The Beat is proud to exclusively announce that IDW Publishing has reported that first issue of Hello Kitty and Friends: Hello World! from the creative team of Eisner Award–winning author Mariko Tamaki (This One Summer, Detective Comics) and rising artist Cody Lemieux has received over 75,000 orders from retailers.
First announced during ComicsPro back in February, this Hello Kitty comic kicks off a major partnership between IDW Publishing and the Japanese entertainment company Sanrio. Though comics featuring the character have been published in the past, most notably wordless graphic novels released by Viz, Hello Kitty and Friends: Hello World! marks the Sanrio mascot’s debut in a traditionally monthly comic book format in the American market.
During San Diego Comic-Con not too long ago, IDW sold the comic early at its booth on the show floor with the exclusive cover and even all early copies of Cover A brought to the convention selling out. It’s no exaggeration to say it was tremendous SDCC weekend for Hello Kitty writer Mariko Tamaki who won two Eisner Awards this year, including “Best Writer” for the graphic novel This Place Kills Me. Tapping such an acclaimed and prestigious writer for this Hello Kitty comic is a testament to how serious IDW is taking this licensed property.
According to IDW, fans and readers can expect more comics, including crossovers, from the world of Hello Kitty to be announced. Could we potentially see the adorable feline encounter the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or even Godzilla in the near future? Keep your eyes peeled.
Meantime, Hello Kitty and Friends: Hello World! #1 arrives in stores next week on Wednesday, August 12. Check out preview art below:
She’s here! Hello, world—it’s Hello Kitty! Welcome one and all to Hello Kitty and her friends’ first major swing into the comic book world.
Everything is going well in Hello Kitty’s life: Her friends are happy, her radio show is popular, and she even has the perfect gift to give! But all of that comes to a screeching halt when My Melody bursts in to reveal that her bow has gone missing!
Suddenly, the iconic symbols of our favorite characters all start disappearing, and it’s up to Hello Kitty to solve the case! But that’s not all—as friends start to suspect each other, our super detective must solve the mystery and keep everyone together! It’s a mess only Hello Kitty can solve!
Join comic legend and multiple Eisner Award–winning author Mariko Tamaki (This One Summer, Detective Comics) and rising artist Cody Lemieux for the groundbreaking comics launch of the world’s sweetheart!
Cover A comes polybagged with one of three exclusive collectible sticker sheets, unseal the surprise and start the chase to track down all three and complete the full set!
