Manchester United and England footballer Marcus Rashford has said reading is his “true escape”, as he joins the Beano Comics team as guest editor and cartoon star.
In the special edition, Rashford is pictured partaking in typical Beano antics in a Beano Editor’s t-shirt, as he plans a prank at Harsha’s Prank Academy.
Alongside Dennis, Rasher and The Bash Street Kids, the forward has some sage advice for the Beanotown gang including encouraging kids to read (“You won’t need me! Reading can give you all the help you need!”) and a reminder to “dream big”.
In his editor’s letter, Rashford, 24, revealed that “asking for help” was his superpower and emphasised the importance of keeping a “team of allies” close.
Rashford said: “My favourite thing about Beano is how the comic brings together all sorts of different children. Instead of our differences dividing us, we embrace them here, and we find strength in them.
“Reading is one of my favourite things to do because it lets me dream. I see myself achieving so much more and I’m motivated to give new things a try. Reading is my true escape.
“Everyone should have the opportunity to find the joy in books, magazines, audiobooks or even this extra-special edition of Beano - my Beano!”
He added: “This is a great opportunity for you to get to know me a little better and understand all the things that are important to me.”
The team at Beano has pledged to donate 20p to the Marcus Rashford Book Club for every issue sold at newsstands.
Craig Graham, Beano Studios Editorial Director said: “Wow! Marcus Rashford guest editing Beano – that’s not something you get to say every day.
“We’re so thrilled with this week’s very special comic and hope kids pick up a copy to enter the incredible world of reading.”
The children’s education advocate, who last year introduced his book club with the National Literary Trust and Macmillan Children’s Books, also celebrates the launch of his new book You Can Do It: How to Find Your Voice and Make a Difference, co-authored by Carl Anka.
A special comic strip by illustrator Marta Kissi also features in his book where Rashford teaches the Beanotown kids about failure and persistence.
His character presents the “youth club of the year” trophy to the Bash Street Youth Club and Beanotown Under-18’s Modelling Society, or, erm, “b.u.m.s”.
This accompanies Rashford’s partnership with the NatWest Thrive scheme, teaching children aged six-16 years old financial confidence.
