Two legendary brands are on a collision course this summer thanks to Dynamite. The publisher has announced Madballs™ vs. Garbage Pail Kids, an epic crossover of gross-out proportions.
For more than 30 years, these franchises have been entertaining fans, and as Dynamite describes “co-ruling a corner of counterculture with their pun-heavy names, subversive humor, and inventive art and design. Now, as part of an exciting merchandising blitz, Dynamite is proud to publish an ambitious comic book series showing just how these misfits might get along – or destroy everything around them!”
Written by Sholly Fisch (Superman, Star Wars, Scooby-Doo, Mighty Mouse, Looney Tunes), the award-nominated scribe’s work appeals to all ages and fans new and old.
“Let’s just say that, no matter which side you’re on, you’ll find stuff to make you laugh. And, if you’re not careful, you may get splattered with slime or toxic waste, too,” said Fisch.
Artist Jason Crosby, known for drawing the Garbage Pail Kids for Topps’ latest trading card and sketch card sets, joins the creative team.
“I try to have my work full of energy, movement, and splattered goop, so honestly, drawing these two franchises is right up my alley,” said Crosby. “My work isn’t subtle, and I hope it explodes off the page.”
The comic series will feature collectible variant covers by Crosby and others, such as legendary GPK artist Joe Simko, who contributes both an epic main cover and a trading card inspired one. With collaborator James Groman, Simko also crafted a wraparound cover.
Garbage Pail Kids kicked off its reign of irreverence in 1985 when Topps launched the first of many trading card series featuring their trademark hilariously revolting characters – all with clever names to match. They have since been animated and their appeal continues with a full slate of globally-licensed consumer products.
“The Garbage Pail Kids and Madballs share much of the same ‘twisted’ DNA; an irreverent 80’s sensibility, outrageous artwork and loyal fan bases that remain passionate to this day.” says Ira Friedman, who oversees GPK licensing at Topps. “It comes as no surprise that the anticipation and excitement for this comics crossover is off the charts.”
Cloudco Entertainment’s Madballs first hit the following year with their irregularly shaped toy foam balls. Ghastly faces, grotesque names, and ghoulish attitudes made them an instant hit, selling tens of millions of toys and spawning their own animated specials and product lines.
“Madballs vs Garbage Pail Kids has been one of my favorite projects to-date,” said Carlos Villagra, Creative Director of Cloudco Entertainment. “Growing up with these gross, wacky, nasty brands in the ‘80s, and then being able to bring them to life through an awesome collaboration with Dynamite – the whole experience has really been a dream come true.”
“We can’t wait for fans to get their hands on this crossover bursting with energy,” said Nick Barrucci, Dynamite CEO and Publisher. “We promise the comic book doesn’t drip with slime, but maybe we should figure out how to make that happen!”
Madballs™ vs. Garbage Pail Kids #1 is slated for release in July 2022. Comic fans are encouraged to preorder copies with their local comic book retailers next month. It will also be available through digital platforms courtesy of Comixology, Kindle, iBooks, Google Play, Dynamite Digital, ComicsPlus, and more.
