IDW Publishing and Sanrio are launching a new comic series featuring Hello Kitty and friends, starting with “HELLO KITTY: HELLO WORLD!” on July 22, 2026.

The press release follows:

Media Release – You can never have too many friends… and you can never have too many comic books!

IDW Publishing and Sanrio®? are proud to announce a partnership to bring kawaii to the comic book industry with supercute HELLO KITTY comics that can be enjoyed by fans of all ages. As one of the most beloved pop culture icons in the world, Hello Kitty® has been spreading friendship, kindness and joy for generations.

Cover art by Min Ho Kim

The new series begins with HELLO KITTY: HELLO WORLD!, a brand-new comic book series featuring a classic and lovable depiction of Sanrio’s characters as Hello Kitty® and Friends go on a world tour to solve a riddle. As they discover new riddles around the globe, they will also meet new characters in every single issue! From Eisner Award-winning writer Mariko Tamaki (This One Summer, Zatanna: Bring Down the House) and animated artist Cody Lemieux (Despite, Despite, Despite, Gnome Granny), the debut issue goes on sale July 22, 2026 - the same week as San Diego Comic-Con!

“It’s truly an honor to team up with Sanrio to create HELLO KITTY comics,” commented Davidi Jonas, CEO of IDW Publishing. “We’re thrilled to craft comics that celebrate the cute and fun spirit of the franchise while uplifting readers of every age. We can’t wait for these comics to bring inspiring and joyful stories to comic shops everywhere.”

Cover art by Justine King

“It’s time! Hello Kitty and her friends are coming to the comic world with IDW,”?exclaimed Associate Editor Bixie Mathieu. ”These beloved characters have been delighting fans for generations, and it’s easy to see why– their joy, whimsy, and friendship make for uplifting storytelling! With so many talented people pouring their hearts into these series, we promise longtime and new fans alike that these stories will be a delight, from the core of their storytelling to the exuberant art on the page! If you’re interested in a heartfelt reading experience unlike anything else, hello!”

Following HELLO KITTY: HELLO WORLD! will be more comics - and crossovers - arriving in 2027. More information about HELLO KITTY: HELLO WORLD! and new comic book titles will be revealed soon.

About IDW Publishing

IDW (IDWM:OTC) is a leading media company providing uniquely compelling stories and characters in various genres for global audiences across all entertainment platforms. The award-winning IDW Publishing and IDW Entertainment divisions holistically evaluate and acquire IP for franchise development across comics and graphic novels, television, theatrical, merchandise, and other entertainment platforms, in addition to bringing world-renowned storytelling to life with our creative partners.

About Sanrio®

Sanrio® is the global lifestyle brand and home to Hello Kitty®, created in 1974, and many other beloved character brands such as My Melody™, Kuromi™, LittleTwinStars™, Cinnamoroll™, Pompompurin™, gudetama™, Aggretsuko™, Chococat™, Badtz-Maru™ and Keroppi™. Sanrio was founded on the philosophy that a small gift can bring happiness and friendship to people of all ages. Since 1960, this philosophy has served as the inspiration to offer quality products, services and activities that promote communication and inspire unique consumer experiences across the world. Today, Sanrio’s business extends into the entertainment industry with several content series, gaming offerings and theme parks. Sanrio boasts an extensive product lineup which is available in over 130 countries. Sanrio hopes to bring smiles to everyone’s faces with their vision of “One World, Connecting Smiles.” To learn more about Sanrio, please visit www.sanrio.com and follow @sanrio and @hellokitty on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Pinterest and subscribe to the Hello Kitty and Friends YouTube Channel.

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