Beano’s “Summer of Sports” special is a one-off giveaway issue from DC Thomson, landing in the long-running Beano range that’s been a staple of British kids’ comics for decades. It sits alongside other weekly humour titles, but Beano’s mix of familiar characters and quick-fire strips is still its main rival-beater — closer in spirit to modern kids’ magazines than graphic novels. This edition is part of a wider push with TGJones, giving out 50,000 copies to support the National Year of Reading 2026.
Who’s it for — and what do you actually get?
If you’ve got children who enjoy short, punchy stories (or you’re trying to nudge reluctant readers), a themed issue like this works well because it’s low-commitment: lots of small reads rather than one long narrative. Expect the usual Beano-style comedy with a sports slant, making it a simple way to tie reading to summer activities without it feeling like homework.
- Free giveaway issue — useful for trying Beano without starting a subscription.
- Sports theme — keeps interest up for kids who prefer action to long chapters.
- National Year of Reading tie-in — aimed at encouraging regular reading habits.