YouTuber Joe Sugg to guest-edit anniversary edition of the Beano

Joe Sugg will guest-edit a special Beano comic to celebrate 70 years of one of its best-loved characters, Dennis The Menace.

The issue, which celebrates 70 years since Dennis first appeared in Beano on March 17, 1951, will feature the YouTuber and former Strictly Come Dancing star in his own comic strip.

Sugg, who is a lifelong Beano fan, has also penned multiple strips for the limited edition comic, including creating his own Beano character Archie Ology.

The strip Birthday Prank-Ageddon sees him team up with Dennis for a prank on Beanotown.

As a child, Sugg would draw his favourite Beano characters and in his editor’s letter he shares a comic strip he drew in his youth.

It features himself alongside his favourite Beano character at the time, Calamity James, as well as a childhood photo of himself sporting a Dennis-inspired black and red striped coat.

Sugg said: “I am incredibly excited to be the guest editor of Dennis’s birthday comic, I grew up with Dennis, reading Beano each week, and I can’t wait for readers to see all the fun, pranks, and surprises we’ve worked into the special issue. This really is a dream project for me.”

Mike Stirling, editorial director of Beano Studios, said: “It’s fantastic to work with Joe Sugg for our commemorative issue celebrating Dennis’s 70th Anniversary.”

The 70th Anniversary issue is available in shops and online at Beano.com/ Dennis70 from March 17.

Joe Sugg appears with Dennis the Menace.