British Teen
A 17-year-old teenager from Petersfield, Hampshire, has achieved global recognition after earning a Guinness World Record for creating the world’s longest hand-drawn flip-book.
Max Budgen made headlines for his remarkable feat—a 1,300-page flip-book titled “Thunder Strikes”, an animated masterpiece entirely sketched by hand.
According to Guinness World Records, Max’s journey toward this unique accomplishment was both time-consuming and creatively demanding. He spent several days crafting the animation, drawing page after page in different settings—at his desk, during school hours, and even while commuting on trains.
His dedication and passion for storytelling are evident in the commitment it took to reach the historic 1,300-page mark.
“The record attempt itself took place over a number of days,” Max said. “I’d sit down at my desk, at school, on trains, and I’d draw.” Despite the monotonous and repetitive nature of the task, he pushed through with discipline and focus.
Max candidly reflected on the challenges he faced during the process. “Some of the toughest moments that I encountered whilst attempting this record, I think, is the fact that flip-books are usually meant to be short, snappy, and interesting narratives,” he explained. “By the time I was on page 500 or so, I was getting rather bored and running out of ideas.”
However, instead of giving up, he reminded himself of the goal he had set and the significance of the achievement he was pursuing. “Nevertheless, I reminded myself that world records aren’t meant to be easy. So I persevered and carried on.”
The flip-book, “Thunder Strikes,” tells a dynamic story through thousands of hand-drawn illustrations, showcasing Max’s creativity and patience.
His achievement not only earned him a coveted place in the Guinness World Records but also inspired young artists and animators across the globe to dream big and stay committed to their passions—no matter how long or challenging the path may be.
