Bazooka Bubble Gum History
It was after World War II ended that Topps developed its Bazooka
bubble gum product in Brooklyn, New York. It was named after the
humorous musical instrument which entertainer Bob Burns had
fashioned from two gas pipes and a funnel in the 1930s. (This
contraption also gave its name to the armor-piercing weapon
developed during the War.)
Bazooka, with its distinctive name, taste, and red, white and
blue logo and packaging, soon became a familiar part of Americana.
As a matter of fact, a psychological study of tastes and smells
that bring back memories found that one of the most frequently
identified items was Bazooka Bubble Gum.
Bazooka is also famous for the popular series of Bazooka Joe
comics, first introduced in 1953 to add extra interest for
youngsters. There are 500 to 700 different comics that Topps has
developed over the years, and a new series of 75 Bazooka Joe comics
are in the market right now. Besides reading them, thousands of
children each year send in for the premiums offered on these
comics.
Bazooka itself is now available in a wide variety of flavors and
forms, including Original, Grape, and Strawberry Shake flavors, as
well as Sugarless Bazooka. Bazooka Blasts, with "Super Flavor
Crystals," provides longer lasting, more intense flavor.