Mr Bean to guest edit Beano comic in four-issue crossover series
Mr Bean is stepping into the world of Beano for a special four-issue crossover series that temporarily renames the iconic comic Mr Beano.
Comedy history is being made in Dundee as the iconic, suit-and-red-tie-wearing character Mr Bean crosses over into the pages of Beano, stepping directly into the anarchic world of Dennis The Menace, Bash Street Kids, and Minnie The Minx for a special four-issue collaboration. Reported widely in Yahoo News Canada, the partnership marks a major milestone for the historic comic publication, which is published weekly from its original Scottish headquarters and printed in the UK.
Created originally by comedian Rowan Atkinson, the physical comedy icon is bringing his distinct brand of slapstick humour to Beanotown. For the opening release, Mr Bean implements immediate editorial changes, notably promoting his brown knitted bear, Teddy, to the position of "Teditor". In a historic first for the long-running publication, the magazine itself is temporarily renamed Mr Beano.
Media additions
Subsequent instalments promise further narrative integration between the two comedic universes. Across the remaining three issues, Mr Bean accidentally takes on work at Bash Street School, while his cat Scrapper crosses paths with the famous dogs Gnasher and Gnipper. Yahoo News Canada notes that the eccentric character was first introduced to audiences in the eponymous 1990s television series, before expanding into feature films such as 1997's Bean and 2007's Mr Bean's Holiday, alongside an ITV animated series.
Reflecting on the creative partnership, Atkinson stated:
"I grew up reading Beano and always adored its anarchic style and tone – and as I regard Mr Bean as a natural born anarchist and a child at heart, I'm surprised it's taken us so long to explore a creative tie-up and finally exploit the Bean/Beano name connection."
Editorial leadership at the publishing house expressed equal enthusiasm for the pairing. Mike Stirling, director at Beano, observed that children voted Rowan among their top three mischief makers earlier in the year, cementing his natural fit for Beanotown. Stirling remarked that giving the guest editor the pencil was likely a questionable choice, yet an entertaining one.
Adding to these sentiments, Tom Beattie, managing director at Tiger Aspect Kids & Family — the production company behind the animated series — shared that working on the partnership felt like a dream come true after growing up as a Beano Fan Club member. The collaboration forms a central pillar of Beano's ongoing Year of Mischief celebration, which honours the 75th anniversary of Dennis The Menace following his debut on March 17, 1951, in a publication initially launched in 1938.
Publication Timeline and Highlights
| Issue Phase | Key Event | Location / Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Issue | Mr Bean debuts as guest editor, renaming the magazine Mr Beano and appointing Teddy as Teditor. | Supermarkets, newsagents, and online from September 16 |
| Subsequent Issues (2–4) | Mr Bean works at Bash Street School; cat Scrapper encounters Gnasher and Gnipper. | Continuing across the four-part serialisation |
Readers and collectors can secure the opening chapter starting September 16, as copies roll out across supermarkets, newsagents, and online platforms. With additional political and financial developments involving major donors making headlines elsewhere, such as separate reports concerning Reform UK’s £72m crypto tycoon donors, audiences seeking traditional entertainment can find solace in the timeless mischief of Beanotown.
