😈 Book Review: The Beano Presents Dennis the Menace and Gnasher #1: Rampaging Menaces by Nigel Auchterlounie (Kindle & comiXology Edition)
A riotous, high-energy comic adventure packed with mischief, mayhem, and classic Beano humor—perfect for fans of slapstick chaos and rebellious fun.
🧠 Overview
Published in January 2015 by DC Thomson, this 20-page comic kicks off the Beano Presents Dennis the Menace and Gnasher series with a bang. Written by Nigel Auchterlounie and illustrated by Nigel Parkinson, Rampaging Menaces is a collection of short comic strips that showcase Dennis and his trusty dog Gnasher causing havoc across Beanotown.
From battling robot softies to turning fairy tales upside down, this volume is a celebration of irreverent humor, childlike rebellion, and cartoonish chaos—all delivered in the classic Beano style.
🎨 What’s Inside
- 🤖 Robot softies: Dennis and Gnasher take on mechanical do-gooders with their usual flair for destruction
- 🤠 Wild West madness: A cowboy-themed escapade full of slapstick and surprise
- 🧚 Twisted fairy tale: Dennis turns a bedtime story into a nightmare for grown-ups
- 🎩 Special guest appearance: A mysterious character brings magical mischief to Beanotown
The art is bold and expressive, with exaggerated facial expressions and dynamic panel layouts that keep the energy high from start to finish.
💬 Reader Reception
- ⭐ Amazon rating: 4.6/5 from over 230 reviews
- ⭐ Goodreads rating: 4.63/5 from 185 ratings
- 📖 Readers love the nostalgic feel, fast-paced humor, and Dennis’s unapologetic attitude
- 🧾 “Best Beano read in my life,” one reviewer gushes
⚠️ Considerations
- 📄 Short format: At 20 pages, it’s a quick read—more like a comic magazine than a graphic novel
- 🧒 Geared toward younger readers: Adults may enjoy the nostalgia, but the humor is aimed at kids
- 📚 Part of a series: Works as a standalone, but even better when read alongside other volumes in the 13-book collection
🏁 Final Verdict
Rampaging Menaces is a joyful, chaotic romp that captures everything fans love about Dennis the Menace and Gnasher. Whether you’re a longtime Beano reader or introducing a new generation to its anarchic charm, this Kindle & comiXology edition is a delightful dose of comic mischief.
