Is it true Dan Dare will be wearing pink trousers in his new TV series

A.� Dan Dare, the comic strip hero, is making a comeback in a �14 million animated television series, and he's had a makeover. His super square jaw and crisp military uniform have been replaced by a slimmer physique and pink trousers. He will return in pink trousers, a bomber jacket and white gloves, and even his love interest, Professor Peabody, has had a Hollywood makeover. Dan has a new cast of villains to tackle too, although his old adversary the evil Mekon is back in business.

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Q.� What is Dan Dare about

A.� The cartoon strip started in The Eagle comic in the 1950s. The story followed the heroic antics of the clean cut Colonel Dan Dare, who was accompanied by his faithful Wigan batman, Digby, as heroic space pilots in the United Nation's Space Fleet. He zipped around the Solar System and beyond occasionally, having adventures with humanoid aliens.

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Q.� Who is making the series

A.� The UK production, which has been bought for worldwide distribution by Columbia TriStar International, is being made by Dan Dare Productions. It has attracted a great deal of UK interest and features a host of famous voices including Robbie Coltrane and Charles Dance. A theme song Dan Dare (Pilot of the Future) has been written by Sir Elton John. The production team has defended criticism of the new-look Dan Dare, saying the action man has been moulded to suit a different generation.

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Q.� When will the series be shown

A.� The 26-part cartoon serial should be completed by the end of the year. The team is also working on a projected �100 million film.

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Q.� When was Dan Dare first shown

A.� The Eagle comic was published for the first time in April 1950 and Dan Dare was written and drawn by Frank Hampson. The comic strip ran from 1950 to 1967.

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By Katharine MacColl