American cult hero and iconic all-round entertainer Mr.T returns to pulp fiction - and to pulp bad guys - this May in an all-new comic book series published by APComics.

Announcing one of the biggest licensing deals in the history of UK comics, APComics today said that MR.T #1 will be launched in the USA on Mr.T’s birthday, May 21 2005. UK fans will be able to get an exclusive sneak peek at the UK Comic Expo, Bristol, UK, May 13-15.

Mr.T, known worldwide for his roles in the smash-hit television series "The A-Team" and hit feature films such as Rocky III, as well as solo television shows, is overseeing the series as Creative Supervisor.

Mr.T said: “Quit your jibber-jabbering and buy my comic!”

“I pity the fool who don’t read it! It’s gonna be pure gold!” also quipped the star, making reference to his trademark gold jewelery.

The comic book will be scripted by up and coming British writer Christopher Bunting. He said: “This truly is a dream job for me. Mr.T’s winning combination of toughness and tenderness have earned him an army of fans all over the world and they are going to love this book!”

Bunting is joined by the art team of Neil Edwards and Randy Emberlin.

APComics - based in St. Albans near London in the UK – has been producing comic books since 2001 with popular titles such as MONSTER CLUB, DARKHAM VALE and THE CHASE to its name. The publisher recently secured a deal to produce comic book versions of best-selling children’s novels.

APComics' publisher and editor-in-chief, Richard Emms, said: "For a British publisher like us to get this deal is beyond belief! We're all huge Mr.T fans and can’t describe how excited we are about having such a legendary character in our midst!"

"I want to thank the people who have rallied around to get this terrific and unique project off the ground, including Chris Bunting who has put this comic together from literally nothing and turned it into a certain success.”

The comic book’s US distribution will be exclusively by Diamond Comics. Its UK and Europe distribution will be by both Diamond Comics and APComics. It has a suggested retail price of $3.50/£2.50.

Two MR.T trade paperbacks are due for release in December 2005 and July 2006.