First Issue: 28th May 1960
Last Issue: 4th January 2000
Copyright: IPC Magazines
Andy Capp
The Daily Mirror newspaper strip character, Andy Capp, was the creation of Reg Smythe. When ‘The Mirror Group’ took over ‘Amalgamated Press’ a new comic was created. The new comic was named after the main protagonist, the son of Andy Capp, ‘Buster’. Buster also the creation of Reg Smythe appeared on the magazine racks dated 28th May 1960.
The inimitable Buster and his trademark floppy cap became a firm favourite and the strip later became known as ‘Buster’s Diary’. Buster comic was a mixture of boys’ adventure stories and humorous stories. The first issue came with a free gift of a ‘Buster Balloon Beeper’. The first issue introduced the likes of Lazy Sprockett, Roaring Forties, The Terrors of Tornado Street and Uppsy Daisy.
The Leopard of Lime Street
A major factor influencing both the success and longevity of Buster comic could be considered to be its frequent amalgamations with other comics, which brought in new characters and kept the comic vital. Buster merged with the following twelve comics: Radio Fun, Film Fun, Big One, Giggle, Jet, Cor!!, Monster Fun, Jackpot, School Fun, Nipper, Oink and finally Whizzer & Chips.
One of the most famous and popular stories to appear in Buster was ‘The Leopard of Lime Street’ (Mike Western). ‘The Leopard of Lime Street’ was the story of thirteen year old Billy Farmer who was scratched by a Leopard who had been treated using a radioactive serum. Whilst being bullied by his uncle Charlie, Billy discovered sudden strength. Donning a pantomime cat costume left over from a ‘Dick Whittington’ production Billy went into the night armed with his camera to capture criminals.