BBC Four to explore classic comic strips

BBC Four is to explore the world of comic books in a new three-part series celebrating the past 70 years of the genre.

Comics Britannia will be narrated by comedy writer Armando Iannucci and will feature comics legends and a range of celebrity fans who re-live their favourite comic strip moments and characters.

Bash Street Kids, Dennis the Menace, Roy of The Rovers, Fat Slags, Watchmen, V for Vendetta and many more will be brought to life using a special graphics style that allows the audience to 'step inside the comics.'

To accompany the series, which will air next month, a one-off film from Hot Sauce TV, In Search Of Steve Ditko, will see Jonathan Ross go in search of his hero and comic book legend, Steve Ditko.

Other programmes to be shown include Adam West's Batman series and Modesty Blaise.

BBC Four acting controller George Entwistle, said: "Whether you grew up on the Beano or Jackie – or wished you'd been allowed to – this season offers a trip down memory lane, peppered with the customary wit and intelligence of BBC Four."