Special commemorative issue will celebrate brand’s 80th birthday.
Comedian and children’s author David Walliams is to star and guest edit a special commemorative issue of the Beano comic.
Part of the brand’s 80th birthday celebrations, the special issue will hit newsstands on July 25 and immortalises David in the comic strip alongside the Bash Street Kids and characters from his best-selling children’s books, The World’s Worst Children.
The comic will also feature Moe; a new character exclusively created by David, who debuts in a new strip called Moe’s Monkey Feet. Loosely based on the comedian’s son, the story sees Moe using his amazingly dextrous feet to play pranks on other notorious Beano characters.
As well as writing his own comic strips, David commissioned a special BeanoTown adventure, featuring Dennis & Gnasher, Minnie the Minx and Bananaman, who all team up to defeat an out-of-this-world visitor. The strip also nods to the comic’s 80 years of success, by including iconic characters like Lord Snooty, Tin-Can Tommy and Pansy Potter.
To accommodate all of David’s ideas, extra paper had to be ordered so the birthday issue could be expanded into a 44-page bumper edition. The special celebratory front cover sees David himself appearing in Beano form, with Dennis, Minnie the Minx, Gnasher and his dog Bert.
Writing in the editor’s letter, David said: “I don’t think I’d have got into writing my books without Beano. The comic is quintessentially British and as long as there are children who like to laugh there will always be a place for the Beano.
“I was thrilled to be invited to guest-edit the Beano, I felt rather giddy sitting in the editor’s chair helping to create storylines and introduce my new character to the comic’s fanbase.”
Emma Scott, ceo of Beano Studios, added: “It’s fantastic to work with David Walliams for our 80th birthday bash – he’s brilliantly Beano – embodying the daft and rebellious nature which for 80 years has entertained kids and parents alike.
“On its 80th Birthday, Beano is more relevant than ever, spreading much needed cheekiness and inspiring kids to just embrace being kids, whether it’s on our award-winning Beano.com, in our hit TV shows and the world-record breaking comic. Here’s to the next 80 years.”
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