The Muppets In Comics
Comic book readers, let’s talk about the Muppets. Yep, those felt-skinned puppets who’ve been wreaking delightful havoc since 1955. Sure, for the past 70 years, they conquered TV, movies, and even theme parks, but did you know the Muppets have a surprisingly robust comic book history? Let’s turn the page on these iconic appearances and see how Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the gang have left their mark in the panels.
First up, a nod to The Muppets Take Manhattan adaptation (1984). Yes, that cult classic movie got the comic book treatment, capturing all the hijinks of Kermit’s Broadway dreams. This adaptation condensed the film’s chaos into a series of colorful panels, proving you don’t need CGI to make Miss Piggy’s diva moments shine. Then there’s the utterly adorable Muppet Babies comic series, spun off from the animated Saturday Morning TV show of the same name. Marvel Comics brought the toddler versions of our favorite characters to life in the late ‘80s, complete with Nanny’s striped socks and imagination-fueled adventures. Whether it was Fozzie cracking jokes or Gonzo’s first experiments with chickens, this series was pure nostalgia on paper.
The entire 26-issue series along with the adaptation of the Muppets Take Manhattan are collected in The Muppets Omnibus hardcover [APR171135.]
Fast forward to the 21st century, and BOOM! Studios took the reins for a more modern take with The Muppet Show Comic Book in 2009. Written and illustrated by the brilliant Roger Langridge, these comics captured the backstage antics and zany skits of the Muppet Theater. Langridge’s sharp wit and knack for visual gags made this series a fan-favorite, earning Eisner nominations. Several additional Muppet-style adaptation mini-series were also created during this time including Muppet Snow White, Muppet Peter Pan, and Muppet Sherlock Holmes. Bonus: each issue came with amazing variant covers. Ever seen Kermit reimagined as a 1930s pulp hero? No? Well, you’re missing out.
Oh, and did we mention the Muppets’ Marvel/DC crossovers? Okay, fine, they don’t technically exist, but don’t tell us Animal isn’t basically the Hulk with drums. And who wouldn’t love a story of Miss Piggy fighting evil as Wonder Woman? (or is that Wonder Pig?)
From adaptations to all-new misadventures, the Muppets have proven their humor and heart translate beautifully to comic books. As they celebrate seven decades of chaos and friendship, let’s raise a toast (or a rubber chicken) to these iconic characters. Because the Muppets always deliver laughs - and maybe a few explosions. Wocka wocka!
