DC Thomson's The Dandy faces closure after 75 years
The UK's oldest children's comic, The Dandy, is facing closure after 75 years. The magazine, which is home to Desperate Dan, saw sales in excess of two-million copies during its heyday from the 1950s to the 1980s. Circulation has since suffered a decline, though the publication has managed to outlast similar titles such as the Beezer and the Topper.
A series of changes in the last five years, including a shift to fortnightly print runs and more celebrity-themed comic strips, have had little impact on raising circulation.
A spokesperson for publisher DC Thomson confirmed the closure of the title was possible as sales had dipped below 8,000 copies towards the end of 2011 and that a number of titles were being reviewed, adding: "There are many challenges within the industry at present, but we're excited that the digital revolution has also given us an opportunity to innovate and develop.
"We're confident that future generations will continue to enjoy our much-loved products and characters."