A rare copy of Beano #1 from 1938 has set a new record as the most expensive British comic ever sold, fetching over £30,000 at auction. This historic issue, originally priced at two pence, not only retained its rarity but also included a unique Whoopee Mask and an 8-page promotional flyer, which are both highly sought-after by collectors.
The comic, sold by London-based Comic Book Auctions, went to an anonymous bidder for £30,940 ($40,610 with buyer’s premium). This figure marks a significant increase from the £6,800 it was sold for in 1999 by the same firm. Previously, the record for the most expensive British comic was held by a 1937 issue of Dandy, which sold for £20,350 in 2004.
Beano, first published on July 30, 1938, featured early characters such as Lord Snooty and his Pals, as well as lesser-known figures like Big Eggo and Tin-Can Tommy the Clockwork Boy. The comic’s legacy includes iconic characters like Dennis the Menace, Minnie the Minx, and The Bash Street Kids, which have become synonymous with British humor and culture.
Created by Scottish publisher DC Thomson, Beano has become the second longest-running comic in the world, with over two billion copies sold globally. Its influence extends beyond print, with spin-offs, annuals, a website, theme park rides, and various adaptations cementing its place in popular culture.
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