Popeye Comic Strip Series Launches Ahead of 2026 Parade Return
King Features and writer Randy Milholland began a four-part Popeye strip on November 1, 2026, as the sailor returns to the Macy's parade.
King Features and Popeye comic strip writer Randy Milholland launched a four-part comic strip series on November 1, 2026, following the sailor's road to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The strips are scheduled to continue on November 8, 15 and 22.
Popeye, Olive Oyl and Swee'Pea will return to the parade's balloon lineup in 2026, the 100th edition of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The new float combines elements of the original 1957 balloon design with a modern look.
The comic series follows Popeye's path to the parade, with Bluto featured as his rival.
A character nearly a century old
Popeye first appeared in E.C. Segar's comic strip Thimble Theatre on January 17, 1929. He made his Macy's parade debut in 1939, during the 16th annual parade, on a float shaped like his sailing vessel, and his last parade appearance was in 1968.
Popeye's legacy spans more than 97 years, according to screenrant.com.
Quick answers
When does the Popeye comic strip series run?
The first strip was published on November 1, 2026, with the remaining three scheduled for November 8, 15 and 22.
When is Popeye returning to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade?
Popeye, Olive Oyl and Swee'Pea return to the balloon lineup in 2026, the 100th edition of the parade.