Beano

What’s it about:  a comic strip featuring Dennis the Menace and friends.

Where is it from: United Kingdom

How often is it published:  Weekly

The Beano comic is aimed at youngsters aged 7-11 years and remains as popular today as it was when it first appeared in 1938.  It does come with a warning however….”Funny content inside!!” This needs more investigation I thought, so I took a peek inside.

The first page features one of the six numskull characters, Brainy.  Brainy is seen clutching his bedcovers up to his neck, as his bed is surrounded by scary characters with boggly eyes.  Each of the characters has a joke for Brainy which is based around a scary theme, an example being, “why are graveyards so noisy?” (Because of all the coffins).

Each week a reader is awarded the title of ‘The Beano Boss’ whose job it is to choose a star letter from an assortment that readers have sent in.  The Beano Boss also gets to share their favourite jokes and give advice on how readers can become the next Beano Boss.

In typical Beano style, there are the familiar comic strip stories featuring Dennis, Gnasher, Minnie the Minx, the Bash Street Kids and more.  In fact readers are asked to create their own comic strip on a blank grid that is featured within the comic.  Useful tips are provided on the types of words and images that can be used to create an exciting strip.

The mixture of story telling and reader participation is well balanced.  Youngsters are encouraged to use their observational skills in “where’s Wilf” as Wilf is hidden amidst a busy picture, and their creative skills with Tricky Dicky’s  School of Pranks.

Be sure not to miss out on all the fun by subscribing to Beano now.