The 1973 Rupert the Bear Annual is one of the most exceptional collector’s items in the series, known for its extreme rarity and interesting history. This particular edition is one of only twelve initially printed featuring Rupert with a brown face on the cover. This discrepancy between the traditional depiction of Rupert and the brown-faced version printed in this limited edition stirred up a global excitement among collectors. We take a look at the story behind the most expensive of all the Rupert books, the 1973 Rupert Annual with the brown face Rupert.

Rupert the Bear was introduced to the public in 1920 through the Daily Express newspaper, where his adventures were printed both as comic strips and annuals. Illustrator Alfred E Bestall was the mind behind Rupert’s depiction, traditionally presenting him on the annual’s cover with a brown face. However, in the internal content of the books, Rupert always had a white face.

In an unexpected turn of events, during the production of the 1973 annual, the newspaper’s editor decided to halt the printing after only a dozen copies with a brown-faced Rupert had been produced. Without consulting Bestall, the decision was made to change the cover’s design, making Rupert’s face white. The reasons for this change remain a matter of speculation. Some argue it was a response to letters from confused children, questioning the discrepancy between the cover and the content. Others suggest that the editor found the brown face blending into the background too much.

Bestall, upon realizing this unapproved alteration, was incensed. He felt strongly about the integrity of his artwork and the abrupt decision led him to protest by leaving his position. He never drew another cover for a Rupert annual again.

The stark contrast in numbers between the brown-faced and white-faced versions of the 1973 annual further contributes to its allure. Half a million copies of the white-faced Rupert annual were printed, in stark contrast to the exclusive 12 brown-faced annuals. These figures only serve to amplify the intrigue and value attached to these unique brown-faced copies in the eyes of collectors worldwide.

Related
Rupert the Bear Collectables
A Guide to Rupert the Bear Annuals