Exhibition marks end of Dandy the comic

AN EXHIBITION looking back at the 75-year history of Britain’s longest running comic, The Dandy, opened yesterday.

Original artwork and illustrations will be on show as Dundee-based publishers DC Thomson look ahead to the new digital era of the comic. The last printed issue of The Dandy went on sale last week.

DC Thomson has launched the Digital Dandy, which features old favourites Desperate Dan, Bananaman and Korky the Cat in new animated strips, featuring voiceovers and sound effects.

Users will also be able to play interactive games, watch videos and create and care for their own virtual pet, the Dandy Dollop.

The exhibition, at the University of Dundee, will be open until 7 January and admission is free.

Dr Chris Murray, director of the Scottish Centre for Comics Studies based at the university, said: “We are proud to be able to help The Dandy celebrate its 75th anniversary, which is a remarkable achievement.

“Of course, the comic is also in a process of transition, as the final print version goes to press and is replaced by a new digital Dandy.

“This promises to be an exciting and innovative step forward for the comic and its beloved characters.”

Ellis Watson, chief executive of DC Thomson said: “I appreciate it’s almost a deliberately naive venture into the unknown for a publisher that’s been cutting down trees for 75 years, squishing them flat and smearing ink all over them.

“We’re not super slick, we’re not Silicon Valley, but what we are is some pretty talented animators and story­tellers that are really excited about seeing if we can introduce these wonderful characters to another couple of generations.”

The first issue was printed in December 1937, making The Dandy the world’s third-longest running comic. From August 2007 until October 2010, it was rebranded as Dandy Xtreme.