Some of the titles were later published for the Woolworth's retail chain, with only 18 of the original titles. However, the titles and numbers for this series did not relate to the earlier published series. [9] Unlike most modern comic strips, Rupert Bear has always been produced in the original form of strip with illustrations accompanying text, called " text comics", as opposed to text being incorporated directly into the art; for example, within speech balloons. Larratt, Shannon (22 May 2007). " "Rupert visits Coon Island" (!)". Shannon Larratt is Zentastic . Retrieved 25 January 2011. Most of the other characters in the series are also anthropomorphic animals. They are all scaled to be about the same size as Rupert, regardless of species. Rupert's animal friends are usually referred to as his "chums" or "pals." Aside from his best friend Bill Badger, some of the most enduring pals are an elephant (Edward Trunk), a mouse (Willie), Pong-Ping the Pekingese, Algy Pug (who actually pre-dates Rupert), [3] Podgy Pig, Bingo the Brainy Pup, the identical twins Freddy and Ferdy Fox, the identical twins Reggie and Rex Rabbit, and Ming the dragon. The kindly Wise Old Goat also lives in Nutwood, and helps Rupert in some of his adventures. One of the most unusual and evocative characters is Raggety, a woodland troll-creature made from twigs, who is often very grumpy and annoying. In the 2006 television revival of the series, Raggety has been transformed into a friendly elf with broken English. There is also a recurring country Police Officer who is an adult dog named PC Growler. [4] Alfred’s father managed to acquire pen and ink and paper for him so he was able to do drawings for Blighty, the army magazine,” Caroline says.

Larkin, Colin, ed. (1997). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Sixties Music (Firsted.). Virgin Books. p.276. ISBN 0-7535-0149-X. As for his lush drawings of Nutwood, although Alfred would never reveal its exact inspiration, Caroline believes it was his homes in Surrey and Wales, plus the drive through the Cotswolds between the two. Rupert and the Goblin Cobbler, in which Mrs Bear can’t stop dancing because of a new pair of slippers, was one wonderful example. Rupert's Holiday Adventure (and Rupert's Message to Father Christmas and Rupert's New Year's Eve Party) (1932)

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Alfred attended public school in Colwyn Bay, sparking a lifelong love of north Wales. At school he excelled at drawing but, Caroline says, he was encouraged to join the Civil Service because at the time it was considered “respectable rather than art”. All of these books were written and illustrated by Mary Tourtel and originally published from 1928 to 1936, by Sampson Low. There were 46 books in the original series.

Sheridan, Simon (2004). The A-Z of Classic Children's Television: From Alberto Frog to Zebedee. Reynolds & Hearn Ltd. pp.32–35. ISBN 1903111277.Every year since 1936, a Rupert Bear annual has been released, even during the years of World War II, during a paper shortage. His second story, Rupert’s Autumn Adventure, which ran from August 30 until October 31 of 1935, contains a machine belonging to The Professor that can turn leaves into gold. During his time as Rupert writer, Alfred Bestall added further characters such as the girl guides Beryl, Pauline and Janet, with Beryl's cat, Dinky. These characters were based on Girl Guides from Bestall's own church who asked him in late 1947 if they could have their own adventure with Rupert. They remain part of the comic series even today. He and his younger sister Maisie, then aged two, returned to England in 1897 while their parents stayed abroad.