“Roy of the Rovers: The Best of the 1980s—Who Shot Roy Race?” is a wild ride through one of the most turbulent periods in Melchester Rovers’ storied history. This volume, expertly written by Tom Tully and brought to life by David Sque’s energetic illustrations, doesn’t just serve up nostalgia—it’s a genuinely gripping sports drama that stands tall even for readers who didn’t grow up with the comic in their weekly rotation. Roy Race and his beloved club undergo a significant transformation during the 80/81 season. The Rovers are struggling on all fronts: relegation hangs over them like a storm cloud, their dreams of FA Cup and European glory are dashed early, and the trophy cabinet sits depressingly empty.
For Roy, the pressure is relentless. Roy's obsession with keeping the team afloat has a significant impact on his family life and negatively affects his relationships with key teammates, particularly the notoriously fiery Vic Guthrie. The story delves into the cracks that form both on and off the pitch, demonstrating how even a football hero can succumb to the pressure of expectation. The emotional realism gives the narrative depth, making Roy’s struggles feel authentic and relatable.
However, the most shocking aspect is the attempt on Roy's life. The storyline where Roy is gunned down in December 1981 is handled with a sense of drama that goes beyond the typical comic strip. Roy’s weeks in a coma leave a void at Melchester, and the legendary Sir Alf Ramsey stepping in as caretaker manager adds a sense of gravitas and realism you don’t expect from a football comic. There’s this constant sense of the club teetering on the edge—not just of relegation, but of total collapse. Yet through all the turmoil, there’s still a sense of fun: the introduction of Gola-sponsored kits, the glimmers of hope on the pitch, and the larger-than-life personalities that keep the story from ever getting too bleak.
This collection distinguishes itself by skilfully balancing soap opera melodrama with football authenticity. The stakes off the pitch feel just as real as those on it. Tully’s writing digs into the psychology of an athlete under pressure, and Sque’s illustrations capture the breakneck pace of the matches. For long-time fans, this volume is a celebration of everything that made Roy of the Rovers an institution. For newcomers, it’s a surprisingly fresh and engaging entry point into football’s most iconic comic. The 1980s may have been a meltdown for Melchester, but for readers, it’s pure entertainment from first page to last.
