Felix the Cat is set to star in a new comic book series from DreamWorks Animation and Source Point Press. The announcement was made at the Licensing Expo in Las Vegas.
DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg unveiled the acquisition at the expo calling the 95-year-old character as “the latest major addition to DreamWorks’ evergreen properties.” Katzenberg did not reveal specific plans for a Felix movie, saying instead that the cat will become a fashion brand. He also mentioned that the character is “especially popular” in Asia.
“Felix really goes beyond evergreen status and rises to something even more uncommon, as he is a true icon. We plan to make him one of the most desired fashion brands in the world,” Katzenberg added.
Felix the Cat #1 is from writer Mike Federali and artist Tracy Yardley and is the latest initiative from Source Point Press to expand its kids’ line of comics.
“Over the years, I’ve gotten to work with some iconic characters, and Felix the Cat is as iconic as they come!” Yardley said. “Drawing his bold, graphic style and his classic cast of friends has put a feline feather in my comics cap. I’m excited for fans to see the big adventure in store for Felix the Cat, along with his friends and foes, both old and new,” Yardley continued. “It’s been a ton of fun to draw, and I’m sure fans will have just as much fun reading it too.”
“Writing for Felix the Cat is nothing short of a dream come true for me. I can’t wait for fans old and new to see what we’ve been cooking up with the world’s funniest feline,” Federali added. “It has been a blast adding to his hilarious history. Not to mention Tracy is just crushing the artwork! I’ve been in love with his linework for years and he’s been the perfect partner on this creative ride.”
Felix the Cat became an overnight sensation after his first public appearance in the 1919 short film Feline Follies. After playing in every silent movie house in the world, Felix made the transition to print, appearing in over 250 newspapers in 70 different languages and reaching every corner of the globe. As his popularity grew, thousands of dolls, toys, games, songs and millions of comic books were produced featuring Felix the Cat.
Felix the Cat #1 goes on sale in stores and online in 2022.