The Victor was launched by DC Thomson in 1961. Its distinctive colour covers, front and back, carried an explosive action story of true wartime heroism. On opening the comic boys were immediately struck by the robust feel of the strip artwork and the absolute 'Best of Britain' flavour that came from the mix of characters. In the early years The Victor had a backbone of four heroes: Tough of the Track, Alf Tupper; Flight Sergeant Matt Braddock; Morgyn the Mighty, the strongest man in the world; and wealthy footballer Gorgeous Gus. The Victor's unique mix of adventure, war and sport was phenomenally successful. The Victor no. 1 sold 497,786 copies, and by 1965 the comic's weekly circulation broke the half million mark. It had become a national institution that lasted for over 30 years. Ebay continues to do brisk back-issue business, with new sales coming online every week.