The first edition of the Beano will be showcased for six hours this weekend

First edition of the Beano comic - estimated to be worth up to £20,000

THE first ever edition of the Beano is to go on public display this weekend at the National Library of Scotland in Glasgow.

The iconic comic book will be displayed for just six hours on Saturday in a special event taking place to mark Scotland’s favourite comic turning 80 years old.

Dennis the Menace artwork by David Law. Published in The Beano, 30 April 1960, pg11. (DC Thomson)

The rare first edition from July 1938 has been described as “arguably the most important single issue of a comic in history” as it launched the world’s longest running comic eight decades ago.

Only between 12 and 25 original comics are still thought to be in existence – and the 28 page comic will become the centrepiece of 80 Years of the Beano – A Celebration, taking place at the Library’s Kelvin Hall site in Glasgow.

The event will also feature highlights from the National Library of Scotland’s extensive Beano collection – from decades-old summer specials to the latest editions.

An early Minnie the Minx comic strip drawn by Jim Petrie. (DC Thomson)

It will include a comic from 1952 that featured an early appearance of Dennis the Menace on the front cover. Despite being the most famous Beano character for many, he didn’t get regular front cover status until 1974.

Original artwork by legendary artists Leo Baxendale, David Law and David Sutherland from publisher D C Thomson’s archives will also be on display.

In April 2018 a Kirriemuir woman found a first edition of the first copy of The Beano in a stamp album in the bottom drawer of a chest of drawers in her bedroom. (Sunday Post)

Graeme Hawley, head of general collections at the Library, said: “The Beano is the world’s longest-running comic, introducing much-loved and popular characters such as Dennis and Gnasher, Minnie the Minx and the Bash Street Kids to millions of households throughout Britain.

“Its Scottish origins make it a particularly important title for us to collect and treasure for the nation, and we continue to collect all the latest editions.

“The first edition is extremely rare, with only a few copies believed to be in existence. We’re delighted to be celebrating the beloved comic’s birthday by offering members of the public the full Beano experience.’

A range of free activities for children aged 5–100 will also be on offer at the birthday bash, including themed football sessions at the sports centre, a prank workshop, an animation workshop, and a ‘whoopee’ noise listening post.

Comedian and actor, David Walliams is to be a guest editor for the Beano’s 80th edition, creating a new character based on his son, Alfred.