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Debuting a few months after the 1993 feature film release, Dennis the Menace, DIC's All-New Dennis the Menace cartoon series was meant to appeal to fans of the classic character. Dennis had been around since 1951, created by cartoonist Hank Ketcham as a comic strip. Dennis and his friends ended up on a live-action sitcom, a long-running cartoon series, and a series of Dairy Queen commercials. Dennis and his grouchy neighbor Mr. Wilson had become pop culture stars.

 

All-New Dennis the Menace followed the character development of the film, and presented Dennis as less of an actual menace, and more of a well-intentioned boy who’s plans go awry. Cranky Mr. Wilson and his calming wife were also there, along with comic strip regulars, parents Henry and Alice Mitchell, friends Joey and Gina, smarty pants Margaret, and dog Ruff.

 

The ‘90’s Dennis reflected the values of the decade. He learned about the new definition of gender roles by curbing his macho habits and discovering that courage can be had by both boys and girls. He became more sensitive as well, learning that "girls are always right and boys are always wrong."

The new series did not meet with the success the network was hoping for. Little menaces has gotten meaner since Dennis first got into trouble, and his antics were no match for the likes of Bart Simpson and Home Alone's Kevin McCallister. The show was cancelled after only one season, and Dennis returned to making his own brand of mischief back in the funny papers, where ratings were less important.