Man vs Bee-no: Rowan Atkinson immortalised in iconic comic

British comedy legend Rowan Atkinson has been immortalised in a special bespoke Beano comic strip, to celebrate the upcoming release of new nine-part Netflix series: Man vs Bee.

This ultimate British pop-culture comedy crossover, drawn by celebrated Beano illustrator Nigel Parkinson, stars Atkinson as the Netflix series’ eponymous hero ‘Trevor,’ a hapless house sitter who attempts to take care of a luxury mansion before chaos ensues after the property is invaded by a mischievous bee.

Inspired by his unique slapstick comedic credentials from the show, the bee-spoke strip transports Trevor to Beanotown. He runs into serious difficulties alongside a cast of favourite characters, including Dennis, Gnasher, Bea (Dennis’s baby sister), Minnie, Pieface, JJ and Rubi.

In the comic strip, Atkinson’s character attempts to house-sit for the Mayor of Beanotown (Walter’s  father), as the family head off on holiday. Chaos ensues as Trevor tussles with a bee whilst leaving a trail of utter devastation in their wake to hilarious comic effect.

Rowan Atkinson says: “Like many British school children I was an avid Beano reader. Beano remains a unique piece of our pop culture, and something that has been shaped by and shaped British comedic sensibilities for over 80 years. I am genuinely thrilled that my alter ego, Trevor, has been immortalised in the Beano world.”

Mike Stirling, Director of Mischief at Beano Studios, adds: “Beano has always been a hive of comic chaos, so there was a real buzz about the place to have the comedy legend that is Rowan Atkinson visit Beanotown to make mischief with another troublemaker identified by their stripes: The Bee! I’m only worried Dennis and Minnie will sting us for new stripy jumpers in tribute. We think it was meant to bee, that when Netflix was looking for a unique new way of telling the world about the show, they thought of us. We hope everyone has as much fun reading the strip as we had making it.”

Launching today, Friday 17 June, the bee-spoke comic strip is available exclusively on beano.com and gives a teaser of what’s to come ahead of Man vs Bee landing on Netflix.

Promising viewers a hugely enjoyable mix of wacky hi-jinks and physical comedy for which Rowan’s comedy characters have become synonymous, Man vs Bee is set to be this summer’s much-watch family comedy series, available on Netflix in full from 24 June.

 

Mr Bean marks 30th anniversary with new licensing partners and increased global reach

Mr Bean is marking its 30th anniversary with a raft of new consumer product partnerships, brokered by Banijay, in celebration of the continual distribution of the popular live action series for the past three decades.

Fans of Rowan Atkinson’s iconic character will now have the chance to get their hands on a range of anniversary collectable products, including a limited edition knitted Teddy plush from Teespring, as well as a Mr Bean commemorative coin – a limited number of which have been signed by Atkinson himself.

Mr Bean’s famous lime green Mini die-cast from Corgi was refreshed for the occasion with a special 30th anniversary packaging and is available at retail and online now. The company will also release a DIY special edition of the Mini with the Mr Bean figure in November 2020.

A brand-new Mr Bean Top Trumps card game from Winning Moves is also available now.

To maximise on the character’s global popularity and reach, the company has signed its first brand licensing partnership in India, with the one of the country’s leading licensing agencies – Black White Orange Brands Pvt. Ltd. The two companies will work hand-in-hand to bring brand extensions and to life.

This accompanies further international brand licensing agents appointed in southeast Asia (Empire), Greater China (Medialink), South Korea (Asiana Licensing), Australia (Blackmint) and J&M Brands in Benelux.

Jane Smith, group director, brand licensing and gaming, Banijay Brands, said: “Mr Bean turning 30 is a tremendous milestone and we are thrilled to provide fans with a wide range of products across the novelty gift space to commemorate this special day.

“These deals enable retailers and customers to continue to engage with this much loved brand beyond the screen. With ten licensing agents now on board globally the Mr Bean brand is looking as bright as ever.”

Mr Bean’s digital platforms and social media has over 137 million cross platform subscribers across the four main social platforms which drives younger audiences to be able to engage with the brand through various platforms. There has also been significant success across mobile gaming with Mr Bean Special Delivery, and Mr Bean Around the World achieving 58 million downloads over the past six years.