Beano has achieved a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS (GWR) title at the opening of the new V&A Dundee, launching the world’s largest competition to finish a unique comic strip.
The iconic British children’s entertainment brand received an excess of 650* entrants at the 3D Festival, to achieve the GWR title for largest “Finish the Comic Strip” competition.
Visitors to Scotland’s first design museum were challenged to complete a bespoke eight-page V&A Dundee inspired comic strip, starring beloved Beano characters including Dennis and Gnasher, Minnie the Minx and The Bash Street Kids.
One lucky designer will win the opportunity to have their comic strip displayed in V&A Dundee, alongside the official GWR certificate. The winning entry, alongside selected entries which contributed to the new record, are available to view on Beano.com.
In the exclusive comic strip, pupils of Bash Street School are invited to the opening of V&A Dundee, where they meet V&A Dundee architect, Kengo Kuma and Director of V&A Dundee Philip Long. Alongside discussing the museum’s design and the history of the V&A, Dennis narrates his personal design evolution whilst Minnie explains the development of comic strips. The final panel challenges entrants to draw something they think should be on display in V&A Dundee instead of Plug’s face.
The new record adds to Beano’s collection, as they also hold the Guinness World Records title for longest-running comic published weekly; breaking its own record with each new issue published.
Mike Stirling, Editorial Director of Beano Studios and Global Ambassador for Dundee said “This new world record proves the ever-lasting love for our rebellious Beano characters, especially in their home city of Dundee. The competition shows that everyone can design something imaginative, creative and awesome.”
“It’s no surprise to me that there’s so much fantastic creative talent in the city; Beano and V&A Dundee are iconic symbols of this. I can’t wait to see what Beano fans worldwide think when they check out our exclusive comic story, plus some of our favourite entries on Beano.com. Is there a more creative city anywhere, right now?”
Philip Long, Director of V&A Dundee said “We’re delighted to celebrate our opening with the Beano, in its own right, an icon of design. Beano Studios is a prime example of contemporary design evolution, adapting their character design over time to survive and thrive. We look forward to welcoming audiences to view the winning design, alongside our Scottish Design Galleries and changing exhibitions.”
Craig Glenday, Editor-in-chief of Guinness World Records said “As a Dundonian myself, it's particularly thrilling to award this Guinness World Records title to a comic as iconic – and as symbolic of Dundee – as the Beano. As the world's longest-running comic, the Beano has inspired creativity (and naughtiness!) in kids for generations, so it's fitting that it's being celebrated by both V&A Dundee and Guinness World Records. And we're still hoping to open a category for Most sausages eaten by a dog in a minute for Gnasher, to add to their accolades!"
V&A Dundee opened its doors to the public for the first time on Saturday. As Scotland’s first design museum, it tells a global story, exploring the international importance of design alongside Scotland’s outstanding design achievements.
At the heart of the museum the Scottish Design Galleries feature 300 exhibits drawn from the V&A’s rich collections of Scottish design, as well as from museums and private collections across Scotland and the world. Fans of the Beano can see original artwork on display from across the illustrious 80-year history of the comic.
To view the largest “Finish the Comic Strip” competition winning entry and other selected entries visit Beano.com.
- ENDS –
Notes to Editors:
* Number currently recorded by the Guinness World Records as of Sunday 16th September 2018)
About Beano Studios
Beano Studios creates hilarious, rebellious entertainment worldwide. The Studio produces diverse entertainment across multiple destinations; including TV, digital content, theatrical projects, consumer products, collaborations, the legendary comic and annual.
The award winning digital network Beano.com is the fastest growing UK digital destination with over 3M unique visitors interacting with the site since launch and almost 5M reach across the Beano network.
2017 saw the launch of Dennis and Gnasher Unleashed on CBBC and internationally, the launch and rapid growth of an award-winning digital network centred around beano.com as well as continued growth for the comic.
Keep up to date with Beano:
@BeanoOfficial
@Beano_Official
@BeanoOfficial
About Guinness World Records
GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS (GWR) is the global authority on record-breaking achievement. First published in 1955, the iconic annual Guinness World Records books have sold over 141 million copies in 22 languages and in more than 100 countries. Additionally, the Guinness World Records: Gamer’s Edition, first published in 2007, has sold more than 4 million copies to date.
Guinness World Records’ worldwide television programmes reach over 750 million viewers annually and more than 3.3 million people subscribe to the GWR YouTube channel, which enjoys more than 450 million views per year. The GWR website receives over 19.9 million visitors annually, and we have over 14.9 million fans on Facebook.
The Guinness World Records commercial sales division provides customised consultancy services for some of the world’s top brands and agencies to help place record breaking at the heart of their marketing campaigns, employee-engagement programmes, and live and experiential events.