Bazooka Bubble Gum was first launched in 1947 by the Topps Company in Brooklyn, New York, shortly after World War II. The name itself was a tribute to the rocket-propelled weapon used by the US Army, and the original packaging sported a patriotic red, white, and blue color scheme. A major turning point came in 1953 with the debut of the now-iconic Bazooka Joe comic strips tucked inside the wrapper. Featuring the wise-cracking, eyepatch-wearing character, these comics quickly became a cultural phenomenon, offering jokes, fortunes, and a redemption offer for prizes, driving the brand's enduring popularity for generations.
