Beano


In the UK today over 1 500 000 people are paid up members of a secret society devoted to scaring little old ladies and the avoidance of homework. The Dennis the Menace fanclub continues to grow since it was started in 1976. Not to be confused with his US namesake, our Dennis is a product of Scottish publishers DC Thomson. Dennis’ home, the Beano, has been serving up a regular feast of anarchic humour to Britain’s kids since 30th July 1938. Featured on the first cover was ‘Big Eggo’, an ostrich who did her best to eat anything and everything in sight. The Beano was an instant hit, copies passed from classmate to classmate, and read with such enthusiasm that very few have survived intact. In February 1999 issue #1 in fine condition, with original ‘Whoopee’ mask, sold for £6,800 (a world record price for a UK comic at auction). Well preserved copies of issues 2 to 5 can sell for £1000 plus. Not bad for an original pocket money cover price of two pence!

The Beano reached its peak circulation in the mid 1950’s, at over two million copies per week. In 1976 a spiky haired upstart in a black and red jersey fought his way onto the cover, where he can still be found. Dennis the Menace first appeared in March 1951 as a half page black and white cartoon. In 1963 his trusty pal Gnasher (a rare Abyssinian Wire-haired Tripe Hound) joined his side, and the pair have been causing havoc ever since.

Many collectors concentrate on special issues such as Christmas or Easter editions because of the shear volume of Beanos produced over the years. Also in demand are first appearances by favourite characters like Roger the Dodger (1953) or the Bash St Kids (1954). Early Beano annuals are much sought after. The first annual, from 1939, featured Big Eggo and chums on a seesaw (£4000). However it wasn’t until 1965 that the year was printed on the cover. Descriptions of each cover until 1965 can be found at the official Beano website. Dennis got his own annual in 1956, the cover showing him looking decidedly shifty, with a tin of paint in his hand. It now fetches over £100. Today, at over 60 years old, the Beano is as sprightly and rebellious as ever, and still the most popular comic among UK 11 year olds.

Thanks to Malcolm Phillips at Compalcomics.com for his help with this article.