The Legend Of Desperate Dan - 60 Years Of Classic Cartoon Art Hardback Book 1997 Shop Stock Room Find. Released by D C Thompson in 1997 in celebration of 60 years Desperate Dan's appearance in the Dandy Comic. This fantastic The Legend Of Desperate Dan features a selection of his hilarious adventures, taken from sixty years of classic cartoon strips. Desperate Dan made his first appearance in the number one issue of The Dandy Comic which was launched on December 4th 1937. He has been in every issue since that time, an amazing record. Brand Shop Stock Room Find. Discovered in the store room of a closing down shop with a whole host of other annuals from a similar era. All orders received before 4.00pm Monday to Fridays are shipped the same day