Iconic Beano characters Dennis the Menace and Gnasher are to get a new TV series as part of a relaunch of the famous comic book.
The mischievous pair – who feature in the the 78-year-old comic every week – are to star in CGI animation ‘Dennis and Gnasher – Unleashed!’ which will consist of 52 11-minute episodes and will see 10-year-old Dennis "aged up a bit" from his usual depiction.
The show is being created by Beano Studios – a new business set up by publishers DC Thomson – and is part of a wider campaign to update the brand for the YouTube generation of youngsters.
New website Beano.com, which will also offer content through YouTube and PopJam, will be the digital home of the magazine’s vast array of characters who include Roger the Dodger, Minnie the Minx and Bananaman and will offer a variety of content for seven to 10 year olds.
Emma Scott, chief executive of Beano Studios, said: "We are taking an incredibly well-known brand and expanding it for the 21st century. We are taking the Beano spirit, we aren’t simply trying to transfer the comic online. And we will marry it with the best of the web, commissions from independent producers, YouTube, user-generated content – whatever fits with the Beano ethos."
Scott says the aim of Beano Studios is to "build a safe, trusted world full of cheekiness and energy where kids can be themselves, have fun and live in the moment" and to offer content that parents can feel confident letting their kids have access to.
To celebrate the hotly anticipated launch of Beano’s brand new digital network there is to be a top secret VIP launch in London on Sunday September 25 which will be open to some lucky members of the public and will feature gunge tanks, a giant catapult and a host of other crazy Beano inspired activities. Consumers can apply by emailing beanoexperience@housepr.com to be in with a chance of attending.
Speaking about the party, an excited Dennis said: "Can you keep a secret? This is going to be epic! A top secret, underground party all being prepared for the big switch on of brand new Beano. Bring your gunge proof coats and get ready for mayhem because we need everyone’s help to power the launch!"
Beano’s Dennis the Menace to be the star of new TV show
