VIZ MAGAZINE – MARCH 2021 – ISSUE 303 – ORIGINAL BRITISH HUMOUR COMIC

Original Viz Magazine, Issue 303, March 2021, featuring a colourful circus-themed front cover celebrating the magazine's distinctive brand of British comedy, satirical cartoons and long-running comic-strip characters.

This edition features the headline "ROLL UP! ROLL UP! For the GREATEST COMIC on EARTH!", accompanied by an elaborate circus illustration, a selection of familiar Viz characters and references to popular culture.

An interesting addition to any collection of British humour magazines, particularly for enthusiasts of Viz's traditional cartoon artwork and irreverent comedy.

MAGAZINE DETAILS

• Publication: Viz Magazine

• Issue Number: 303

• Publication Date: March 2021

• Original UK Cover Price: £3.80

• Language: English

• Format: Printed comic magazine

• Genre: British humour, satire, parody and comic strips

• Condition: Pre-owned – visible handling and storage wear

• SKU: 1574

FRONT COVER – DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The front cover features an elaborate circus-themed cartoon illustration with a large VIZ masthead dominating the upper half of the page.

The masthead is printed in oversized white lettering with bold yellow, red and black outlines against a deep burgundy background.

The artwork presents a humorous circus scene with an eccentric ringmaster, acrobatic performers and spectators.

Main Circus Ringmaster

At the centre of the illustration stands a flamboyant cartoon ringmaster wearing:

• A brightly decorated orange and yellow circus jacket.

• A black top hat with orange trim.

• A white vest.

• Blue trousers with rolled-up cuffs.

• Oversized red and brown boots.

The ringmaster has an exaggerated facial expression, prominent purple chin and theatrical hairstyle.

He raises his top hat dramatically while standing in the circus ring.

His exaggerated proportions and energetic pose are characteristic of Viz's deliberately absurd cartoon artwork.

Circus Acrobats

To the left of the ringmaster is an acrobatic performer wearing a red costume and black footwear.

The performer is suspended horizontally above the circus ring, apparently performing an exaggerated acrobatic stunt.

Another cartoon character with a large red nose and a distinctive cap appears nearby.

The figures are surrounded by curved lines and exaggerated poses, emphasising the energetic circus atmosphere.

Circus Audience

Behind the performers is a colourful audience of cartoon spectators.

These include characters with exaggerated facial features, large noses, bright clothing and humorous expressions.

One spectator is shown holding a red-and-white striped popcorn container, while another appears to be eating popcorn.

The circus barrier is decorated with alternating yellow and red triangular patterns.

A glass bottle with a humorous fictional label is illustrated near the ringmaster's feet.

The overall artwork uses bold primary colours, exaggerated character designs and traditional comic-strip illustration techniques.

MAIN COVER HEADLINES

Roll Up! Roll Up!

The main headline reads:

"ROLL UP! ROLL UP! For the GREATEST COMIC on EARTH!"

The wording parodies traditional circus advertising and reinforces the theatrical theme of the illustration.

Win £1 Million

The upper-right corner features a prominent promotional headline:

"WIN! £1 MILLION"

The advertisement is accompanied by a cartoon top hat overflowing with money and the smaller slogan:

"Our Tips for Success Inside!"

This forms part of the magazine's humorous promotional cover design.

Celebrity References

The upper border includes references to:

• Kim Kardashian – American television personality and celebrity.

• Gillian Anderson – Actress known for television and film appearances.

• Shepherd's Pie – A humorous reference appearing alongside the celebrity headlines.

These references reflect Viz's characteristic mixture of celebrity culture, everyday British subjects and deliberately absurd humour.

COMIC STRIPS & FEATURES ADVERTISED

The lower section of the cover highlights several recurring characters and features associated with Viz Magazine.

Biffa Bacon

One of the publication's established recurring comic-strip characters, associated with exaggerated British working-class comedy and confrontational humour.

Mrs Brady

A recurring Viz character featured in the magazine's traditional comic-strip lineup.

Drunken Bakers

A long-running comic feature centred around chaotic situations involving bakery workers.

8 Ace

A familiar recurring Viz character known for absurd situations and exaggerated comedy.

Johnny Fartpants

One of Viz's recognisable comic characters, associated with deliberately ridiculous bodily-function humour.

Gilbert Ratchet

Another character advertised among the magazine's comic-strip features.

Big Vern

A longstanding Viz character whose exaggerated gangster-style behaviour forms the basis of his comic-strip appearances.

Sheridan Poor

A further character name advertised along the bottom of the cover.

These features represent the publication's familiar mixture of fictional personalities, exaggerated social situations and irreverent British humour.

ADDITIONAL FEATURE – THE DADDLY DOO MYSTERIES

A prominent banner along the bottom of the cover advertises:

"Spooky Soviet Adventure with... The Daddly Doo Mysteries"

The banner features a red hammer-and-sickle graphic and a group of illustrated mystery characters.

The artwork includes caricature-style portraits, a cartoon dog and character labels including Ivan, Olga, Danka and Pavlov.

The design combines Soviet-themed imagery with a humorous parody of mystery and adventure cartoons.

This is an interesting example of Viz's use of popular entertainment formats as inspiration for its comic features.

ABOUT VIZ MAGAZINE

Viz is a long-running British adult humour magazine known for its distinctive blend of comic strips, satire, parody and deliberately outrageous fictional characters.

Its recognisable cartoon style combines exaggerated facial expressions, bold colours and humorous situations inspired by British popular culture.

This March 2021 edition continues that tradition with its elaborate circus-themed cover and extensive selection of advertised comic-strip characters.

The issue may appeal to collectors interested in:

• British humour magazines.

• Viz Magazine back issues.

• Traditional British comic-strip illustration.

• Satirical cartoons and parody.

• Collectable comic publications.

• Early 2020s popular culture.

• Vintage-style cartoon artwork.

Please note: Only the front cover has been supplied for inspection. The internal pages and complete contents have not been individually verified.

CONDITION – IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Pre-owned magazine showing visible signs of previous handling, age and storage.

The following observations are based on the supplied photograph.

Front Cover

The original illustrated front cover is present and retains strong, colourful printing.

The large VIZ masthead, circus illustration, publication date and issue number remain clearly visible.

There are light surface marks, small scratches and handling wear across the printed cover.

Spine

The left-hand spine shows noticeable rubbing and wear along the folded edge.

Several small white marks are visible where the printed surface has worn away.

There are minor stress lines and creases, particularly towards the upper and lower portions.

Top Edge

The upper edge shows slight waviness and handling wear.

The upper corners appear mildly softened, with some minor bending and rubbing.

Corners

The corners display general handling wear.

The bottom-left corner shows visible rubbing and slight creasing.

The bottom-right corner has minor edge wear, with a small amount of bending visible.

Cover Surface

The cover remains visually attractive, although minor surface scuffs, handling marks and light creasing are visible.

There is some slight unevenness along the edges.

Bottom Edge

The bottom edge shows light rubbing and minor wear, particularly near the corners.

The printed artwork and lettering remain clearly readable.

Binding & Interior

The magazine appears intact externally, but the internal pages and binding have not been individually inspected.

The complete internal page count and condition of every page cannot be confirmed from the photograph alone.

Overall Condition

A pre-owned copy showing general age-related and handling wear, particularly around the spine and corners.

The cover retains its colourful appearance and the main artwork remains clearly recognisable.

Please study the supplied photograph carefully, as it forms an important part of the condition description.

IMPORTANT – ORIGINAL EXTRAS & FREE GIFTS

This listing is for the magazine only.

Any original free gifts, promotional items, loose inserts, supplementary booklets, additional publications or other accessories that may originally have accompanied this issue are no longer included.

Only the magazine shown in the photograph is included in the sale.

PACKAGING & POSTAGE

We take care when packaging collectable magazines to help minimise the risk of damage during transit.

UK Orders: The magazine will be dispatched in a protective hardback envelope.

International Orders: The magazine will be dispatched in a sturdy cardboard mail-size box for additional protection during international shipping.

PLEASE NOTE

You will receive the actual magazine shown in the photograph.

This is an original pre-owned publication, not a reproduction.

Viz Magazine is an adult-oriented British humour publication and may contain satire, strong language and mature comic themes.

Please review the photograph and condition information carefully before purchasing.

SKU: 1574