RUPERT BEAR COVER GALLERY - PART ONE...

Images copyright CLASSIC MEDIA/EXPRESS NEWSPAPERS

I can hardly believe that 30 years have elapsed since I bought the above Annual, the very first RUPERT book I ever purchased.  As I shift my gaze from the cover, I'm almost surprised to find that I'm not still in my bedroom of the house in which I was living back in 1985.  That's how strongly I associate the book with its surroundings at the time I first acquired it way back when.

Anyway, I don't have too many Rupert books, but here's a cover gallery of the ones lying close to hand.  Enjoy.

KID'S CLASSIC CHRISTMAS COMIC COVERS...

Images copyright MARVEL COMICS

Here's a belter from the backyard of beyond - MWOM #13.  And as an added extra, below is the double page centrespread for you to print out and hang on your wall.  Don't say I'm not good to you.  Just think, these images come from 43 years ago - sheesh!  Where on earth did the time go?

CRIVEN'S CLASSIC CHRISTMAS COMIC COVERS...

Images copyright MARVEL COMICS

Two for the price of one this time around, chums!  That's because, although CAPTAIN BRITAIN #12 (above) was the 'Christmas issue' (it went on sale on December 22nd), the one I associate with the season is #10 (below) - mainly because the snow lay 'round about (deep and crisp and even - which, incidentally, is just the way Good King Wenceslas likes his pizzas) on the day I bought it.

The snow may still have been around when I bought #12, but to be honest, I no longer recall.  The cover of #10 just seemed to make more of an impression on me for some odd reason.  I'm gob-smacked at the realization that these comics are 39 years old.  It seems like only yesterday when I first purchased them.  Ooh, scary!

CLASSIC CHRISTMAS COMIC COVERS...

Image copyright D.C. THOMSON & Co., Ltd

A very nice DUDLEY D. WATKINS cover featuring BIFFO The BEAR when his was the undoubted lead strip in The BEANO.  He had another 22 years to go before he was relegated to the insides by some kid in a stripey jumper.  What was his name again?

CLASSIC CHRISTMAS COMIC COVERS...

Copyright relevant owner

Never bought TIGER (or JAG) when I was a kid, but I'd read a few issues from time to time, so I knew about ROY Of The ROVERS and JOHNNY COUGAR - as well as SKID SOLO and a few other strips.  Have to admit, this is a nicely atmospheric cover that reminds me of the Christmases of my childhood.  How about you?