Bazooka Joe® Enters the Big Leagues with All-Star Athlete Comic Collaboration

Bazooka Joe welcomes 12 sports icons including Jason Kelce (former Philadelphia Eagles), DK Metcalf (Pittsburgh Steelers), and Karl-Anthony Towns (New York Knicks), into the Bazookaverse® in a new limited-edition collector comic series launching September 2025

NEW YORK, Sept. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - For over 70 years, Bazooka Joe® has cracked jokes, blown bubbles, and lived in the pocket of pop culture – now, he is entering the big leagues! Bazooka Brands™ is introducing a bold, new, limited-edition comic series including some of the biggest sports stars that begins rolling into retail this September. Consumers will enjoy their favorite athletes brought to life as illustrated characters when they step into the brand's reimagined comic universe – the Bazookaverse®. Consumers will discover one of the new custom comics wrapped inside every piece of Bazooka® Bubble Gum. This is the first time the brand has introduced new printed comics inside the bubble gum in almost 30 years.

Bazooka's limited-edition comic series gives sports fandom a twist. Bazooka Joe and his Gang are teaming up with 12 standout athletes from the NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, NHL and NCAA. Fans can collect all 36 one-of-a-kind comics starring all of the following pro athletes: Adam Henrique (Edmonton Oilers), Anders Lee (NY Islanders), CC Sabathia (former NY Yankees), CJ McCollum (Washington Wizards), Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys), Deja Kelly (WNBA), Derrick White (Boston Celtics), DK Metcalf (Pittsburgh Steelers), Flau'jae Johnson (LSU Tigers), Freddie Freeman (LA Dodgers), Jason Kelce (former Philadelphia Eagles), Karl Anthony Towns (NY Knicks). The athletes participating in Bazooka's upcoming initiatives are investors through Patricof Co.

Each player headlines in three original comic formats, brimming with action, humor and their unique personalities: 

• Classic Comic - The iconic comic you know and love—starring Bazooka Joe, his gang, and pro athletes turned cartoon legends. A fresh take on the classic jokes you expect from Bazooka Joe and the Gang with a sports twist.
• "Talk Like A Pro" – Bazooka Joe and his athlete friends break down sports lingo and terminology in a comic style that's both informative and entertaining.
• Player Portrait - A classic sports card-inspired comic portrait of each athlete; iconically Bazooka and a classic collectable that fans will cherish!

It's game-on as our pro athletes' step, slide, dribble, and blitz their way into the Bazookaverse! But Bazooka isn't only releasing new comics, it is releasing an opportunity for a full-blown collector experience as fans everywhere will be able to submit comics for a shot at epic prizes, including exclusive gear, pro-signed merchandise and limited-edition collectable comic coloring book. Be sure to follow Bazooka Bubble Gum's social channels and website for contest giveaway details when they drop – you won't want to miss out!

"Sports have always been a part of Bazooka's DNA – just like our iconic comics," said Joanna Firestone, Senior Brand Manager for Bazooka. "By introducing this group of powerhouse athletes into the Bazookaverse, we are bringing pop culture to our comics with a modern twist on the same humor our fans love and expect from Bazooka Joe in a way that connects with all generations."

The limited-edition series will be made available beginning this September. The new comics can be found in the following skus: 10-count wallet pack, 6-count mini-wallet pack and the 225ct tub. Nationwide retailers carrying Bazooka include: Walmart, Dollar General, Walgreens, Five Below, Amazon and more.

Fans won't want to miss following Bazooka Joe and the gang on Instagram and TikTok all year long for real-time updates on the comics, drop dates, giveaways, exclusive content!

As an extension of Bazooka's social media content, www.bazookajoe.com/joe-x-pro will become the ultimate destination for fans to dive into the full Bazooka sports-comic experience. Fans will be able to create personalized digital Bazookafied player cards by choosing a featured pro athlete and customizing their look with fun accessories and styles for a totally ownable Bazookaverse® keepsake. Fans won't want to miss the chance to be part of this bold new chapter in Bazooka history!

About Bazooka Bubble Gum:

Bazooka® Bubble Gum is a culturally iconic brand that's been sparking smiles and allowing fans to blow bubbles for over 75 years. Famous for its flavor and the classic Bazooka Joe comics inside, the brand has cemented its place in the candy industry and cultural history. Bazooka® Bubble Gum is part of Bazooka Brands, a leading innovator in edible entertainment. Learn more at www.bazookacandybrands.com.

About Bazooka Brands:

Bazooka Brands is a division of The Bazooka Companies, LLC and produces such iconic, high-quality candy products as Ring Pop^®, Push Pop^®, Baby Bottle Pop^®, Juicy Drop^® Pop, and of course, Bazooka^® bubble gum. For additional information, visit www.bazookacandybrands.com.

Social Handles:
Instagram: @TheRealBazookaJoe
TikTok: @TheRealBazookaJoe
Facebook: @bazookabubblegum

SOURCE Bazooka Brands