Celebrities Reimagined as Children Celebrate 75 Years of Dennis the Menace
Beano has released a special commemorative issue to mark Dennis the Menace’s 75th anniversary. It features 75 mini mischief makers chosen by children.
Fold-out cover and featured guests
The collectible edition includes the longest fold-out cover in the comic’s history. All 75 figures appear together across an eight-page fold-out.
- Rowan Atkinson
- Lady Gaga
- Stormzy
- Sir Elton John
- the late Ozzy Osbourne
- Claudia Winkleman
- KSI
- Freddie Mercury
- Ant and Dec
- Mr Beast
The artwork reimagines celebrities as children to capture Dennis’s playful spirit. It aims to celebrate 75 years of Dennis while promoting reading.
Campaign aims and research
The anniversary issue supports the National Year of Reading. The comic promotes reading for pleasure as a playful form of mischief.
Beano commissioned research into what makes a great mischief maker. Both children and adults highlighted humour, creativity and imagination.
- Humour
- Creativity
- Imagination
Mike Stirling, Beano’s director of mischief, reflected on Dennis’s enduring appeal. He said the character keeps childhood fun alive across generations.
History and legacy
Beano first appeared in 1938 and still operates from Dundee. The weekly comic is printed in the UK.
The title has an 87-year history and many enduring strips. Classic characters include Minnie the Minx, The Bash Street Kids and Roger the Dodger.
Dennis debuted in issue 452 on March 17, 1951. That first appearance set the tone for decades of playful troublemaking.
Year of Mischief and availability
Beano has declared 2026 its Year of Mischief. The special anniversary issue goes on sale from Tuesday.
The issue transforms contemporary stars into cartoon versions. Ant and Dec, Mr Beast and other public figures join the celebration.
