Pure comic gold! A trip down memory lane with Roy, Hamish and Mighty Mouse

By Richard Copeman and Laura Williamson for MailOnline Updated: 05:42 EDT, 29 June 2009

As Roy of the Rovers returns to high street book stores in a 64-page special, Sportsmail celebrates the life of the greatest-ever 'fictional' centre forward.

Our very own comic fanatic, Richard Copeman, selects his favourite cartoons of all-time.

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Mighty Mouse

He was short, fat and wore specs but Kevin 'Mighty' Mouse was one heck of a footballer, dividing his time between playing for Tottenford Rovers and studying at St Victor's Hospital (and trying to stay out of the way of Mad Annie and Dr Mender).

Hot Shot Hamish and Mighty Mouse merged when Hamish was moved to Roy of the Rovers in 1985 and Mouse saw out his career at Glengow Rangers.

The Safest Hands In Soccer

Gordon Stewart was an immovable object between the sticks - nothing would get past him as he kept goal for Tynefield City. 

But his lucky mascot, Fred, a toy skeleton, could not save him from dying in a plane crash off the Brazilian coast in 1982.

It was left to his son, Rick, to continue the family legacy, but the younger Stewart played in goal for City's arch-rivals, Tynefield United.

Hot Shot Hamish

The story of gentle giant  Hamish Balfour, the man with the most powerful shot in the world, who played for Princes Park under manager Ian McWhacker.

Hamish (right) possessed such power he would often rip out the goalposts when he struck the ball.

He also had a pet sheep called McMutton.

The Hard Man

Johnny Dexter was the sort of bloke you want watching your back on the pitch - ruthless in the tackle but a gentleman underneath it all. He left Danefield United and joined Roy's Melchester Rovers.

The Footballer Who Wouldn't Stay Dead

The story centred around a youngster called Mel Deakin who had been struck by a freak bolt of lightning which had left him with the skills of a dead footballer called Andy Steele.

The Boy Who Hated Football

Schoolboy John Smith wasn't a fan of the beautiful game but, guess what, he came round in the end...

Billy's Boots

Billy Dane was the sort of player you didn't want in your team - unless he was wearing Dead Shot Keen's boots. Billy found them in his gran's attic and he turned into a goal-scoring machine, pondering 'Is this me or Dead Shot Keen?' before rifling the ball into the back of the net.

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Durrell's Palace

The minnows of the Western League were managed by Dan Wayne who, assisted by Joe Croke, battled tirelessly to keep Durrell's Palace in business. The club folded in 1985 and Dane went on to manage Wolverdon, who featured in the comic strip Wayne's Wolves. 

The Marks Brothers

Steve and Terry Marks played for Kingsbay and Stockbridge Town respectively before Terry joined his brother's team. The pair went on to win the UEFA and FA Cups.

Tommy's Troubles

The tale of Tommy Barnes and his friend Ginger Collins' attempts to establish a football team at a rugby-only school ran from 1976 to 1986.

The pair set up Barnes United and outwitted Crowhurst's top rugby players, Adam Waller and Cyril Swate.