Dennis the Menace

Story

Dennis the Menace cartoons portray a naughty schoolboy in his fight against the ‘softies’ (the well behaved members of his class).

Why we chose it

Dennis has been playing tricks and causing havoc for nearly 70 years and is as popular now as he has ever been.

Where it came from

In 1951 the editor of The Beano heard a song which featured the line ‘Dennis the menace from Venice’. His red and black jumper and trademark facial expression were brought to life by the cartoonist David Law.

Where it went next

Dennis was so popular that he quickly took over the front cover and in 2008 became the longest running strip in The Beano. While he has changed in appearance a few times over the decades trademark naughtiness continues. Dennis has also featured as part of Beanoland at Chessington World of Adventures between 2001 and 2009. Dennis has appeared on television in 1996 and again in 2009 and 2017. Dennis has also appeared in book form. As well has a number annuals over the years, Steven Butler wrote a series of books, The Diary of Dennis the Menace

Associated stories

For comic fans the Phoenix Comic features some of the best current cartoonists for children.

For more antics of naughty children; Horrid Henry series by Francesca Simon, The Wrong Pong by Steven Butler; Just William by Richmal Crompton. Other authors who write about naughty children include, Roald Dahl and David Walliams.

To find out more about tricks and tricksters these traditional tales have some good ones; Anansi, Reynard the Fox, Loki the Norse God, Puss in Boots or Til Eulenspiegel.