Heres’a run down of the 2016 annuals we think may interest downthetubes readers, available on release from all good bookshops and online.
Please note that annuals are sold into the books trade far in advance of publication (with creators working on them even sooner), so some of the covers below may not be final. We’ll swap them out as the official covers emerge and time permits.
If you’re a fan of The Beano and other DC Thomson titles then it’s well worth poking around the DC Thomson online shop; not only do they feature current titles, they also offer limited edition prints and a number of titles published some time ago, such as The Legend of Lord Snooty – published in 1993 – and of course, last year’s limited edition annuals, such as The Hotspur.
Comics-related Annuals
Adventure Time Annual 2016
Publisher: Titan Comics
Published: 21st August 2015
From the number #1 smash-hit, Emmy and BAFTA award-winning animated TV show comes the most adventurous annual of the year the Adventure Time: 2016 Annual, featuring comic strips and puzzles to entertain and delight children of all ages
The Beano Annual 2016
Publisher: DC Thomson
Published: 3rd July 2015
If you like nice stories about nice boys and girls doing nice things, then this isn’t the book you’re looking for. If you like to see teachers getting splatted with tomatoes, policemen being chased by gnashing dogs and grown-ups getting exactly what they deserve, then this is the book you’re looking for!
Strips include Ball Boy, Bananaman, The Bash Street Kids, Biffo the Bear, Billy Whizz, Dennis the Menace, Les Pretend (drawn by Laura Howell), Little Plum (drawn by Hunt Emerson), The Numskulls, Lord Snooty (drawn by Lew Stringer), Pup Parade and Roger the Dodger.
This year’s annual also features an adventure strip, General Jumbo.
The Broons Annual 2016
Publisher: DC Thomson
Published: 3rd July 2015
The Broons family, Scotland’s longest running soap, invite you to a feast of fun and laughter in this great collection of their legendary comic strips. Famously, The Broons book and The Oor Wullie book are released on alternating years but to celebrate the 80th anniversary of these iconic characters the books are being released together for the first time ever.
The Dandy Annual 2016
Publisher: DC Thomson
Published: 3rd July 2015
Stretch those laughter muscles as The Dandy Annual returns for another side-splitting serving of jolly japes, crafty schemes and wizard wheezes! Catch up with Desperate Dan (drawn by Ken Harrison), Desperate Dawg (drawn by Alexander Matthews), Big Head and Thick Head (drawn by Mike Donaldson), Brassneck (written by Cavan Scott, drawn by Steve Beckett – who also drew the annual’s endpapers), Corporal Clott (drawn by Nigel Auchterlounie), George vs Dragon (drawn by Andy Fanton), Greedy Pigg (drawn by Nigel Parkinson), The Jocks and the Geordies (drawn by by Paul Palmer), Jack Silver (drawn by Wilbur Dawburn), Keyhole Kate (drawn by Lew Stringer) and The Smasher (drawn by Lew, too) – and more!
Beano/Dandy Giftbook 2016
Publisher: DC Thomson
Published: 3rd July 2015
These comics were the acknowledged masters of prank and this selection features such comic greats as Dennis the Menace, Roger the Dodger and Desperate Dan. Rarely seen gems from the archives of fun.
The Captain Underpants Annual 2016
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Published: 6th August 2015
A fantastic full colour annual bursting with jokes, perilous puzzles, and the all-time silliest things to do EVER! Find out how to draw your favourite characters and make your very own comic books, complete with world-famous cheesy animation technique, FLIP-O-RAMA!
Doctor Who: Official Annual 2016
Publisher: Penguin
Published: 1st October 2015
Join the Doctor for brand-new adventures on board the TARDIS in Doctor Who Annual 2016. With secrets from the brand-new series, fact files on the latest terrifying monsters, exciting comic strips, stories, puzzles, and activities, it is bound to keep all Doctor Who fans happy!
Family Guy Annual 2016
Publisher: Pedigree Books
Published: 1st September 2015
Famous Five Annual 2016
Publisher: Hodder
Published: 6th August 2015
The Annual combines brand-new material with classic art, design and texts from the past 70 years – a must-have for all Blyton enthusiasts.
Inside you’ll find a gallery of artwork styles from across the decades – from classic Eileen Soper illustrations to Jamie Littler’s dazzling cartoons from the all-new Famous Five Colour Reads. There are comic strip adaptations of Blyton’s stories as well as original texts, activities, puzzles and games. Go behind the scenes as established Blyton experts offer insights into her creative world which shows us how society has changed over the decades. All in all, the 2016 Annual provides hours of entertainment for the family.
Horrible Histories Annual 2016
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Published: 3rd August 2015
The Horrible Histories Annual 2016 is a must-have for all Horrible Histories fans. Packed with foul facts, gory games, dreadful jokes, quick quizzes and putrid puzzles – it’s the annual with rat-itude! Discover all the dreadful details about your favourite eras of history from the Rotten Romans, to the Terrible Tudors and the Gorgeous Georgians to the Woeful World Wars. History has never been so horrible!
Official Jurassic World Annual 2016
Publisher: Centum Books Ltd
Published: 1st September 2015
This Jurassic World Annual 2016 is the ideal present for any Jurassic World fans. It has 16 card pieces to press out to make a 3D Dinosaur model.
Marvel Heroes Annual 2016
Publisher: Panini
Published: 2nd September 2014
Join Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk and many more amazing characters in the Marvel Heroes Annual 2016! Filled with comic strip action, factfiles, puzzles and activities. A real power-packed must for Marvel fans!
Official Minions Movie Annual 2016
Publisher: Centum Books Ltd
Published: 1st September 2015
This Official Minions Movie Annual 2016 is the ideal present for any Minion Fan. It has 16 card pieces to press out to make a 3D Minion model.
Oor Wullie Annual 2016
Publisher: DC Thomson
Published: 3rd July 2015
The mischievous cartoon tales of Scotland’s most famous laddie. Oor Wullie, wearing his dungarees and sitting on his bucket, is as familiar a sight to Scots as Edinburgh Castle. Famously, the Oor Wullie book and The Broons book are released on alternating years but to celebrate the 80th anniversary of these iconic characters the books are being released together for the first time ever.
The Broons/Oor Willie Giftbook 2016
Publisher: DC Thomson
Published: 3rd July 2015
The genealogy of these famous families of fun. We meet, in classic cartoon strips, the ancestors of The Broons and Oor Wullie. See how they changed world history and altered the origin of the species – with their hilarious exploits. We traced the family roots – and the roots were firmly in fun.
Pokemon Annual 2016
Publisher: Pedigree Books Ltd.
Published: 1st September 2015
Rupert the Bear Annual 2016
Publisher: Egmont
Published: 30th July 2015
Celebrating 80 years of Rupert, in this year’s Annual, Rupert discovers a pirate shipwreck, and a chest that contains a valuable treasure. Can he return the treasure to its rightful owner?
Featuring “Rupert and the Mulp Gulper” by John Harrold; “Rupert and the Coral Crown” by Stuart Trotter; “Rupert and the Noisy Firework” by John Harrold; “Rupert and the Carved Stick” by Alfred Bestall; “Rupert and Santa Paws” by Jennifer Kisler; and “Rupert and the Christmas Box” by John Harrold. Plus games, puzzles and activity pages tying in with the stories.
The Simpsons Annual 2016
Publisher: Titan Books
Published: 8th September 2015
The Simpsons, televisions most loved dysfunctional and beloved animated family, are once again the stars of their very own annual, filled to the brim with brand new comic strip adventures and fun feature pages!
Skylanders Official Annual 2016
Publisher: Puffin
Published: 6th August 2015
The heroes of Skylands are back to battle Kaos once more in this fun-filled Official Annual. Crammed with stories, activities, comics, features and trivia, this is the number one stocking-filler for the budding young Portal Master in your life.
Star Wars Annual 2016
Publisher: Egmont
Published: 24th September 2014
Explore a galaxy far, far away in the thrilling Star Wars Annual 2016! Packed with all-new activities, posters, quizzes and trivia from the Star Wars universe, it’s the perfect gift for fans of all ages.
Star Wars Rebels Annual 2016
Publisher: Egmont
Published: 27th August 2015
In the exciting new Star Wars Rebels Annual 2016 you will join Ezra, Hera, Kanan, Zeb, Sabine and their grumpy droid, Chopper, as they soar into adventure aboard their custom starship, Ghost.
The small band of rebels welcome newcomer Ezra, before setting off on a mission to save some Wookiees from the evil Empire.
Includes all new activities, posters and stories from the latest edition to the Star Wars universe.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Annual 2016
Publisher: Pedigree Books Ltd.
Published: 1st September 2015
Thunderbirds Annual 2016
Publisher: Parragon Book Service Ltd
Published: 3rd July 2015
When people are in danger, International Rescue is there to help! Meet the five heroic young brothers who have the job of saving the world. Read character profiles, check out Thunderbird vehicle specs, explore Tracey Island, complete important missions and discover much more in the 2016 Thunderbirds Annual.
Girls Annuals
Barbie Annual 2016
Publisher: Pedigree Books Ltd.
Published: 1st September 2015
Disney Descendants Annual 2016
Publisher: Egmont
Published: 27th August 2015
The Descendants film is slated to release in Autumn 2015. All the coolest characters from the film are featured in this fabulous new annual for tween girls. Filled with fact files, stories and friendship tips, plus heaps of quizzes and puzzles, it’s cover-to-cover entertainment!
Descendants is the newest Disney Channel Original Movie! In the kingdom of Auradon, the children of Disney villains like Maleficent and Jafar are invited to attend an elite prep school alongside the children of Disney heroes including Belle and the Fairy Godmother. These rebellious teens are offered a chance at redemption, but will they carry out their parents’ evil wishes, or will they forge their own identities?
Disney Fairies Annual 2016
Publisher: Egmont
Published: 30th July 2015
The Disney Fairies Annual 2016 is packed with stories, activities; colouring pages and games featuring Tinker Bell and all her fairy friends: Rosetta, Fawn, Iridessa, Silvermist and Vidia. With an extra special section about the new Fairies movie Legend of the NeverBeast!
Disney Fairies is set in a magical world full of pixie dust and nature and sees Tinker Bell and the other fairies making discoveries, helping and caring for others and learning about the magic of friendship.
Disney Frozen Annual 2016
Publisher: Egmont
Published: 27th August 2015
The Disney Frozen Annual 2016 is packed with magical stories and activities featuring your favourite Frozen characters, Elsa, Anna, Kristoff and Olaf. With stories, colouring pages, posters and plenty of puzzles to complete, this is the ultimate Christmas gift for Frozen fans!
Disney Princess Annual 2016
Publisher: Egmont
Published: 30th July 2015
Disney Sofia the First Annual 2016
Publisher: Egmont
Published: 30th July 2015
The Sofia the First Annual 2016 is packed with stories, activities, colouring pages and games! Join Sofia, a princess-in-training, in a world of magic, animals and friendship. The perfect gift for all budding princesses! Based on the hit TV series, as seen on Disney Junior.
When Sofia’s mother marries the king, she’s whisked off to the castle where she becomes a real princess, Sofia the First! She quickly discovers empowering lessons about kindness, forgiveness, generosity and self respect. Although she soon realises that looking like a princess isn’t difficult, but behaving like one must come from the heart.
Hello Kitty Annual 2016
Publisher: Harper Collins Children’s Books
Published: 27th August 2015
Hello Kitty’s latest Annual has stories, puzzles, activities and much more to keep her fans busy all year round!
Ideal for younger Hello Kitty fans, this Annual is full of original stories and make -its, puzzles, quizzes and fun activities. With a nod to every season, it’s the ideal gift to keep young readers occupied year-round!
Jacqueline Wilson Annual 2016
Publisher: DC Thomson
Published: 3rd July 2015
This A- Z of JW has all you need to know about the popular author, her books, characters and equally well-known illustrator, Nick Sharratt.
• Jacky’s top 10 writing tips, plus an exclusive look inside her own personal photo albums. •Writing games to help create characters, story plots, twists and endings. Make writing easier and improve literacy.
• How to draw just like Nick Sharratt with easy step-by-step instructions, speedy sketches and drawing tips and tricks, plus Nick answers your questions. Exclusive to JW Mag.
• Craft, design and cooking projects – take drawing challenges, learn cake decorating, customise clothes and make gifts for friends and family
Monster High Annual 2016
Publisher: Parragon Book Services Ltd
Published: 3d July 2015
Over 60 pages of Monster High freaky-fabulousness! Children will love finding out about their favourite monsters, completing fun activities and making the clawsome crafts inside. Set up like a Monster High yearbook, this is a must-have for all fans of the ghouls
My Little Pony Annual 2016
Publisher: Orchard Books
Published: 6th August 2015
Discover a year of magical pony fun with the official My Little Pony Annual 2016. This super-sparkly book is packed with games, stories, activities, recipes and lots more to keep little ones entertained. With lots of things to make and do and over 250 pretty stickers, this is the perfect gift for any My Little Pony fan.
Rainbow Magic Fabulous Fairy Annual 2016
Publisher: Orchard Books
Published: 6th August 2015
Inside this fantastic Rainbow Magic Fairy Annual there are lots of games, puzzles and activities – just for you! Including profiles of all your favourite fairy friends, this is the perfect gift for every Rainbow Magic fan.
Annuals for Younger Children
Disney Pixar Annual 2016
Publisher: Egmont
Published: 30th July 2015
Featuring your favourite Disney Pixar movies including Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., Monsters University, Cars and new films Inside Out and The Good Dinosaur; the Disney Pixar Annual 2016 is absolutely packed! With stories, character fact-files, cool games, puzzles and more, it’s a must-have for all Disney Pixar fans.
Horrid Henry’ Annual 2016
Publisher: Orion Children’s Books
Published: 10th September 2015
With brand new material from Francesca Simon and Tony Ross and packed with fantastic quizzes, puzzles, jokes, activities, extracts, and much more, this is going to be Henry’s biggest and best year yet! Based around Henry’s foulest and most hateful enemies, this annual is a must for any Horrid Henry fans.
In the Night Garden Annual 2016
Publisher: Centum Books Ltd
Published: 1st September 2015
LEGO Official Annual 2016
Publisher: Ladybird
Published: 6th August 2015
A brand new LEGO Official Annual! With plenty of puzzles, stories, cool comics, activities and more, the LEGO Annual 2016 is the perfect book for LEGO fans everywhere.
The Official Lego Ninjago Annual 2016
Publisher: Egmont
Published: 27th August 2015
The loss of Zane in the final battle with the Overlord has fractured the ninja team. But when a mysterious invitation to Master Chen’s Tournament of Elements arrives, everything is thrown into question …
Join the Masters of Spinjitzu in the Official Lego® Ninjago Annual 2016 – packed full of all-action activities, comic stories and challenging puzzles.
The Official Lego Star Wars Annual
Publisher: Egmont
Published: 8th October 2015
The official LEGO Star Wars Annual is packed with puzzles, comic strips, mazes and much more!
Nickelodeon Paw Patrol Annual 2016
Publisher: Parragon Book Service Ltd
Published: 3rd July 2015
Peppa Pig Annual 2016
Publisher: Ladybird
Published: 6th August 2015
Join Peppa and her family and friends in this fabulous annual. It’s filled with three brand new stories, puzzles, games and activities! The perfect Christmas gift for all Peppa Pig fans!
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