Beano | OiNK Blog

This isn’t going to be the usual introductory post for a comic (it hardly needs it), nor is this read through going to be usual. But then again, any modern day readers of Beano (and whose children also read it) will know this should suit the anarchic comic that’s on sale today, nearly 90 years after it first appeared. It’s been a long journey from breaking new ground, to being seen as a traditional comic, to being the crazy weekly it’s become today. This read through will take us all on that transformative journey together.

In 2018 Beano’s publishers DC Thomson released a lovely box set to mark its 80th anniversary. Aimed very much at the comic’s young readers it was a way of letting them have a peek at the long history of their favourite comic and its style of humour over the years. The main highlight of this set had to be the eight editions of Beano included, one from each decade of its life and gorgeously reproduced as a collective set.

Also in the box was a fascinating 100-page bookazine designed specifically for the current target audience. As an adult it’s a quicker read than I anticipated but that doesn’t make it any less fun. In fact, that’s the point. Instead of a dry history lesson it’s a fun ride through 80 years of the comic and includes a fascinating look into its creation, for example showing letters between its first editor Robert D. Low and the cartoonist responsible for Big Eggo, Reg Carter.

A selection of contributors are profiled so children can see those who have been making readers laugh for decades and those who have shaped the comic into what they’re familiar with today. There’s also a look at the free gifts, celebrity readers, the comic’s current location and even how it survived World War II. The extras that come with it are brilliant too, beginning with a huge poster of past and present characters which flips over to reveal a key to every single one of them.

There are postcards of some annual covers (strangely missing their years) and a reproduction of a famous, rather noisy free gift. Best of all is the fan club wallet containing the welcome letter and that furry googly-eyed Gnasher badge, which at the time of this box set’s release wasn’t available to readers. A lot of my friends were members of the club in the 80s and now I can finally say I am too, albeit 30 years too late.

But the main reason we’re here are those comics. Each issue marks not only the decade it was published but also a special occasion in the life of Beano, such as the first issue, the first that sold a million, the introduction of Dennis and when it officially received the Guinness World Record for longest-running weekly comic. The plan for the blog is to cover each of these on the dates of their original release.

No, it’ll not be in real time (I don’t have another 80 years in me) but I will be reviewing each issue on the anniversary of its original publication day. Yes, this will be a rather slow read through somewhat, kind of like how I review series of annuals once a year every Christmas. For example, this year #1 will be reviewed on Friday 25th July and the second issue, #272 on Wednesday 26th November.

These won’t be quick recaps, these will be full comic reviews just like every other comic series receives on the OiNK Blog and I can’t wait to get stuck in. If the bookazine is anything to go by this should be a fascinating trip through time. Knowing just how great the comic is today and how popular it is with children when digital distractions are so prevalent, this set looks like it could be the perfect gift for your young Beano reader if you can get a hold of it.

If you can’t, then that’s what I’m here for. So prepare to travel back 87 years to the time of George VI, the first televised test cricket, the first paid holiday leave, the birth of Diana Rigg, Agatha Christie’s Appointment with Death, the Mallard’s record breaking speed run and something happening in Austria that would have no repercussions whatsoever. Join me on Friday 25th July 2025 for The Beano #1!

BEANO BOX SET MENU

RETROSPECTiVES MENU

No, after all the completely unnecessary hoo-ha by middle-aged men when a children’s comic changed the title of its main strip a few years back, DC Thomson aren’t about to face their wrath again by changing him to ‘Phil’. This is a very special one-off comic featuring characters called Phil, Emma and (not so strangely) Roger, created for a birthday boy a few years back. Namely, me. Well, I say a few years back but it appears they have somewhat flown by.

The fact ‘the Menace’ has been dropped from Dennis for quite a while will be the first clue. I’m publishing this post on my 45th birthday and this was a gift from my friend Emma (and her dog Izzy) for my 38th, so it’s actually seven years old! (How did that happen?!) That’s right, for my 38th. Then again, you’re reading this blog so you already know I’m a big kid at heart. Emma was able to substitute the names of three characters with mine, hers and our mutual friend, Roger.

Beano megastar Dennis was unfortunate enough to be given my name for the issue and, as luck would have it, Roger’s was given to Rodger the Dodger! I never knew the name of the character who became Emma but upon checking with Lew Stringer it appears she’s from Nick Brennan’s Crazy for Daisy. Coincidentally, she bares an uncanny resemblance to the real person, so that just made it all the funnier for me.

The basic plot is that Santa and Rudolph, distracted by the warbling of carols by Walter and his friends puts himself directly in the flight path of Dennis… erm, me and his… erm, my pet dog Gnasher, after a sleigh stunt using a homemade ramp shoots us into the air a tad too high. It’s actually Gnasher who comes up with the idea of asking for help from some of the other Beano stars to help deliver the presents to everyone in Beanotown. However, as he’s unable to communicate this I take the credit. (Which Roger then tells me is an uncharacteristically smart idea. Thanks!)

This part involving Emma’s character I found particularly funny, for completely personal reasons. This little bit of the strip suited her character perfectly and makes me laugh aloud every time I see it. It resulted in some mickey-taking on my part and is still referred to now and again when the occasion calls for it. I loved this gift. It was a thoughtful present and certain parts of it really seemed to suit the three of us to a tee, making it seem all the more personalised than probably originally intended by the publishers.

With 32 high-quality pages and a thick, glossy card cover complete with a small spine, it was a high quality comic and a great idea for any young Beano or Dennis fan, or for those who used to be when they were much younger. Unfortunately Signature Gifts no longer have any Beano items for sale but DC Thomson have picked up the mantle for their own characters and offer something even better today.

DCT’s personalised Beano lets parents not only name but also create the look of a new character based on their child. It’s chock full of strip, puzzles and activities all starring any young fan of Dennis et all. Not only that, but the website includes a wealth of customisable Beano items, like various comics and books, clothes, lunch boxes, mugs and a whole lot more. Perfect for your child (or yourself).