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Beano goes (partly) “Beanold” today with a dig at Dominic Cummings, Boris Johnson and more

By John Freeman on November 18, 2020 • ( 2 )

Sir Thomas Moore, Marcus Rashford and Dominic Cummings are among the famous faces from 2020 that feature in the first ever Beano comic written specifically for grown-ups.

Found inside the regular Beano, on sale today in open newsagents and select supermarkets, the special edition, pull-out comic sees Dennis’ mum and dad looking back on the events of 2020, recounting Zoom quizzes, home schooling, delayed Bond films and toilet roll shortages.

‘BeanOLD’ sees Dennis’ dad Mr Menace get a new job in the Elf Service having been let go from his job at Wilbur Brown’s factory. Captain Sir Thomas Moore and Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford visit Beanotown to receive honorary MBE’s (Member of the Beano Elf-service) for their efforts this year.

Whilst in town they save Christmas by rumbling Wilbur Brown and Walter Softy’s plan to steal all of the Christmas presents. Boris Johnson then literally lands in town and helps Wilbur Brown getaway with some help from Dominic Cummings their getaway driver.

The comic also features world-renowned environmental activist Greta Thunberg, who offers Dennis’ dad advice on how to grow his own Christmas tree – and, as a special treat for adults, Desperate Dan makes a special appearance, the first time he has appeared in the Beano for a while, although of course he has featured in recent Dandy specials.

Tom Hardy also makes a guest-appearance as Dennis’ mum’s celebrity crush and Christmas present wish.

Mike Stirling, Editorial Director of Beano Studios, said: “We’ve formed our very own Gnational Elf Service to help spread laughs and keep the nation smiling this Winter. We love bringing kids laughs every week but 2020 has been so tough, that for the first time in 82 years we’ve created a comic that kids can give to adults to share some much needed Beano LOLZ.”

‘BeanOLD’ is part of Beano’s Gnational Elf Service which launches today. It aims to spread smiles and laughs until the end of 2020.

Beano was first published in July 1938 and continued production throughout World War Two to keep the nation smiling. Every week the comic is crammed full of mischief, mayhem and fun, bringing families hilarious stories with their favourite comic characters, from The Bash Street Kids and Minnie the Minx to Bananaman and Dennis and Gnasher.

As part of the service Beano has announced a special pre-Christmas offer with 50% off a Beano comic subscription, currently just £35 for six months (previously £68.75).

• ‘BeanOLD’ can be found in this week’s Beano available to buy at retailers from today. Find out more at beano.com/elf

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.