The 'Eagle' was the flagship comic for boys along with 'Girl' which was naturally aimed at girls. But for younger readers the publications were 'Swift' and 'Robin'.

Swift our 'Comic Cuts' release was first published in 1954 with 'Eagle' 1950 'Girl' 1951 and 'Robin' 1953, so in the four years since the 'Eagle' first appeared four publications aimed across children's ages were launched. Our Bullnose features 'Tarna Jungle Boy' (reeks of Tarzan doesn't it?) who appeared in the first issue No. 1 on 30th March 1954. Funnily enough, Tarzan - sorry Tarna also had a chimpanzee called Toto (the names original though) as his companion - where's Jane - I mean June? Tarna was Dr. Dolittle of his day and talked to the animals. Interestingly, Frank Bellamy was one of the main cartoonist who did comic strips for 'Swift' and 'Micky Mouse Weekly' in 1953 before moving over to 'Eagle' in 1957. He eventually became lead artist on 'Dan Dare'. Frank was never extremely comfortable working on 'Eagle' and agreed only to illustrate Dan Dare for one year. However, in that time he produced such superb artwork that he became acknowledged as it's creator!

After 'Eagle' Bellamy went on to run other cartoon strips including illustrating 'Dr. Who' for Radio Two and 'Thunderbird' comics, 'Daily Mirror' (now there's a fine fellow!).

Frank Bellamy was born in Northampton in 1917 and died of a heart attack in 1976. He received the coveted 'Foreign Comics' award from the American Academy for strip art (I'm sure they mean strip in the cartoon sense).

This was a very nice looking model and it sold out quickly.

Valuation Price if found £9.95 - 2003.