The Beano’s partnership with Comic Relief continues with a splash of color and big-name appeal. BEANOMAX, the monthly spin-off that lives inside The Beano’s world, has pulled together a line-up readers will recognize and families will cheer for, all in service of Red Nose Day. This special edition is more than a bit of cheeky fun; it is a coordinated celebration of generosity and community designed to reach audiences on both sides of the Atlantic who love clear humor and memorable cartoons. BEANOMAX exists to extend The Beano’s timeless humor into fresh scenarios that feel timely, and in this edition it leans into a pop culture moment that many readers grew up watching. The collaboration aligns with Comic Relief’s broader mission to raise funds and awareness through entertainment, turning laughter into support for real-world causes and giving a platform for beloved characters to step into new roles. It is a smart pairing that respects The Beano’s legacy while inviting a new generation to discover its playful world. (Beano, official announcement)
Harry, Louis, Zayn, Niall and Liam will be joined by Olly Murs and Jessie J, with the regular troublemakers of The Beano—Dennis the Menace and Gnasher—along for the ride. The idea of celebrities mingling with Beano’s iconic duo is not new to readers, but this edition leans into a shared sense of mischief and charity that transcends age. The stars have embraced the concept with enthusiasm, and the conversations around the project hint at a tactile collaboration that blends music, mischief, and a little mayhem. The Beano’s painted panels are designed to highlight the warmth behind the campaign while preserving the humor that has kept the comic relevant for generations. The group expressed their excitement about appearing in this iconic corner of British publishing, underscoring that the collaboration is as much about giving back as it is about entertainment. The pop stars themselves have often spoken about the importance of charity work, and this project offers a vivid, family-friendly way to support Red Nose Day. “We’ve grown up with THE BEANO so to appear with Dennis and Gnasher themselves is incredible!”
In the pages, One Direction teams up with Olly Murs and Jessie J to attempt to record a charity single for Red Nose Day. The Beano crew—Dennis the Menace, Gnasher, and the rest of the familiar faces—pitch in with old-school humor and a few cartoon surprises. The plot moves through fast-paced gags and visual punchlines that keep younger readers engaged while giving older fans a sense of nostalgia. Even better for fans of the show, David Tennant, known for his Doctor Who role, makes a cameo appearance that fits the edition’s playful, cross-genre vibe. This cameo brings an extra layer of recognition and a touch of theatrical drama to the story, bridging the Beano’s timeless comedy with contemporary pop culture. The narrative is structured to show that charity work can be fun and accessible, without losing the beating heart of both the stars and the Beano gang.
BEANOMAX is not a one-off; it’s part of a longer-running collaboration that uses humor and cross-media appeal to raise awareness for Red Nose Day. The issue marks a milestone—the 25th anniversary of Red Nose Day—an occasion that Comic Relief uses to mobilize fans across the UK and other countries. The format blends traditional Beano storytelling with modern celebrity cameos, allowing readers to enjoy a wholly new experience while remaining anchored in The Beano’s core humor and its beloved characters. The art and pacing are tailored to highlight the charity angle, with scenes designed to celebrate generosity, teamwork and the joy of giving back. The Beano’s editors emphasize that the characters’ interactions with pop music stars should feel natural, funny, and accessible to kids, teens, and parents alike. (Beano, official announcement)
Readers can look forward to BEANOMAX arriving in stores on March 6, a date that has become something of a small holiday for Beano fans and families who support Red Nose Day. The edition’s blend of pop culture and classic humor offers a distinct, shareable experience that invites conversations about charity and community. It also serves as a reminder of how comic books can participate in real-world causes without losing their sense of fun. The collaboration between One Direction, Olly Murs, Jessie J and the Beano gang, with Tennant’s cameo, illustrates how entertainment and philanthropy can work together to entertain while supporting an important cause. Fans will want to pick up a copy to see how the story unfolds across the pages and to enjoy the distinctive art style that has made The Beano a household name for generations. (Beano, official announcement)