IF the Dandy closes it will join a growing list of fallen comrades in the comic book graveyard.

Among them is fellow DC Thomson title The Topper, which ran from 1953 until September 15, 1990, when it merged with The Beezer.

The Topper itself had two comics absorbed into it: Buzz in 1975 and Sparky in 1977.

The final edition of The Beezer, which started in 1956, was printed on August 21, 1993. Its closure spelled the end for other classics with which it had combined, including Cracker in 1976 and Plug in 1979.

The Dandy, meanwhile, has taken in characters from other defunct titles over the years, including Beryl the Peril from The Topper, Bananaman from Nutty and troublesome toddler Cuddles, who joined Dandy partner-in-crime Dimples after stints at Nutty and Hoot.

Another cult favourite now gone is Pippin, published by Polystyle Publications from 1966 to 1986, which featured characters from pre-school television programmes including Bill and Ben, Andy Pandy and Trumpton.

However, it's not all doom and gloom. Among those still fighting on is Commando, which was first published in July 1961. There are eight issues a month of DC Thomson's black-and-white war comic. Keeping up with the times, it is available online and in iPhone and iPad formats as well as print.