Beano Comic No 1 (1938) with Beano No 1 and No 2 Flyer 8 pg mini comic. Introducing Big Eggo, Lord Snooty, Little Peanut and Tin-Can Tommy
With the Beano‘s 80th anniversary speeding ever closer (the first issue released in late July 1938, cover dated 30th July), Beano Studios is ramping up its event plans – and there’s a host of new merchandise on its way, too.
We’ve already reported on how Dennis celebrated his first appearance by building his own Kelpie and the McManus Gallery in Dundee will be turned over to Beano characters from the 2nd June – 21st October 2018. But we also understand that the National Library of Scotland intends to mark the anniversary – so we’ll be watching out for more detail nearer the time.
Roger first appeared in the Beano cover dated 18th April 1953, drawn by Ken Reid. Image © Beano Studios
Beano Studios, who celebrated Roger the Dodger‘s 65th birthday in social media tweets this week, has revealed a number of new licensing deals as it readies for the comic’s 80 birthday, starting with news that The Westminster Mint is producing a range of collectable Ingots and medals, featuring the character artwork from Beano annual covers.
The range will be released in celebration of the Beano’s birthday and will be available to purchase from July 2018 onwards.
Truffle Shuffle, who already produce plenty of Beano-related apparel, are to produce two limited edition t-shirts, using original illustrations designed by Beano artist David Sutherland in 1970.
We’ve already reported on how Art & Hue have developed a limited edition pop-art style Beano range as well as their Bananaman ranges of unframed art prints. You can buy them online here.
Koch Media has also developed seasonal boxed Beano gifting sets, consisting of mugs, tankards and golf gift sets. All use original artwork and will be available throughout the year for special occasions across high street retailers from Autumn 2018.
“These new deals are great partnerships and will help celebrate the 80 Anniversary in Beano style,” says Ian Downes of Start Licensing, who license Beano worldwide.
“The new agreements showcase a fantastic range of creative collaborations, and show how as a brand, Beano has proudly remained a bonafide supporter of the arts for the past eight decades.
“These licensees join a strong line-up of licensees who all recognise the enduring popularity of Beano and its timeless and beloved characters.”
• Catch up on all things Beano at beano.com
All images © Beano Studios/ DC Thomson
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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.
Categories: British Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Events
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