roy of The Rovers.

In 1954, Roy Race first started appearing in a weekly comic strip featured in Tiger comic. He proved so popular with fans, that in 1976 he was given his own weekly comic. Spanning more than 40 years, the comics tracked plenty of edge-of-your-seat drama both on and off the pitch. It was the action-packed story lines, coupled with a feel-good family approach to the football issues of the day that earned Roy of the Rovers a place in the nation’s consciousness.

David Riley, Managing Director, Egmont Publishing Group, commented: “We are very proud of the iconic comics in our archive and digital publishing allows us to bring them back for fans, old and new, to enjoy.  We are excited about launching with Roy of the Rovers and feel that 2012 is an appropriate year for Roy to make his triumphant return. From Melchester, to Poland and the Ukraine, football fans will be cheering for Roy this year!”

Roy of the Rovers, Volumes 1 – 4 will be available from the 8th June on the iBooks store for £1.99 each.

Fans of Roy of the Rovers can also check out a new look Roy of the Rovers website which will accompany the launch. The website will bring Roy’s world of high drama to life, with a variety of great content and fans can follow all the action though Facebook, Twitter @Royofthe_rovers and through the weekly blog on the website. Egmont UK, the publisher of the iBook comics and owner of the property, will release a host of other Roy merchandise later in the year.