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Billy Whizz
Comic strip character(s) from The Beano
Publication information
Stars inBilly Whizz
Creator(s)Malcolm Judge
Other contributorsBarrie Appleby
Steve Horrocks
David Parkins
Vic Neill
Wilbur Dawbarn
Nick Brennan
Andy Fanton
Current/last artistWayne Thompson
Danny Pearson
First appearanceIssue 1139
(16 May 1964)
Also appeared inThe Beano Annual
The Bash Street Kids
Current statusOngoing
ScheduleWeekly
Main Character
NameBilly Whizz
Alias(es)The World's Fastest Boy
FamilyAlfie Whizz (brother)
Dad
Mum
Characters
Regular charactersAlfie Whizz, Dad

Billy Whizz is a fictional character featured in the British comic The Beano, first appearing in issue 1139, dated 16 May 1964, when it replaced The Country Cuzzins. Billy, the title character, is a boy who can run extraordinarily fast. His speed often causes chaos yet at the same time his ability can prove useful. He also has a younger brother called Alfie Whizz of similar appearance. Alfie is usually shown as a normal boy but occasionally he is shown to be just as fast as his brother.

In strips up until the 1980s, Billy lives in Whizztown rather than Beanotown like most of the other regular characters, however, this later changed and more recent strips place him in Beanotown.

Character history

[edit]

Concept and creation

[edit]

The strip was originated by Malcolm Judge, who had previously drawn Colonel Crackpot's Circus,[1] and would go on to create several more popular strips, including Ball Boy, The Numskulls and The Badd Lads. Judge's style tended to be typified by a wide variety of styles in which Billy's speed was depicted, including trails of dust, motion blur, multiple copies of Billy in a panel, and more besides. Later artists tended to use a single, specific visual device to represent Billy's whizzing. Judge drew every single Billy Whizz strip until the mid-1980s, when other artists, including Barrie Appleby and Graeme Hill,[2] began providing occasional fill-in strips, though Judge still drew the vast majority of the strips from the conception to 1989.[2]

Changes in the 1990s

[edit]

Upon Judge's death in 1989, Appleby acted as artist for a few weeks before Steve Horrocks took over as regular artist.[2] Both Appleby and Horrocks drew in a style that was broadly similar to Judge, but slowly began modernising the strip. Horrocks continued as artist until late 1990, when he was succeeded by Beano newcomer David Parkins,[2] who began a major overhaul of the strip, making the effects of Billy's speed more destructive to his surroundings, giving him a more laid-back attitude, and later introducing a rather alien-looking tracksuit.

Parkins acted as the main artist in this time, but Trevor Metcalfe and Vic Neill also drew occasional strips for the next few years;[2] all three artists used a broadly similar design for Billy, but Metcalfe and Neill's strips featured a much more happy-go-lucky version of Billy. A reshuffle of the Beano's artists (coinciding with the comic's move to all-colour printing) saw Parkins leave the strip in 1993, and Neill became the main artist, upon which he began further tweaking Billy's appearance, the most notable change being that the two long hairs he had always been drawn with were turned into a thunderbolt. He continued to draw the strip until his death in January 2000, and Graeme Hall took it up afterwards.[2]

Post-2000

[edit]

By March 2003, the strip's popularity had faded badly, and the comic's editors were giving serious consideration to dropping it. Instead, it was decided that the strip would be given a stay of execution, albeit under a new artist. Wayne Thompson took over from the following month. Thompson did another revamp of the strip, creating a version of Billy that was based on Malcolm Judge's work (and to a lesser extent, David Parkins' design of Billy), and gave a new life to the character and feel of the strip. However, due to his commitments with Jak for the Dandy, the strip was understudied again by Trevor Metcalfe, who, aided with a Wacom tablet, drew the strip in a mixture of his own and Thompson's style. Metcalfe later drew the strip full-time, gradually bringing the strip's artwork more in line with his early 1990s work, until his sudden departure from the comic in 2007, after which the Beano started running re-prints of the strips drawn by David Parkins.

This run of reprints continued for the next year (including a few early Trevor Metcalfe and Vic Neill strips along the way) until the comic's 70th anniversary issue, when Barrie Appleby returned to provide a new strip (this time drawn in his own style, as opposed to his 1980s work which followed Malcolm Judge's style). The strip then reverted to being reprints for the following year, mostly of Vic Neill's, with one Graeme Hall reprint in October 2009. At the end of that month a new permanent artist was appointed, namely Nick Brennan who had previously drawn Crazy for Daisy in The Beano, and Blinky in The Dandy.

In the Beano Annual 2008, Billy's story was drawn by Tom Paterson, and in the 2009 annual Wayne Thompson drew it. Tom Paterson again drew Billy in the 2010 annual, while Nigel Parkinson drew his strip in the 2011 annual, in the style of Vic Neill.

In some issues of the comic in the autumn of 2011, Billy appeared as the first strip in the comic – this slot is usually reserved for Dennis the Menace and Gnasher.

In November 2012, Wilbur Dawbarn took over as artist, returning the strip to its original style and removing Billy's tracksuit and bringing back the shorts and red T-shirt. In 2016, writing duties for the strip were taken over by Andy Fanton and Danny Pearson.

Physical appearance

[edit]

When the strip began, Billy simply wore a T-shirt and black shorts. In a late 1970s strip, Billy's dad sends him out to buy a new pair of trousers, supposedly to slow Billy down, but as he buys a pair of tracksuit bottoms this doesn't happen, though from that point Billy wore those trousers, of which originally had vertical stripes running down the sides before they were removed after a few strips for unknown reasons. A more dynamic change came in the early 1990s when he began to wear a black tracksuit marked with a lightning bolt. When depicted in colour, originally all the non-black areas of the tracksuit were in yellow, though soon all but the lightning flash was in red, and later the lightning flash turned red itself. The tracksuit itself also had vertical stripes on the sides of his tracksuit bottoms similar to the ones he began wearing in 1976, as well as an additional lightning bolt symbol on the back of his jumper, although the latter feature only mainly appeared in the strips drawn by David Parkins. By the time the comic transitioned to full colour, both the stripes and extra bolt were removed entirely, again for unknown reasons. Billy initially wore ordinary shoes but around the same time as the tracksuit was introduced he started to wear trainers, which are usually worn out very quickly by whizzspeed running, and as a result often have holes in the soles.

From the first strip, Billy sported a shaved hair cut with two long, antennae-like hairs sticking out at the top. In the 1970 Beano Annual, it is revealed that the reason why Billy, plus Dad and Alfie, always have this style is because they always get thrown out of the barber's before the last two hairs can be shaved off. After Vic Neill became artist, the two hairs morphed into a lightning flash, with no explanation given for this in the comic. This hairstyle was retained by Graeme Hall, but was later reverted to the original two hairs once Wayne Thompson took over. It has been revealed in some strips that Billy's hair is blond should it grow to full length.

Personality traits

[edit]

Billy is usually depicted as being rather less mischievous than the other Beano characters, and not going out of his way to harm or annoy others. Any trouble he causes is usually by accident, although this happens quite often due to Billy's whizzspeed. However, he does seem to have a fairly short temper; in the 1999 Beano Book he exploded in a rage after finding out that Alfie had a glass of ice during a water balancing race. He has been shown to be rather impatient, unable to sit still even for a film.[3] Much like other Beano characters save for Dennis the Menace and The Bash Street Kids, he does not appear to have a set group of friends. His kind nature and good heart is occasionally taken advantage of by other Beano characters, especially that of Roger the Dodger and Dennis the Menace, an example being one strip in which he agrees to carry Roger's dodge books so he can slow down.

Timeline

[edit]

16 May 1964 Billy Whizz debuts in the comic. Issue No. 1139

17 April 1976 Billy starts wearing trousers instead of shorts. This is explained in a story where Billy's dad tells him to buy some trousers, in the hope that they will slow him down, but Billy chooses some tracksuit bottoms which don't slow him down. Issue No. 1761

27 January 1989 The final appearance of Malcolm Judge's Billy in the comic. Barrie Appleby draws the strip for the next few weeks, before Steve Horrocks takes over.

1990 David Parkins takes over as the full-time artist.

1991 Trevor Metcalfe starts drawing Billy as understudy to Parkins.

1992 Vic Neill also starts drawing Billy.

9 May 1992 Billy Whizz wears his new thunderbolt tracksuit for the first time in a story where he runs so fast in his new tracksuit that he is mistaken for a lightning storm. Issue No. 2599

1993 David Parkins quits drawing Billy, and Vic Neill takes over permanently, although Trevor Metcalfe still contributes occasional strips for the next year.

1993 Trevor Metcalfe provides the Billy Whizz strip for the Beano Annual 1995, which proves to be the last time he draws Billy for over a decade.

9 July 1994 Billy's hairstyle changes, with no explanation in the comic. Issue No. 2712.

2000 Vic Neill dies, and is replaced by Graeme Hall.

5 April 2003 Wayne Thompson takes over as Billy's artist. Issue No. 3168

2005 Trevor Metcalfe again starts drawing Billy, this time as Thompson's understudy, before later becoming permanent artist.

16 June 2007 The final regular new strip in the Beano drawn by Metcalfe. From the following week's issue, Billy's strip became reprint. Issue No. 3385

2 August 2008 Barrie Appleby draws a new Billy Whizz strip in the 70th birthday edition of the Beano, the first new strip in the comic for over a year. Issue No. 3443

31 October 2009 Nick Brennan takes over as artist and new strips start being printed. Issue No. 3507

10 November 2012 Wilbur Dawbarn replaces Nick Brennan as artist, reverting the character to his original image. Issue No. 3660

8 April 2019 Billy briefly dies in a strip, caused by colliding with a wall after going too fast. This was revealed to be a dream at the end of the strip, from a coma Billy was induced into. Issue No. 4104

In other media

[edit]

Video

[edit]
  • Billy appeared alongside other Beano stars in the 1994 straight-to-DVD movie, Beano Video. He was voiced by Gary Martin.

Theme parks

[edit]

Merchandise

[edit]
  • Robert Harrop designed a Billy Whizz figure featuring him inside a bumper car.
[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Billy Whizz

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Billy Whizz is a fictional character from the British children's comic , celebrated for his superhuman running speed that allows him to outpace even Olympic athletes like . He debuted in issue 1139, dated 16 May 1964, as a replacement for the previous strip The Country Cuzzins. The character, a 10-year-old boy born with an innate ability to move at extraordinary velocities, often creates chaotic yet comedic scenarios in his daily life, such as leaving trails of smoke or struggling with slower activities like walking. His motto, “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing fast!”, encapsulates his energetic personality, and he resides in Beanotown with his parents Malorie and George, younger brother Alfie, and pet Tillie—whose slow pace provides ironic contrast to Billy's rapidity. Billy's prized possessions include a too slow to measure him and trainers with soles made from Formula 1 tires, highlighting his obsession with speed. Over the decades, Billy Whizz has become one of 's enduring icons, frequently interacting with other characters like best friends and , while viewing speed cameras as his arch-nemesis. His adventures emphasize themes of mischief and ingenuity, evolving from early black-and-white strips to modern color editions, and he remains a staple in the comic's ongoing publications.

Creation and publication history

Concept and debut

Billy Whizz was created by British comic artist Malcolm Judge in 1964 to replace the existing strip The Country Cuzzins in The Beano. The character debuted in issue 1139 of the comic, dated 16 May 1964. The core concept of Billy Whizz revolves around a young boy endowed with extraordinary running speed, which serves as the strip's central gimmick and frequently results in comedic chaos as he navigates everyday situations at superhuman velocities. Judge, who had previously illustrated strips like Colonel Crackpot's Circus for The Beano, drew the initial stories himself, emphasizing humorous scenarios driven by Billy's velocity rather than overt superhero tropes, positioning him as a lighthearted, low-key figure in the vein of contemporary American Silver Age influences. Judge maintained artistic control over the strip throughout its early decades, illustrating nearly every installment from the 1964 debut until his death on 17 January 1989, during which time he cultivated a distinctive style of exaggerated motion to convey Billy's speed in a whimsical, non-destructive manner.

Artistic evolution

Following the death of original artist Malcolm Judge in January 1989, the Billy Whizz strip underwent a transitional period, with reprints and occasional new strips by Barrie Appleby appearing before Steve Horrocks assumed primary duties in 1990. Horrocks introduced more exaggerated and destructive visual effects to emphasize Billy's superhuman speed, such as shattered environments and chaotic motion lines that heightened the comedic impact of his velocity. David Parkins succeeded Horrocks, illustrating the strip from 1990 to 1993 and modernizing its aesthetic with dynamic, cluttered compositions that captured escalating pandemonium in each panel. During Parkins' tenure, Billy adopted a jet-black adorned with a lightning bolt motif, debuting in issue 2599 dated May 9, 1992, which symbolized his speed and marked a shift toward bolder, more contemporary character design. Vic Neill took over in 1993, continuing until his death in 1999, and further refined the character's look by evolving Billy's signature hairstyle from two protruding strands into a shape in issue 2712 dated July 9, 1994, enhancing the thematic consistency with speed motifs. Neill's style emphasized fluid action sequences and humorous consequences of Billy's haste, while streamlining elements like the tracksuit's original stripe for artistic simplification to improve readability and focus on motion. Earlier in the strip's , Billy had transitioned from to in issue 1761 dated April 17, 1976, following a storyline where his father instructed him to purchase them to appear more mature. After Neill's death, Graeme Hall illustrated the strip from 2000 to 2003. In subsequent years, the strip saw additional artists contributing distinct stylistic interpretations during revivals. Wayne Thompson illustrated from 2003 onward, employing smoother contours and a return to whimsical, less frenetic depictions of speed mishaps. Trevor Metcalfe, who had briefly drawn in 1993, resumed in 2005 through 2009, incorporating softer lines and amplified humor in scenarios involving Billy's velocity-induced blunders. Nick Brennan handled the strip from 2009 to 2012, blending Metcalfe's influences with cleaner panel layouts that prioritized gag delivery over visual intensity.

Revivals and recent developments

By the early , Billy Whizz's popularity had waned, prompting Beano editors to consider cancelling the strip in 2003. Rather than ending it, the team opted for a revival by appointing Wayne Thompson as the new artist starting that year, who refreshed the character's look to echo earlier styles while introducing creative storylines. Thompson's tenure helped stabilize the strip, though it later shifted to intermittent reprints of classic material from 2007 to 2008, including works by Vic Neill and Trevor Metcalfe, with occasional new one-off appearances. In November 2012, Wilbur Dawbarn assumed both writing and artistic duties on Billy Whizz, restoring the character's original aesthetic and ensuring continuity through the alongside sporadic contributions from guest artists. The strip has since maintained regular but non-cover placements in , appearing consistently in weekly issues. To celebrate the character's 60th anniversary, issue 4236 (dated 18 May 2024) included a special multi-part storyline titled "What's Happened to Billy Whizz?," reflecting on the speedster's enduring legacy. Recent strips in the 2020s have expanded Billy's world by reintroducing his cousin Billie Whizz, a 10-year-old girl with comparable superhuman speed who shares his passion for racing around Beanotown and often joins him in chaotic adventures, adding new layers to the family interactions. As of 2025, Billy Whizz continues as a staple in The Beano's lineup, supported by a robust online footprint on Beano.com that features detailed character profiles, interactive quizzes, and digitized archive strips for fans.

Character description

Physical appearance

Billy Whizz is depicted as a young boy with a distinctive : a completely shaved head except for two prominent, antenna-like tufts of protruding from the front, which have been shown to be blonde if allowed to grow out. His slim build and exaggerated running posture emphasize his superhuman speed, often portrayed with dynamic lines suggesting motion blur around his form. In his debut appearance in The Beano issue 1139 (16 May 1964), Billy wore a simple outfit consisting of a red , black , red , and white trainers, reflecting a casual, everyday look suited to a . A notable update occurred in issue 1761 (dated 17 April 1976), when Billy switched from shorts to bottoms, a change initiated in the strip as an attempt by his father to slow him down but ultimately embraced by the character. This adjustment marked the first significant evolution in his visual design, aligning his attire more closely with athletic wear while retaining the core elements of his original ensemble. The character's appearance underwent a major redesign in issue 2599 (9 May 1992), introduced by David Parkins, featuring a jet-black adorned with a lightning bolt emblem to symbolize his ; by 1994, the emblem shifted to red on the black . In mid-1994, under Vic Neill, Billy's hairstyle transformed into a thunderbolt-shaped blonde flash in issue 2712 (9 July 1994), without any narrative explanation, further tying his look to themes of and speed. This stylized hair persisted until 2003, when it reverted to the classic two-tuft design. Following the , Billy's design stabilized with no substantial alterations beyond minor artistic interpretations by successive illustrators. In 2012, Wilbur Dawbarn restored the original 1964 outfit of and , reinforcing the character's foundational visual identity. His family members, including father Mr. Whizz and brother Alfie, share the signature two-tuft hairstyle, underscoring a genetic trait in the Whizz household. In recent developments, Billy's cousin Billie Whizz was introduced in 2013 as another speedster, depicted with a similar slim, athletic build and dynamic posture but adapted with feminine features for distinction.

Personality and abilities

Billy Whizz is characterized by his superhuman running speed, which allows him to outpace anyone, including Olympic sprinter , and perform feats such as dodging raindrops to remain dry during . This ability, often referred to as "whizzspeed," extends to everyday activities like reading or eating, enabling him to complete them at extraordinary velocities. However, his speed frequently results in unintentional chaos, such as generating powerful wind gusts that disrupt his surroundings, causing collisions with objects or people, or even being mistaken for a due to the friction-generated heat and light. While this power drives much of the humor through speed-induced mishaps in Beanotown, it also serves practical purposes, like evading trouble or assisting friends in urgent situations. In terms of personality, Billy is generally kind-hearted and friendly, with a strong love for running and , though he exhibits a short temper when teased about his abilities, as seen in stories where family provocations lead to outbursts. Unlike more mischievous Beano characters such as the Menace, Billy is less inclined to deliberately cause trouble, with most disruptions stemming accidentally from his inability to moderate his pace—making him notably accident-prone. His family, including parents George and Malorie, younger brother Alfie, and pet tortoise Tillie, often reacts with frustration or exasperation to the destruction wrought by his velocity, such as when his toddler-speed caused his nappy to smoke from or when he struggles to walk slowly in school corridors. Billy's super-speed comes with notable limitations that add to the comedic elements of the strips; he is barred from participating in the Olympics due to his unfair advantage, and his pace can backfire, leading to failures like overshooting targets or exhausting himself in futile attempts to slow down. Over time, the narrative focus has evolved from primarily whimsical, standalone depictions of his solo speed antics in early strips to more relational dynamics in later ones, particularly following the introduction of his cousin Billie Whizz, who shares comparable abilities and frequently joins him in races or collaborative high-speed escapades around Beanotown.

Media adaptations

Animated and video appearances

Billy Whizz first appeared in animated form in the 1994 direct-to-video anthology The Beano Videostars, a collection of short segments featuring various Beano characters engaging in comedic antics set in Beanotown Cinema. Voiced by British actor Gary Martin, Billy's portrayal emphasized his signature speed, with segments depicting high-velocity chases and mishaps, such as stripping a pedestrian of his clothes by running past at superhuman pace. The animation style incorporated exaggerated visual effects like motion blur and rapid cuts to convey his velocity, complemented by energetic including whooshing noises and comedic impacts. While Billy Whizz has not starred in a dedicated full-length animated series, he has made recurring guest appearances in Beano anthology animations across releases from the and early , often as part of ensemble stories highlighting group mischief in Beanotown. These include compilations like All-Stars (2003), where his speed abilities contribute to ensemble races and chaotic pursuits alongside characters such as Dennis the Menace and . The high-energy animation consistently translates his traits into dynamic motion, using speed lines and blurred backgrounds to amplify the humor of his antics. In the 2020s, Billy Whizz has featured in short animated promotional videos and character profiles on the official Beano YouTube channel and Beano.com, focusing on quick clips of races, chases, and speed demonstrations to engage younger audiences. These digital shorts maintain the anthology format, with Billy often appearing briefly in multi-character skits that showcase his abilities in modern, fast-paced animation, such as outrunning vehicles or creating wind gusts from his runs. The style remains true to earlier productions, prioritizing vibrant colors, slapstick humor, and audio cues like accelerating footsteps to emphasize his super speed without delving into extended narratives.

Theme park attractions

Billy Whizz's presence in theme park attractions has been limited, with the character's most prominent feature being a dedicated ride at in the UK. From 2000 to 2009, Billy's Whizzer operated as part of Beanoland, a themed area dedicated to comic characters developed in partnership with . This waveswinger ride, manufactured by Zierer, consisted of suspended chairs rotating under a central dome, enhanced by water jets that sprayed riders to evoke the chaotic speed of Billy's adventures. Standing approximately 12 meters tall with a 1.2-meter minimum height restriction, it provided family-friendly thrills and was one of four main attractions in Beanoland, alongside Roger the Dodger's Dodgems and ' Madhouse. The ride's theming directly referenced Billy Whizz's superhuman running ability, with signage and decor portraying the character in high-speed action, aligning with his comic portrayal as the "fastest boy in the world." During its nine-year run, Billy's Whizzer drew visitors seeking immersive Beano experiences, contributing to Beanoland's popularity as a nostalgic hub for British comic fans in the early . However, following the area's retheming to Wild in 2009, the ride was renamed Monkey Swinger and stripped of its Beano elements, operating until its dismantling in May 2025 to make way for new developments. Beyond this dedicated attraction, Billy Whizz has not featured in major theme park rides or permanent installations elsewhere. Occasional integrations occur within broader Beano-themed events at parks, such as character parades and interactive games tied to promotions, though these have primarily highlighted more central figures like Dennis the Menace since the 2010s. For instance, post-2010 revivals at venues like Gulliver's Theme Parks included live shows and appearances emphasizing mischief and adventure, but Billy Whizz's speed-based gimmick has limited his prominence in physical, interactive formats compared to characters with easier-to-stage personas. As of 2025, no significant physical theme park features exist for the character, with Beano's live engagements focusing on digital enhancements and pop-up activities rather than dedicated Billy Whizz elements.

Merchandise

Official merchandise for Billy Whizz primarily consists of collectible items and digital content tied to the Beano brand. In the 2000s, Robert Harrop produced a series of ceramic resin figurines as part of the licensed Beano and Dandy collection, including the DO09 "Billy Whizz Dodgem" model from 2001, which depicts the character in a dynamic racing pose inside a bumper car. These limited-edition statues, typically measuring around 3.5 inches tall, were sold boxed and have become sought-after by collectors. Danbury Mint issued fine collector plates featuring Billy Whizz as part of the Official Beano Plate Collection in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with each 20cm-diameter plate accompanied by a . The Billy Whizz design highlights his speedy persona and was one of 12 plates in the set, distributed exclusively through the publisher. Numismatic merchandise includes a 50p featuring Billy Whizz, released in 2021 by the Westminster Collection to commemorate Beano characters. Struck to Brilliant Uncirculated quality on behalf of the and officially licensed by , the coin portrays Billy in a characteristic fast-motion style as part of a five-coin set. Beano Annuals, published annually by since 1939, have featured Billy Whizz comic strips starting from the 1965 edition, providing consistent printed merchandise that ties into the character's ongoing adventures. These books compile stories and activities, with Billy Whizz appearances contributing to their appeal as collectible volumes for fans. In the 2020s, digital offerings on the official Beano website include free online and interactive centered on Billy Whizz, such as the "Billy's Whizz Speed Sprint" button-mashing where players control the character to deliver across Beanotown. Archive strips and special issues, like those marking the character's 60th anniversary in , are available for viewing or download, alongside expectations for limited-edition physical items such as books and apparel to celebrate the milestone.

Legacy

Key milestones

Billy Whizz debuted in The Beano issue 1139 on 16 May 1964, replacing the strip The Country Cuzzins and marking the character's introduction as the fastest boy in Beanotown. On 17 April 1976, in issue 1761, Billy began wearing trousers instead of shorts following a storyline where his father instructed him to purchase new clothing to improve his appearance. The final strip drawn by original artist Malcolm Judge appeared on 27 January 1989, shortly after his death earlier that month. Billy's iconic lightning bolt tracksuit was introduced on 9 May 1992 in issue 2599, with the debut story depicting him running so fast in the outfit that residents mistook him for a thunderstorm. In 2003, Wayne Thompson revived the strip as artist starting with issue 3168 on 5 April, bringing a fresh take that echoed the original style while introducing subtle updates. On 2 August 2008, in issue 3443, artist Barrie Appleby contributed a new Billy Whizz strip for The Beano's 70th anniversary edition, ending a period of reprints and signaling renewed activity for the character. Nick Brennan commenced as the strip's artist on 31 October 2009 with issue 3507, initiating a three-year run of original content after years of reprints. The artistic direction shifted again on 10 November 2012 when Wilbur Dawbarn took over, restoring elements of the classic design such as shorts and spiky hair while emphasizing the character's speed-based humor. The Beano issue 4236, dated 18 May 2024, celebrated Billy Whizz's 60th anniversary with a special storyline titled "What's Happened to Billy Whizz?" exploring his enduring legacy.

Cultural impact

Billy Whizz has played a significant role in sustaining 's longevity as one of Britain's longest-running children's comics, having contributed to its publication of over 4,000 issues since 1938 alongside other classic characters like Dennis the Menace. As a staple feature since its debut in 1964, the character's enduring presence has helped maintain the comic's appeal across generations, embodying the rebellious yet playful spirit that has defined 's cultural footprint in British media. Fan reception of Billy Whizz has consistently praised its wholesome, lighthearted humor, which contrasts with more mischievous Beano protagonists while emphasizing clever problem-solving through speed. The character's 60th anniversary in 2024, marked by special covers and editions in The Beano issue 4236 dated 18 May 2024, underscored its lasting charm in children's entertainment, with tributes highlighting its role in fostering imaginative play without edginess. The nickname "Billy Whizz" has permeated broader popular culture, notably adopted by British racing driver Billy Monger, who earned it for his rapid karting prowess before a 2017 crash, drawing direct inspiration from the character's superhuman velocity. While Billy Whizz featured prominently in The Beano during its 1960s-1980s peak, its appearances have become less frequent in modern issues compared to newer strips, reflecting shifts toward contemporary storytelling. However, periodic revivals ensure relevance for younger audiences, preserving its status as a touchstone of British comic heritage. As of 2025, Billy Whizz continues to feature in weekly Beano issues and the 2025 annual. The character appears in Beano compilations and annuals, and is referenced in educational resources on comic creation, such as BBC Teach programs that use it to illustrate dynamic character naming and traits in British comics history.

References

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  38. https://www.wfla.com/bloom-tampa-bay/iconic-brand-and-character-anniversaries-in-2024/
  39. https://comicsuk.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4220
  40. https://www.licenseglobal.com/rankings-lists/2024-brand-anniversaries-a-comprehensive-list
  41. https://www.economist.com/prospero/2018/07/30/why-the-beano-is-still-beloved-80-years-on
  42. https://news.sky.com/story/the-beano-exhibition-why-the-hidden-hand-comic-behind-british-culture-is-finally-getting-its-time-in-the-arts-spotlight-12439338
  43. https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/48332693
  44. https://about.amazingpeopleschools.com/ap-library/billy-monger/
  45. https://news.sky.com/story/ex-racing-driver-billy-monger-banned-from-driving-for-crashing-into-three-parked-cars-13231011
  46. https://www.beano.com/comic/beanotown/the-beano-annual-2025
  47. https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/class-clips-video/articles/zyj39ty
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