Mike Pearse - Early Days at Bash Street

Before the fantastic Football Special (which I may also blog about for the New Year!), Mike Pearse began treading his toes in the Beano by reintroducing the Three Bears. But on a few occasions he appeared to have stepped in for David Sutherland, long-standing artist for the Bash Street Kids. When I first read these, while the characters remained semi-faithful to Sutherland's designs, I knew straight off the bat that the familiar style of humour was vastly different. It felt.....fresh =)

Not sure even most Pearse fans would remember these, but in case you've forgotten, here's a little reminder. I'll tell you this, though: scanning / editing / restoring double-paged comics is not easy!

Published in Issue No.3001, January, 2000:

Published in Issue No.3003, February, 2000

Mike Pearse - A Nightmare on Bash Street!

Just in time for Halloween, here's one of Mike Pearse's "extra l-o-n-g" stories from 2000, featuring the Bash Street Kids.

With no disregard at all for David Sutherland's long-standing career, what I love about Mike's Bash St. comics is how he injects more character to the kids - Spotty became a loud-mouthed practical joker, Sidney a cocky wannabe, and even Plug displays intelligence amongst his ghastly features. All different and perfect for character interactions to play from.

In fact, considering how many extended stories Mike has penned for the Bash Street Kids, I wouldn't be surprised if these were considered his favourites to work with, next to The Three Bears!