DC Thomson has released details about its 100% Official Dennis the Menace and Gnasher Mega-zine, whose release tie in with the return of popular CBBC animation series Dennis the Menace and Gnasher.
Launching on Wednesday 24th July, Dennis the Menace and Gnasher Mega-zine is a bumper 60-page monthly magazine which will include a 32-page ‘Complete Comic Adventure’ section on special paper stock and a free retail-quality branded gift.
“Dennis and Gnasher are the two most popular characters in The Beano,” says Editor-in-Chief Mike Stirling. “They already have their own TV show and so it seemed fitting to give them their own magazine where they can cause comic chaos too!
“We wanted the magazine to reflect Dennis’ cheeky personality and I think we’ve achieved that.
“Alongside lots of jokes and general menacing, Dennis will host a book club and there’ll be a monthly competition. Plus, every issue will feature ‘Project Menace’ – Dennis’ guide to the ultimate pranks – which includes a menacing checklist and a ‘License to Menace’ reward in every issue.”
“The magazine will offer readers exclusive collectable ‘Cut-out and Keep Files’”, added Head of Brand Tim Collins said, “that will allow our readers to keep a checklist of pranks and their favourite moments from the TV series.”
“When we researched the feasibility of launching the new magazine, we found that most eight to 10 year olds who read The Beano also watched the TV show,” he said of the reason for the new title, which also replaces BeanoMAX on the news stand. We felt that crossover on screen and in print allowed our fans a more interactive experience. There will be toys and a new website too.”
A still from Dennis the Menace and Gnasher, produced by Red Kite Animation for CBBC.
The new Dennis the Menace and Gnasher TV season will run for 52 episodes and features more mischief and menacing than ever before, says DC Thomson.
CBBC host Chris Johnson is the new voice of Dennis the Menace and the animation, produced by Edinburgh-based Red Kite, will also include new characters; ‘Angel Face’ – daughter of the headmaster whose angelic face belies her mischievous spirit – and Paul the Potato.
The team behind the series signed off on the scripts for the new season back in January, and the creators offered their tips on writing animation on the Red Kite blog here.
“Think visually,” suggests Dan Berlinka. “How can you tell your story in pictures? (And to be honest, that’s not a bad thing to be asking yourself in live action either.”
“Ideas are ten a penny and anyone can have them,” say Andrew Jones and Ciaran Murtagh (AKA Black Sheep Comedy) “but your craft and diligence are your own. Your merit on an episode is about how you deliver it, not where the ideas have come from.”
The team also offer further tips on breaking into animation and detail some of their favourite Dennis and Gnasher episodes.
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John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.
He’s the writer of comics such as 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: Animation, British Comics, British Comics - Current British Publishers, Featured News