Television
adverts have often followed a theme over the years, so much so that sometimes
the characters end up as a series of books. This gallery is dedicated
to those I know about or have in my collection. If anyone knows
of other advertising characters that made it to books, please email
me.
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The
Martians
The Martians were featured in television adverts for Cadbury's Smash, a means of making mashed potato just by adding water. Four numbered books were borne of these adverts published by the Golden Acorn Publishing Company in 1979. |
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1979
![]() ![]() Zeeb and the Martians |
1979
![]() ![]() Zeeb Joins the Band |
1979
![]() ![]() Zeeb Sees the Doctor |
1979
![]() ![]() Zeeb and the Jellymen |
The
Chimps
The Chimps starred in television adverts for PG Tips tea and featured in two hardback annuals published by World Distributors. |
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©1976
![]() ![]() TV Chimps Annual 1977 |
©1977
![]() ![]() TV Chimps Annual 1978 |
Buzby
Buzby was the main featured character for Post Office Telecommunications advertising (later BT - British Telecom). A series of four children's books were published by Severn House Paperbacks Ltd and two annuals were published in 1979 and 1980 (for the years 1980 and 1981) by Brown-Watson. |
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1979
![]() ![]() Buzby's Girlfriend |
1979
![]() ![]() Buzby Goes Skateboarding |
1979
![]() ![]() Buzby's Rock Group |
1979
![]() ![]() Buzby's Challenge |
©1979
![]() ![]() Buzby Annual 1980 |
©1980
![]() ![]() Buzby Annual 1981 |
The
Griffin
The Griffin was the symbol of Midland Bank advertsiing from 1967 to 1997. One annual was published by Midland Bank in 1986 for 1987. |
©1986
![]() ![]() Griffin Annual 1987 |