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Beano celebrates record-breaking run as a weekly comic, and Toytopia aims for another!

By John Freeman on September 3, 2015

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Thanks to Guinness World Records, this week’s Beano (Issue 3800), on sale now in all good newsagents and sporting a new logo, confirms the comic’s status as the longest-running comic published weekly.

The Beano is officially a record breaker! We’re the longest-running comic published weekly! @GWR pic.twitter.com/FOlshz0fbp

— The Beano Comic (@BeanoComic) September 2, 2015

The Beano has entertained children of all ages since 30th July 1938. Over 75 years on, it’s still jumping with jokes, loaded with laughs and packed with pranks – and as one of the comic’s recent tweets reveals, veteran comic artist David Sutherland, best known for his work on the Bash Street Kids (he’s been drawing it since 1961), was more than happy to unveil the award in the Beano offiices.

Today, the humour-based weekly strip comic that stars characters such as Dennis the Menace, Minnie the Minx and the Bananaman – to name but a few – is aimed primarily at boys aged 7 – 11 (although publisher DC Thomson says nearly a third of the title’s readers are girls in this age group).

“Our readers are cheeky, mischievous, energetic and fun-loving; a lot like Dennis the Menace, The Beano’s signature character, and The Beano exhibits the same characteristics.”

The Beano Annual continues to be a favourite, securing #1 bestselling annual in the UK seven out of the last 10 years and spin-off animation series Dennis the Menace and Gnasher airs to 15 million viewers on CBBC in the UK as well as on syndicated channels worldwide.

The Toytopia family-friendly toy fair is organising a world record attempt…

Following up on this record news, the family-friendly Toytopia toy show, which will take place at ehe Exhibition Centre Liverpool over 24-26th October 2015, aimed at kids between the ages of two – 12, is hoping to set a new world record – aiming to assemble the biggest Menace Squad, comprising folk of all ages dressed up as Dennis and Minnie. Head over to their official web site for more details.

• The Beano‘s Facebook page features more pictures from the award unveiling, and the official web site details the latest issue (and a lot more besides) at www.beano.com; or foillow the comic on Twitter @BeanoComic

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.