David Sutherland dead at 89, Cause of Death

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David Sutherland, the creator of the Bash Street Kids, a famous comic strip from the Beano, passed away at the age of 89.

David began illustrating the Bash Street Kids in 1962 and worked on the children’s comic for more than 60 years.

The editor of the venerable comic book referred to him as the “single most influential illustrator in Beano history.”

For his contributions to illustration, David received an OBE in the New Year’s Honours List.

He joined the Beano after competing in a DC Thomson art contest, and during the course of his long career, he also drew Biffo the Bear and Dennis the Menace.

The comic was initially released by DC Thomson in 1938.

Beano officially praised David for “so many lols, chuckles, grins, and guffaws throughout the years” in a statement.

The Bash Street Kids were like a “second family,” according to David.

When his OBE was revealed in December, he commented, “I couldn’t have known where it may lead when I joined the DC Thomson art competition more than 60 years ago.

“I’ve been so lucky to be able to do something I love for a living, and work with so many talented writers whose words have helped bring these characters to life.”

His wife Margaret said: “David only put his pen down last month when he took ill. Drawing was his life; it made us forget the age he was.

“He was getting older but we never noticed it. He just kept going and the editors remained happy with his work.”

David’s contribution to the comic and to the history of British comics, according to The Beano’s editor John Anderson, will never be matched.

“He brought joy to our beloved audiences – children and adults alike – and to those who were fortunate enough to work alongside him. He will be much missed and his legacy will undoubtedly have a lasting impact for many years to come.”