The history of British comics dates back to the nineteenth century and the illustrated story books known as penny dreadfuls. But the real birth of what is the British comic industry today started in the 1930s with DC Thomson’s launch of The Hotspur, The Dandy and The Beano.
Since then, many comics have come and gone and some old favourites still can be found on newsagents’ shelves today. But which are the best British comics of all time?
This article looks at ten that undoubtedly have had a profound influence on the British comic industry. There have though been others and it was hard to leave out the likes of The Beezer, Buster, Hornet, Pow!, Smash!, Tiger and Whizzer & Chips. Please feel free to use the comments box at the end to suggest alternative contenders for the top ten.
2000 AD (1977-)
Launched in 1977 by IPC Magazines, 2000 AD is a science-fiction comic featuring among others Judge Dredd. Still going, it is now published by Rebellion. Its contributors have included Alan Moore, Bryan Talbot and Neil Gaiman. For a short time, it was also the home of Eagle character Dan Dare.
Bunty (1958-2001)
Girls comic Bunty was launched by DC Thomson in 1958 and survived as a weekly until 2001 when it was re-launched as a monthly and then died shortly afterwards, with more than 2000 issues under its belt. Aimed at under 14s, its main stories included Bunty, Four Marys, Penny’s Place and Pocahontas. It also had a letters page, competitions and featured readers.
Eagle (1950-1994)
Eagle is one of the few comics to survive its own death. Originally launched in 1950 by John Morris, it survived until 1969 when it was merged into Lion. Fleetway then re-launched the comic in 1982 and then sold it to Robert Maxwell in 1987. It folded in 1994. By far its most famous character was Dan Dare, Pilot of the Future.
Jackie (1964-1993)
Arguably the most famous British comic for girls, Jackie was launched in 1964 and was cancelled by publisher DC Thomson in 1993, a run that produced more than 1500 issues. Children’s author Jacqueline Wilson, who worked for the publisher at the time and contributed to Jackie, claims the comic was named after her. The Cathy and Clare problem page became the most popular feature
Lion (1952-1974)
For 22 years and more than 1000 issues, Lion was one of the mainstays of the British comic world from 1952 to 1974. Introduced by Fleetway as a competitor to Eagle, it featured the likes of Captain Condor, Robot Archie, Adam Eterno, Paddy Payne, The Spider and Karl the Viking.
Scorcher (1970-1978)
This short-lived but well-loved football comic was launched by IPC in early 1970 and died as a standalone when it was merged with Score ’n’ Roar eighteen months later to become Scorcher & Score. It later merged with Tiger to become Tiger & Scorcher, but the name Scorcher was then dropped from the title in 1978. Famous strips included Billy’s Boots, Bobby of the Blues, Kangaroo Kid, Lags Eleven and Royal’s Rangers.
The Beano (1938-)
The most famous of all British comics, The Beano was launched by DC Thomson in 1938 and is still going. The comic created icons such as Dennis the Mennace, Roger the Dodger, Lord Snooty, Minnie the Minx and The Bash Street Kids. It is the longest running weekly comic in Britain (The Dandy did hold that title until it went fortnightly in 2007).
The Dandy (1937-)
Started in 1937 by DC Thomson, The Dandy is Britain’s longest running comic, though these days it is fortnightly rather than weekly. Desperate Dan, who appeared in the first issue and is still there, is the most famous of its characters
The Hotspur (1933-1981)
When The Hotspur first appeared in 1933 it was a story paper for boys and didn’t evolve into a comic until 1950s. Published by DC Thomson, it survived until 1981 when it was incorporated into The Victor. Its most famous characters included Union Jack Jackson and The Wolf of Kabul, but it was best known for the Red Circle school stories that started in the first issue.
Viz (1979-)
A relative newcomer on the British comic scene, Viz started in 1979 and was presented almost as a parody on comics such as The Beano and The Dandy. Aimed at adults, its dark comedy often features sexual and violent images. Political satire also forms part of its makeup. Its most famous characters include Billy the Fish, Fat Slags, Johnny Fartpants, Roger Mellie and Sid the Sexist.
Best British Comic of All Time
The most innovative comic of the above list has to be 2000 AD. Viz could have claimed that title in its early days but soon disappointed as its repeated jokes started to become old hat. But the title of the best of all time has to go to The Beano. Loved by children and adults alike, it has been the foundation of British comics for more than seventy years and is still going strong.
Steve Rogerson - Steve Rogerson is a UK-based writer specialising in television, technology, sports and beer.
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