Since the mid-1970s, few mascots have been as iconic or as lasting as Sanrio’s adorable flagship anthropomorphic cat, Hello Kitty. From partnerships with massive, instantly recognizable global brands, to starring in countless anime series and films, there’s little Hello Kitty hasn’t done since her introduction over 50 years ago.
Now, an all-new era is about to begin for Kitty White and friends. In a collaboration between Sanrio and American comic publisher IDW Publishing, a new line of Hello Kitty comic books will launch in 2026, followed by further collaborations between the two companies scheduled to arrive in 2027.
Hello Kitty Is Embarking on a New Comic Adventure this Summer
The Iconic Sanrio Mascot Is Set to Star in a New Comic Book Series in 2026
Hello Kitty was designed by artist Yuko Shimizu, and made her debut in 1975, when she was featured on a vinyl coin purse in Japan. Since then, she’s found her way onto endless pieces of merchandise, clothing, and just about any item a person could imagine. However, 2026 will mark a new era for Hello Kitty in more ways than one.
Recently, it was announced that Yuko Yamaguchi, the lead designer for Hello Kitty since 1980, would be stepping down from her position, leaving another designer known as Aya in charge. And now, Hello Kitty and Friends will be embarking on an all-new comic book adventure this summer.
Hello Kitty’s First Major 2026 Collab Is Completely Cute in the Most Unhinged Way
Hello Kitty’s first 2026 brand collaboration may come as a huge shock to Sanrio fans, but it is the perfect unhinged way to start the new year.
Per Variety, Hello Kitty: Hello World will debut on July 22nd, taking Sanrio’s lovable characters on a new adventure touring the world, solving riddles, and meeting new friends. Hello Kitty: Hello World is being written by Mariko Tamaki, and drawn by artist Cody Lemieux.
Hello Kitty has been featured in a number of comic books and manga series, including 2013’s Hello Kitty: Here We Go!, a graphic novel series published in full color by Viz Media. The upcoming release of Hello Kitty: Hello World is set to coincide with San Diego Comic Con in July.
Another Major Hello Kitty Production Is Scheduled to Follow Sanrio’s Upcoming Comic Series
Hello Kitty Will Land on the Big Screen in 2028
Sanrio fans have quite a bit to look forward to in the coming years. News of Hello Kitty: Hello World‘s release has come following the reveal of an all-new Hello Kitty film from New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Entertainment, which has been in production for some time and is scheduled to premiere in July 2028.
Hello Kitty and Friends have embarked on a number of adventures across all forms of entertainment over the last five-plus decades, and it seems Sanrio’s iconic characters are more popular now than they’ve ever been before. Fans won’t want to miss their latest journey in Hello Kitty: Hello World, scheduled for release this summer.
- Created by
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Yuko Shimizu
- First Film
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Hello Kitty: Cinderella (1989)
- Latest Film
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Hello Kitty in The Sleeping Princess (1991)
- Upcoming Films
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Hello Kitty
- First TV Show
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Hello Kitty’s Furry Tale Theater (1987)
- Latest TV Show
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Hello Kitty: Super Style! (2022)
Hello Kitty is a globally recognized character created by Yuko Shimizu in 1974 for Sanrio. Initially designed for children, its popularity expanded to teens and adults, becoming a major part of kawaii culture. Depicted as a friendly, anthropomorphic cat from London, Hello Kitty has appeared in numerous animated series, comics, films, and video games. The brand is known for extensive merchandising, with over 50,000 products worldwide.
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