The first ever edition of the Beano is to go on public display on Saturday – for just six hours – at the National Library of Scotland in Glasgow.
The rare first edition from July 1938 has been described as “arguably the most important single issue of a comic in history” as it launched the world’s longest running comic.
One of between 12 and 25 thought to survive, the 28 page comic will be the centrepiece of “Beano day at the National Library” celebrating Beano’s 80th anniversary at the Library’s Kelvin Hall site in Glasgow.
The National Library of Scotland acquired the rare first edition recently from a bookseller, and it remains the only one of its kind in the collection of more than 26 million physical items dating back over 1000 years.
While the Library would not disclose what it paid, the most recent copy sold at auction fetched £17,300 in 2015.
The free one-day pop-up exhibition from 10am-4pm will feature highlights from the Library’s extensive Beano collection, from decades-old summer specials to the latest editions.
It will include a comic from 1952 that featured an early appearance of Dennis the Menace on the front cover. Despite being the most famous Beano character for millions of fans, mischievous Dennis didn’t get regular front cover status until 1974.
Original artwork by legendary artists Leo Baxendale, David Law and David Sutherland from publisher D C Thomson’s archives will also be on display.
Graeme Hawley, head of general collections at the library said: “Beano is the world’s longest-running comic, introducing much-loved and popular characters such as Dennis and Gnasher, Minnie the Minx and the Bash Street Kids to millions of households throughout Britain.
“Its Scottish origins make it a particularly important title for us to collect and treasure for the nation, and we continue to collect all the latest editions.
“The first edition is extremely rare, with only a few copies believed to be in existence.
“We’re delighted to be celebrating the beloved comic’s birthday by offering members of the public the full Beano experience.”
The very first Beano cost two old pennies and its 28 pages were filled with funny comic strips and text adventure stories.
Published in Dundee, on the cover was “Big Eggo”, an ostrich in constant search for his lost egg. The troubled ostrich only lost his front page position to Biffo the Bear in 1948.
The Beano was an instant success and by 1950, each issue was selling close to 2 million copies. Its popularity continues to this day with 75,000 copies produced every week and a comic sold every 17 seconds.
The brand also reaches over 5 million fans each month on its digital network.
Mike Stirling, Head of Beano Studios Scotland, said: “There were nearly half a million copies of the first issue of Beano printed, but less than thirty are thought to remain, mainly in private collections, so this is an amazing opportunity for as many as people as possible to encounter one of the most sought after comics on the planet.”
