I Hate Fairyland #45
This October, I Hate Fairyland #45 is set to drop anchor in uncharted territory, bringing none other than Popeye the Sailor Man into its madcap world. Eisner Award-winning creator Skottie Young is teaming up with guest cartoonist Jay Fosgitt for a spinach-fueled adventure that promises to be one of the series’ most memorable crossovers yet. Published by Image Comics, this issue continues the tradition of blending Young’s signature chaotic humor with beloved, iconic characters in a way that only Fairyland can. The news is sure to delight fans of both properties, merging the cynical, axe-wielding Gertrude with the good-natured, fist-fighting sailor.
For those unfamiliar, I Hate Fairyland is the perfect anything-goes playground for this kind of event. The series has always thrived on its ability to pull from the vast well of fairy tales and pop culture, twisting familiar tropes into something new and hilariously violent. This upcoming comic book is a prime example of that creative freedom in action.
What to Expect in I Hate Fairyland #45
The story finds our “heroine” Gert and her guide, Larry, sailing the high seas. Their quest is to track down a fearsome sea beast that might finally be the key to Gert’s escape from the relentlessly cheerful hellscape of Fairyland. As expected, they soon find themselves in over their heads and desperately in need of assistance. Their help arrives in the form of the world’s most famous sailor man, Popeye. How he ends up in Fairyland and why he decides to help Gert is anyone’s guess, but the combination is sure to result in comical mayhem.
Skottie Young expressed his excitement about the collaboration, particularly with guest artist Jay Fosgitt. “Jay is a great cartoonist and we’re lucky to have him on board with us,” Young said. “I know one of Jay’s favorite characters is Popeye and he can draw the heck out of him! And it just so happens that Popeye entered the Public Domain recently so it seemed fitting.” This a fantastic development for a series that embraces the absurd.
Public Domain and Parody
Young’s comment highlights a key element that makes these crossovers possible: public domain. With Popeye’s original comic strip incarnation now available for public use, creators can incorporate the character into their own works without navigating complex licensing deals. I Hate Fairyland has become a master of this, previously featuring characters like Dorothy and Toto, Pinocchio, Peter Pan, and even Steamboat Willie’s version of Mickey Mouse. These cameos are more than just sight gags; they’re a celebration of animation and comic history, filtered through Young’s uniquely dark and humorous lens.
This approach allows the series to constantly surprise its readers, ensuring that you never know who might show up next. It keeps the world feeling fresh and unpredictable, which is essential for a story about a character who has been trapped for decades. Fans of inventive storytelling should keep an eye on all the new comics coming from creator-owned publishers.
Creative Team:
- Creator: Skottie Young
- Guest Cartoonist: Jay Fosgitt
The issue will feature multiple variant comic book covers by both Fosgitt and Young, giving collectors plenty of options. You can find more information on this and other creator-owned titles at the official Image Comics website.
In conclusion, I Hate Fairyland #45 is shaping up to be a must-read issue for fans of indie comics, classic cartoons, and over-the-top humor. The inclusion of Popeye is a stroke of genius, promising a wild adventure that leverages the creative freedom of both the series and the public domain.
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