A few years ago (around 2004-9) the Beano Annual had degenerated into a mere shadow of its former self, with too many attempts to be seen as "modern" and "relevant" to today's children. That's not what parents, or I suspect children, want from the Beano. We want something more traditional and reliable from the Beano; after all, it's a national treasure, having been close to the hearts of generations of children since its launch over seventy years ago.
Thankfully, someone at Beano Towers must have been listening to the traditionalists' grumbles, because last year's annual was a real return to form, easily the best for at least a decade. Thankfully this year's book follows that template, and this is a delightfully funny and warm celebration of the country's best children's comic. All the old favourites are there, and there are still "modern" cartoon strips, but they are there because they're funny, not because the Beano is trying to be either trendy or PC.
As someone who has gratefully received every Beano Annual since 1967, I am both relieved and delighted that this return to form has been maintained, and I have no hesitation in giving this a five-star rating.