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{{Short description|British children's magazine published from 1953 to 1969}}
'''Robin (magazine)''' was a British weekly children's magazine published from 1953 to 1969, originally by Hulton Press. Targeting younger readers and pre-readers, ''Robin'' was marketed as a "companion to ''Eagle'', ''Girl'', and ''Swift''," three other popular British children's magazines of the era.
{{redirect|Woppit|Donald Campbell's mascot|Mr Whoppit}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{more citations needed|date=January 2014}}
{{Infobox comic book title
<!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
| title              = Robin
| image              = <!-- Filename format only -->
| noimage            = Y
| caption            =
| schedule            = Weekly
| ongoing            = Y
| genre              = Children's
| publisher          = [[Hulton Press]] (1953–1960)<br />[[Odhams Press]] (1960–1963)<br />[[International Publishing Corporation|IPC]] (1963–1969)
|date                = 
|startmo            =
|startyr            = 1953
|endmo              =
|endyr              = 1969
| issues              = 836
| main_char_team      =
| issn                =
| writers            =
| artists            = Reg Foster, Basil Reynolds, Sabine Schweitzer, [[Jennetta Vise]], Robert Williams
| pencillers          =
| inkers              =
| letterers          =
| colourists          =
| editors            = [[Marcus Morris (priest)|Marcus Morris]] (1960–1962)<br />Clifford Makins (from 1962)
| creative_team_month =
| creative_team_year  =
| creators            =
| TPB                =
| ISBN                =
| subcat              =
| altcat              =
| sort                = Robin
| nonUS              = Y
}}
'''''Robin''''' was a British weekly children's magazine published from 1953 to 1969, originally by [[Hulton Press]]. ''Robin'' was billed as "companion to ''[[Eagle (British comics)|Eagle]]'', ''[[Girl (UK comics)|Girl]]'', and ''[[Swift (comic)|Swift]]''" and aimed at younger readers and pre-readers.


Both the weeklies and annuals were originally edited by [[Marcus Morris (priest)|Marcus Morris]], but by 1962 Clifford Makins had become editor. Artists who worked on ''Robin'' included Sabine Schweitzer, [[Jennetta Vise]], Basil Reynolds, Reg Foster, and Robert Williams.
== Publication History ==
''Robin'' was launched in 1953 by Hulton Press, a British publisher known for its successful children's publications. [[Marcus Morris (publisher)|Marcus Morris]], a Church of England vicar and the creator of ''Eagle'' magazine, was the founding editor. The magazine was designed for younger children compared to the readership of ''Eagle'' and ''Swift'', focusing on educational content, simple stories, and gentle humor.


== Publication history ==
In 1959–1960, Hulton Press was acquired by Odhams Press, which was then renamed Longacre Press. This change brought ''Robin'' along with other publications under the Longacre banner. Shortly afterward, in 1961, Odhams Press was acquired by Fleetway Publications (formerly Amalgamated Press), a division of the Daily Mirror Group. By 1963, these holdings were consolidated with George Newnes Ltd and Fleetway into the International Publishing Corporation (IPC).
In 1959–1960, [[Odhams Press]] acquired [[Hulton Press]], renaming it [[Longacre Press (UK)|Longacre Press]],{{efn|Odhams' headquarters were at 64 [[Long Acre]], London, inspiring the new name.}}<ref name="Tatarskypintroduction">{{Citation | last = Tatarsky | first = Daniel | title = Eagle Annual: The Best of the 1960s Comic | publisher = Orion | location = London | year = 2009 | isbn = 978-0-7528-8895-8|pages=introduction}}.</ref> thus taking over publication of ''Eagle'',<ref name="Tribute">{{Citation | title = A Tribute to Frank Hampson 1918–1985 | url = http://www.tameside.gov.uk/blueplaque/frankhampson | publisher = tameside.gov.uk | date = 12 September 2007 | access-date = 24 June 2010}}</ref> ''Girl'', ''Swift'',<ref name=ODNB>{{cite ODNB|last=Seymour-Ure|first=Colin | author-link = Colin Seymour-Ure |title=Hulton, Sir Edward George Warris (1906–1988), ''magazine publisher and writer''|url=http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/printable/40161|doi=10.1093/ref:odnb/40161|access-date=24 August 2013|year=2004}}</ref> and ''Robin''.


In 1960 [[Cecil Harmsworth King]], chairman of the ''[[Daily Mirror]]'' newspaper, made an approach to Odhams on behalf of [[Fleetway Publications]] (formerly the [[Amalgamated Press]]). Odhams' board found this too attractive to refuse and, in 1961, Odhams was taken over by Fleetway. In 1963 its holdings were amalgamated with those of the [[George Newnes Ltd]], Fleetway, and others, to form the [[International Publishing Corporation]] (known as IPC). Between 1964 and 1968 Odhams operated as a subsidiary of IPC.
The magazine ceased publication in 1969 when it was merged into ''Playhour'', another IPC children's publication.


Associated [[annual publication|annuals]] were also produced, the first dated 1954, until at least the ninth in 1962. In 1969 ''Robin'' was merged into ''[[Playhour]]''.
== Editorial and Artistic Contributions ==
The magazine was edited by Marcus Morris in its early years, followed later by Clifford Makins by 1962. It featured a range of contributors, including:


== Content ==
* '''[[Sabine Schweitzer]]'''
In addition to comic strips, other features included games and puzzles, stories in prose both fictional and true life, poems, colouring-in, and craft projects.
* '''[[Jennetta Vise]]'''
* '''[[Basil Reynolds]]'''
* '''[[Reg Foster]]'''
* '''[[Robert Williams (artist)|Robert Williams]]'''


The magazine also had a "Robin Birthday Club" which the reader could join, with a card featuring a [[European robin|robin]] and the child's name and enrolment number.
The magazine's artistic style was gentle and engaging, tailored to very young readers with bright, colorful illustrations and simple narratives.


== Strips ==
== Content and Features ==
* ''[[Andy Pandy]]'', based on the BBC television series.
''Robin'' combined comic strips, prose stories, and interactive activities. Its pages included:
* ''Harriet and Smith'', about a girl Harriet and her cat Smith
* ''[[Johnny Bull]]''
* ''[[Flower Pot Men]]'', based on the BBC television series.
* ''Midge the Little Motor-Car''
* ''Princess Tai-Lu'', about a [[Siamese cat]] able to do magic, and her friends Gwladys, Ivor, Mr. Tonkins and Jed.
* ''Richard Lion'', which followed the adventures of Richard and his friends Henry the kangaroo, Pug the bulldog, Peggy the black panther, Nemo the jester and others. 
* The twins ''Simon and Sally''
* ''Bizzy Beaver'', which followed the adventures of Bizzy and his friends Ricky Racoon and Boo Bear, and also the Beaver family, Mr. & Mrs. Beaver and Bizzy's little brother, Baby Beaver
* ''Nutty Noddle'', a squirrel whose best friend was Oswald Owl; also his Aunt Scofalot sometimes featured, a lady who loved eating and always wore a tea cosy as a hat with the full teapot beneath, ready for whenever she fancied a cuppa
* ''Tom the Tractor''
* ''Tubby the Odd-job Engine'', the adventures of a little tank engine and his slightly eccentric, bearded driver Mr. Pickles.
* ''The Story of Woppit'', which followed the adventures of a bear-like creature ''Woppit'' and his friends Tiptop the scarecrow, Mokey the donkey and Mrs. Bumble. The Woppit character was produced as a [[teddy bear|bear]] by [[Merrythought]]. One of these bears, [[Mr Whoppit]], became the mascot of land and water speed record-breaker [[Donald Campbell]].<ref name="Tremayne, Behind The Mask" >{{cite book
  |title=Donald Campbell: The Man Behind the Mask
  |last=Tremayne  |first=David  |author-link=David Tremayne
  |isbn=0-553-81511-3
  |publisher=Bantam Books
  |year=2005}}</ref>


== Notes ==
* '''[[Comic Strips]]:''' Adventures featuring a mix of original characters and adaptations from popular children's television shows.
{{notelist}}
* '''Prose Stories:''' Fictional tales and real-life stories appropriate for younger children.
* '''Puzzles and Games:''' Interactive content such as simple mazes, spot-the-difference, and other puzzles.
* '''Crafts and Activities:''' Coloring pages and basic craft projects for young children.
* '''Poems:''' Short, rhyming poems aimed at early readers.
* '''Robin Birthday Club:''' A club for readers where children could receive a personalized birthday card featuring a robin bird illustration and their membership number.


== References ==
== Notable Comic Strips and Characters ==
{{Reflist}}
Several recurring characters and comic strips were central to the magazine, including:


== Sources ==
* '''[[Andy Pandy]]:''' Based on the BBC television puppet show of the same name.
* {{gcdb series|id= 7804 |title=''Robin''}}
* '''[[Flower Pot Men]]:''' Adapted from the BBC television show ''Flower Pot Men''.
* '''Harriet and Smith:''' Featuring Harriet and her cat, Smith.
* '''Johnny Bull'''
* '''Midge the Little Motor-Car'''
* '''Princess Tai-Lu:''' A Siamese cat with magical abilities, accompanied by friends Gwladys, Ivor, Mr. Tonkins, and Jed.
* '''Richard Lion:''' Adventures of Richard with friends Henry the Kangaroo, Pug the Bulldog, Peggy the Black Panther, and Nemo the Jester.
* '''Simon and Sally:''' Adventures of the twin siblings Simon and Sally.
* '''Bizzy Beaver:''' Adventures featuring Bizzy, Ricky Racoon, Boo Bear, and the Beaver family.
* '''Nutty Noddle:''' A squirrel whose best friend was Oswald Owl, with his Aunt Scofalot, a tea-drinking lady wearing a tea cozy as a hat.
* '''Tom the Tractor'''
* '''Tubby the Odd-job Engine:''' The stories of a small tank engine and his driver, Mr. Pickles.
* '''The Story of Woppit:''' Adventures of Woppit, a bear-like creature, and his friends Tiptop the Scarecrow, Mokey the Donkey, and Mrs. Bumble. Woppit became famous as the mascot of speed record breaker Donald Campbell.


{{Portal |Children's literature}}
== Annuals and Spin-offs ==
''Robin'' was supplemented by a series of annuals, the first of which appeared in 1954. These annuals, filled with additional stories, puzzles, and comics, continued until at least 1962, with the ninth edition.


{{italic title}}
== Legacy and Influence ==
 
''Robin'' was part of a golden age of British children's publishing, contributing to the development of educational and entertaining content for younger readers. Though it merged with ''Playhour'' in 1969, many of its characters and stories remained beloved by readers of that generation. Its approach to gentle humor, moral storytelling, and engaging illustrations left a lasting impact on British children’s media.{{DEFAULTSORT:Robin}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Robin}}
[[Category:Annual magazines published in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Annual magazines published in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Weekly magazines published in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Weekly magazines published in the United Kingdom]]
Line 95: Line 58:
[[Category:Magazines disestablished in 1969]]
[[Category:Magazines disestablished in 1969]]
[[Category:Odhams Press titles]]
[[Category:Odhams Press titles]]
{{child-mag-stub}}
{{UK-comics-stub}}

Latest revision as of 20:20, 4 January 2025

Robin (magazine) was a British weekly children's magazine published from 1953 to 1969, originally by Hulton Press. Targeting younger readers and pre-readers, Robin was marketed as a "companion to Eagle, Girl, and Swift," three other popular British children's magazines of the era.

Publication History

Robin was launched in 1953 by Hulton Press, a British publisher known for its successful children's publications. Marcus Morris, a Church of England vicar and the creator of Eagle magazine, was the founding editor. The magazine was designed for younger children compared to the readership of Eagle and Swift, focusing on educational content, simple stories, and gentle humor.

In 1959–1960, Hulton Press was acquired by Odhams Press, which was then renamed Longacre Press. This change brought Robin along with other publications under the Longacre banner. Shortly afterward, in 1961, Odhams Press was acquired by Fleetway Publications (formerly Amalgamated Press), a division of the Daily Mirror Group. By 1963, these holdings were consolidated with George Newnes Ltd and Fleetway into the International Publishing Corporation (IPC).

The magazine ceased publication in 1969 when it was merged into Playhour, another IPC children's publication.

Editorial and Artistic Contributions

The magazine was edited by Marcus Morris in its early years, followed later by Clifford Makins by 1962. It featured a range of contributors, including:

The magazine's artistic style was gentle and engaging, tailored to very young readers with bright, colorful illustrations and simple narratives.

Content and Features

Robin combined comic strips, prose stories, and interactive activities. Its pages included:

  • Comic Strips: Adventures featuring a mix of original characters and adaptations from popular children's television shows.
  • Prose Stories: Fictional tales and real-life stories appropriate for younger children.
  • Puzzles and Games: Interactive content such as simple mazes, spot-the-difference, and other puzzles.
  • Crafts and Activities: Coloring pages and basic craft projects for young children.
  • Poems: Short, rhyming poems aimed at early readers.
  • Robin Birthday Club: A club for readers where children could receive a personalized birthday card featuring a robin bird illustration and their membership number.

Notable Comic Strips and Characters

Several recurring characters and comic strips were central to the magazine, including:

  • Andy Pandy: Based on the BBC television puppet show of the same name.
  • Flower Pot Men: Adapted from the BBC television show Flower Pot Men.
  • Harriet and Smith: Featuring Harriet and her cat, Smith.
  • Johnny Bull
  • Midge the Little Motor-Car
  • Princess Tai-Lu: A Siamese cat with magical abilities, accompanied by friends Gwladys, Ivor, Mr. Tonkins, and Jed.
  • Richard Lion: Adventures of Richard with friends Henry the Kangaroo, Pug the Bulldog, Peggy the Black Panther, and Nemo the Jester.
  • Simon and Sally: Adventures of the twin siblings Simon and Sally.
  • Bizzy Beaver: Adventures featuring Bizzy, Ricky Racoon, Boo Bear, and the Beaver family.
  • Nutty Noddle: A squirrel whose best friend was Oswald Owl, with his Aunt Scofalot, a tea-drinking lady wearing a tea cozy as a hat.
  • Tom the Tractor
  • Tubby the Odd-job Engine: The stories of a small tank engine and his driver, Mr. Pickles.
  • The Story of Woppit: Adventures of Woppit, a bear-like creature, and his friends Tiptop the Scarecrow, Mokey the Donkey, and Mrs. Bumble. Woppit became famous as the mascot of speed record breaker Donald Campbell.

Annuals and Spin-offs

Robin was supplemented by a series of annuals, the first of which appeared in 1954. These annuals, filled with additional stories, puzzles, and comics, continued until at least 1962, with the ninth edition.

Legacy and Influence

Robin was part of a golden age of British children's publishing, contributing to the development of educational and entertaining content for younger readers. Though it merged with Playhour in 1969, many of its characters and stories remained beloved by readers of that generation. Its approach to gentle humor, moral storytelling, and engaging illustrations left a lasting impact on British children’s media.

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