👍 Comic Review: Dennis the Menace and Gnasher #5: Thumbs Up For Menacing by Nigel Auchterlounie (Kindle & comiXology Edition)
A cheeky, high-energy installment in the Beano series—this issue delivers classic Dennis and Gnasher antics with a caravan holiday twist, a sausage-scented spree, and plenty of library mischief.
🧠 Overview
Published in March 2015, Thumbs Up For Menacing is the 5th issue in The Beano presents Dennis the Menace and Gnasher comic series, written by Nigel Auchterlounie and illustrated by Nigel Parkinson. This 23-page comic is packed with short, punchy stories that showcase Dennis and Gnasher at their most mischievous—whether they’re wreaking havoc on a rainy caravan holiday, causing chaos in the school library, or dealing with a giant-sized Gnasher on a sausage-fueled rampage.
🎯 Key Highlights
- 🏕️ Caravan calamity: Dennis and Gnasher turn a damp and dismal holiday into a full-blown menace-fest
- 📚 Library lunacy: Dennis tries “every trick in the book” in a literal and figurative sense
- 🐾 Mega Gnasher: A super-sized Gnasher goes wild in a hilarious, sausage-scented spree
- 🎨 Classic Beano visuals: Nigel Parkinson’s illustrations are bold, expressive, and full of kinetic energy, capturing the spirit of Beanotown
“Thumbs Up For Menacing! That’s what everyone except the softest softy will be yelling…” — Amazon product description
💬 Reader Reception
- ⭐ Goodreads rating: 4.67/5 from over 120 ratings
- 📖 Readers love the comic’s nostalgic charm, fast-paced humor, and kid-friendly storytelling
- 🧾 Ideal for ages 7–12, but also a hit with adult fans of classic British comics
- 💬 “Best book ever… I think everybody should have this great book, it’s so good!” — Goodreads reviewer
⚠️ Considerations
- 📄 Short format: At 23 pages, it’s a quick read—best enjoyed as a snack-sized comic adventure
- 📚 Part of a series: Works as a standalone, but even better when read alongside other volumes in the 13-book collection
- 🇬🇧 British humor: Full of puns, slapstick, and cultural references that may be more familiar to UK readers
🏁 Final Verdict
Thumbs Up For Menacing is a fun-filled comic romp that captures the timeless spirit of Dennis the Menace and Gnasher. With its caravan chaos, oversized dog antics, and cheeky humor, it’s a perfect pick for young readers and nostalgic fans alike. Whether you’re new to Beanotown or a lifelong Menace, this issue delivers laughs, mischief, and a whole lot of fun.
