The children’s’ comic was first published on 30 July 1938.
For the 4,195th issue, the Beano team at publisher DC Thomson have created a special “celebrity packed” edition featuring personalities and content voted for the by the comic’s readers.
Beano is published weekly and has an ABC of 54,876. For the anniversary issue the print run was increased to 80,000 and 2,023 copies will be donated free to schools.
It is printed at Walstead Bicester.
The special edition is 32pp plus glossy wraparound cover, and has an 8pp ‘mini magazine’ in the centre that features readers’ own artworks and also allows them to design their own cover.
Beano said the mini-mag – Beanow – had been “edited by Dennis himself” and was created solely by children, “who told Dennis in their own words and pictures why it’s great to be a kid in 2023”.
Highlights includes dancing, rapping “and catapults”.
The front cover and comic strip have been specially drawn by Beano artist Nigel Parkinson and feature a diverse range of celebrities, including David Attenborough, Harry Styles, Stormzy, Rose Ayling-Ellis, Marcus Rashford and Jill Scott.
Rashford took the top spot as the most inspirational celebrity according to Beano’s nationwide poll of 3,000 kids aged 7-14, due his footballing abilities and his work to help create a fairer society, “particularly with free school meals for children”.
King Charles and Queen Camilla also make an appearance.
“Each of the celebrities featured will become a proud owner of a Golden Dennis & Gnasher Fan Club badge to commemorate their role in Beano’s birthday celebrations.”
Beano also publishes a range of books and sells merchandise including t-shirts and posters.
The brand’s online network reaches more than 5m fans a month.
