\'The Beano\' has released a special Bananaman comic for the character\'s 40th birthday.
The iconic cartoon superhero - who first appeared in \'Nutty\' on February 16, 1980 - will mark four decades this week having also appeared in the \'The Dandy\' from 1975 until he made the full move to Beanotown in 2012.
To commemorate the special occasion, Bananaman - and his kid alter ego Eric Wimp - appears throughout this week\'s issue as he guest stars in all the strips featuring Dennis & Gnasher, Minnie the Minx, The Bash Street Kids and Billy Whizz.
The special edition comic also features an extended Bananaman story, paying tribute to the classic - and hapless - superhero, who famously had the muscles of 20 men, but the brains of 20 mussels.
Mike Stirling - Editorial Director of Beano Studios - said: "Get ready to peel the power!
"The last few years have been awash with superheroes, but none quite compare to our own barmy Bananaman.
"He might be originally from the Nutty comic but he\'s Beano all the way down to his banana boots.
"This very special edition of the comic celebrating his 40th birthday will become a real collector\'s item and treasured by fans for years to come."
To this date, Bananaman features in both \'The Beano\' and \'The Dandy\' annuals every year, while having his own strip in \'The Beano\' each week.
The beloved character also had a run on the small screen with a BBC cartoon series which ran from 1983 to 1986.
As an added birthday treat for Eric\'s alter ego, \'The Beano\' shop has also released some special edition merchandise - including t-shirts and mugs - with 15% off all products for a limited time if you use the code BANANAS.
\'The Beano\' comic is available, every week at all good retailers, while Bananaman\'s 40th commemorative issue is available on Wednesday 12th February 2020.
