Bazooka Joe Takes NFL, NBA, WNBA, NHL Stars To The Bazookaverse And Beyond

By Barry Janoff

September 3, 2025: Saying that “sports have always been a part of Bazooka's DNA,” Bazooka Brands has introduced a limited-edition comic series that includes a dozen current and former athletes from the NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, NHL and NCAA.

Launched in 1947, the product is best known for its Bazooka Joe character — with his baseball cap and eye patch covering his right eye — and ūber-sweet gum that comes wrapped with a comic strip.

The newly created Bazookaverse will be a limited-edition of 36 comics available beginning this month that will see athletes interact with Joe and his gang, telling jokes and explaining sports lingo and terminology “in a comic style that's both informative and entertaining.”

They will also be offering the brand’s typical feel-good fortunes: “Tomorrow’s your lucky day” and “One day everyone will know your name.”

And, of course, gum.

The current and former athletes involved include Flau'jae Johnson (LSU Tigers), Freddie Freeman (Los Angeles Dodgers), Jason Kelce (former Philadelphia Eagles), Karl-Anthony Towns (New York Knicks), Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys), Deja Kelly (WNBA), Derrick White (Boston Celtics), DK Metcalf (Pittsburgh Steelers),  Adam Henrique (Edmonton Oilers), Anders Lee (New York Islanders), CC Sabathia (former New York Yankees) and CJ McCollum (Washington Wizards). 

The athletes participating in Bazooka's initiatives are investors through Patricof Co.

"Sports have always been a part of Bazooka's DNA — just like our iconic comics," Joanna Firestone, Bazooka senior brand manager, said via the company.

“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 Bazookaverse is the first time the brand has had new printed comics inside the bubble gum in almost 30 years.

Bazooka is also tapping into the sports collectibles category, offering consumers the opportunity to submit comics for a chance to win such prizes as exclusive gear, pro-signed merchandise, a limited-edition collectable comic coloring book and a “Player Portrait” — a sports card-inspired comic portrait of each athlete.

Support includes social media at Instagram and TikTok as well as the Web site offering updates on the comics, drop dates, giveaways and exclusive content.

The Bazookaverse comics can be found at national retailers including Walmart, Dollar General, Walgreens, Five Below and Amazon.

The product is being sold in ten-count wallet packs, six-count mini-wallet pack and a 225-count tub.

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