From Gotham to Brisbane, Bluey Redesigned by DC Comics

Since gracing our screens on Disney+ and Disney Junior, Bluey has become one of the most recognizable figures in cartoon history. With her astounding pedigree and playful adventures, it was only a matter of time before someone outside of Disney and the BBC took notice.

Bluey and Chilli underneath a double rainbow — Credit: Ludo Studios

Along with figures like Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh, Bluey is one of the most prevalent characters in modern animation, thanks to the worldwide phenomenon from Bluey creator Joe Brumm. While Brumm made the show’s blocky design iconic, he’s not the only artist with an interest in the cartoon dog from Brisbane.

Among the thousands of fans who continue to make the show one of the most popular programs on streaming, one such fan commissioned a unique piece of fan art from a very famous source. How iconic does a character have to be when one of the heads of DC Comics gets involved?

From Batman to Bluey

A comic book illustration of Batman standing on a rooftop in Gotham City. He is wearing a black and gray suit with a bat emblem on his chest and a flowing cape. The Gotham cityscape in the background features tall buildings and a cloudy sky, capturing the moody atmosphere perfectly. — Credit: DC Comics

Although most of the world might know who Bluey is, the name “Jim Lee” might go over a few heads… Unless they’re well-versed in the realm of superheroes and comic books.

If you don’t know his name, you more than likely know his work. Making a name for himself on titles like X-Men and Batman, Jim Lee is the current President, Publisher, and Chief Creative Officer of DC Comics. Known for his dynamic artwork and influence on multiple superheroes, Lee is one of the most respected and sought-after artists in the comic book world.

Recently, Lee was commissioned by a Bluey superfan to create artwork featuring the beloved blue heeler decked out in Star Wars regalia, reportedly fetching a price of $20,000. The artwork below showed fans a very different side of Bluey, but one that stands as a visual demonstration of how wide her fan-following stretches.

Jim Lee's commissioned art of Bluey — Credit: Jim Lee

The $20K comment was made in jest on Instagram, as Lee created this piece for a young fan after his original art agent announced that he would be taking commissions for the first time in years. Along with the artwork, Lee joked in the following comment:

“20K is 20K#IYKYK. I believe this is ‘BLUEY’, but not entirely sure. Happy belated birthday, Emma.”

Lee is still taking commissions for interested collectors, but his abilities and talents stretch far beyond our beloved dog from Brisbane. Although he has done work on iconic characters like Batman, Wolverine, and Superman, he’s perhaps best known as the creator of the X-Men’s Gambit and Batman’s Hush.

Mixed Media

Bluey meets Jean Luc in Camping — Credit: Ludo Studios

Similar to how heroes like Batman, Superman, and the X-Men elevated what comic books could do as an art form, so too has Bluey changed the face of kids’ media. As Batman helped redefine comic books with his dark and mysterious narratives, Bluey brought a more personal and emotional element into an often underestimated medium.

As demonstrated by a young comic book fan, Bluey can affect even one of the most skilled artists in a completely different field. No matter whose hand holds the pen, Bluey and her immense influence can’t be contained in her animated series alone.

Would you read a Bluey comic book? Tell Inside the Magic what you think in the comments below!