Bazooka Joe Returns With Athlete-Owned Sports Comics

Bazooka Joe is making a comeback with a new limited-edition comic series featuring 12 professional athletes from major sports leagues including the NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, NHL, and NCAA. This marks the first time in nearly 30 years that new printed comics have been included with Bazooka bubble gum, aiming to blend nostalgia with a modern sports fandom experience. The series, called the Bazookaverse, includes 36 unique comics across three formats, such as classic comics, sports lingo guides, and player portraits that resemble sports cards. The athletes involved, including Dak Prescott, Jason Kelce, CC Sabathia, and others, are also investors in Bazooka Brands through Patricof Co, which recently led a $10 million investment following the brand's acquisition. Bazooka aims to appeal to both loyal fans and a younger generation by combining physical collectibles with interactive elements like fan-submitted comics and giveaways. This initiative reflects Bazooka's strategy to leverage authenticity and tangible experiences in an increasingly digital world, capitalizing on the growing U.S. confectionery market projected to reach $61 billion by 2028.