Modernising Dennis???
I still don’t think we get enough comics news in newspapers here in the UK but the Daily Telegraph has been coming up trumps!
NEW LOOK DENNIS THE MENACE RETURNS TO TV
By Richard Alleyne
Dennis the Menace, the unruly Beano cartoon character, is returning to British television screens, with a modern makeover to take account of our more politically correct times.
No longer will the naughty schoolboy, and his dog Gnasher, be punished by his father with a slipper.
The new-look Dennis will represent old-fashioned fun Instead he will appear on an Oprah-style day time chat show entitled “Help, I Can’t Control My Son!” and be sent off to a “brat camp”.
It has been a decade since new episodes featuring Dennis, whose comic strip dates back to 1951, have graced our screens but repeats remain popular.
The latest incarnation, being produced by CBBC, has been designed to appeal to the modern “ipod” generation.
Benjamin Gray, executive manager of Beano publisher DC Thomson, said: “The storylines are very much influenced by what is going on in the UK now, just as they always has been.
“Quite a lot has changed over the years. Children now grow up in a world of reality TV, downloads and iPods.
“We have to take account of that and reflect what kids get up to but things won’t change too much because that unique Dennis charm will still be there.
“Other things have changed since Dennis first appeared in the comic. We can’t slipper him any more, which his father is very unhappy about! What was socially acceptable then is not acceptable now.”
But Mr Gray said the new-look Dennis will represent old-fashioned fun.
“One of our driving ambitions in the comics and animation is to present children with a world where they aren’t so constrained by political correctness or health and safety, where they can enjoy the thrill of being naughty in their imagination through Dennis.”
Work on the new series has already begun and it will air in autumn 2009, aimed at children aged 5 to ten.
The last series appeared on the CBBC in 1997 and its repeats have proved hugely popular for the channel.
Comic Bits Online is the web version of the Comic Bits magazine Edited and run by Terry Hooper. Currently Interviews Editor at Manga Life,Terry has over thirty years experience in the comic industry as script writer,artist,freelance Editor,publisher and much more. But if you want the facts:
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