Old favourites and a newcomer in the first Beano of 2014

Cover by Nigel Parkinson

This week's issue of The Beano (out now) sees the return of some old favourites in brand new strips - plus a new character making his debut.

There's the return of Number 13 by Alan Ryan and Little Plum by Hunt Emerson...

Karate Sid making a comeback by Paul Palmer plus Tricky Dicky resurfaces by Laura Howell...

Gnasher's Tale is back by Barrie Appleby...

...and Hunt Emerson's superb brushwork can also be seen on the return of The Nibblers!

There's also the arrival of my new mini-strip Doctor Flu...

...plus all the favourites such as The Bash Street Kids and Dennis the Menace of course!

This is an ideal issue for new readers to jump on board - and may hopefully entice fans of the returning classic characters to consider buying the comic again. The Beano commences the new year in fine style with a good mixture of strips from long established artists and relative newcomers. Something to please everyone I think!

The Beano No.3717. 36 pages. £2. Not a single reprint and not bagged with cumbersome gifts! What are you waiting for? Jump in your cartie and set off towards the newsagent now!