PICTURES of a new look Roy of the Rovers have been released, ahead of the comic strip’s return next month.

The classic children's cartoon is returning after 17 years away, with Match of the Day magazine carrying a rebooted strip on June 5.

Rebellion, the company who produce the football favourite from Oxford’s Osney Mead, as well as Judge Dredd and 2000AD, have designed a new-look Roy Race.

The Melchester Rovers strikers was a hero for generations of football fans, starring in comics from 1954 to 2001.

thisisoxfordshire:

The redesign has given the young footballer a modern version of his blonde locks.

Brand manager Rob Power said: “Our Roy is a complete reboot - a reimagined Roy Race for a new generation.

“The story begins with a 16-year-old Roy breaking into the Melchester Rovers youth team, although we've got a feeling first team football isn't far off. The original Roy played from 1954 all the way through to 2001, and he'd be 80 this year. We like to think he's happily retired, living the good life somewhere sunny.”

First launched in the 1950s, Roy of the Rovers was making comic appearances until 1995. At that point it moved to the Match of Day magazine but that ceased publication in 2001.

thisisoxfordshire:

Mr Power, from Kidlington, continued: “Fans will recognise lots of names from years gone by, and there are plenty of nods to original players, teams and creators across the graphic novels, illustrated fiction and comic strips.

“Melchester's first team is packed with players from all sorts of cultural backgrounds. Roy's team-mates reflect the diversity found throughout the game, and there's plenty of international talent in the squad too.”

He also hinted that Roy could be in for some Twitter antics, adding: “Talent aside, Roy's just like any other teenager. He plays computer games, watches YouTube, and, of course, has his own social media accounts.”