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Comics Unmasked exhibition launch point for new Beano merchandise

By John Freeman on July 2, 2014

Beano “C” Card from Hype Associates

Alongside the British Library’s “Comics Unmasked” exhibition – which runs until 19th August – there’s a range of limited edition merchandise on offer, some of it inspired by the show itself, including t-shirts featuring the promotional character created by Jamie Hewlett for the show.

Also on offer via the British Library shop are a number of Beano-related items, including a limited edition range of The Beano Alphabet greetings cards and exclusive screen prints, the latter the work of London based screen-print artist John Patrick Reynolds of Comic Art.

Based on The Beano Since 1938 style guide, Liverpool-based Hype Associates, who already make a wide range of Beano greeting cards, has developed the exclusive range of greetings cards featuring letters from the alphabet made from classic The Beano artwork.

Beryl the Peril Screen Print by John Patrick Reynolds

Each card includes a special ‘credit line’ that details the issue, story and character the letter was sourced from and it’s expected these new releases will be available from other retailers in future.

“As the UK’s largest exhibition of comics, the ‘Comics Unmasked’ exhibition will attract a range of comic fans, so it’s a great opportunity to be able to provide an exclusive product offering at this event which attracts our core demographic,” said Tim Collins, head of brands at DC Thomson.

“Representing the best of British comic art, we’re confident that the limited edition gift ranges will be a hit amongst fans and visitors.”

The Comics Unmasked merchandise on offer also includes posters. Judge Dredd t-shirts, limited edition badges and Comics Unmasked: Art and Anarchy in the UK, a book to accompany the exhibition by Paul Gravett.

• Comics Unmasked merchandise at the British Library shop

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.