New World Premiere Exhibits Celebrating Classic Characters
As Comic-Con Museum’s parent convention approaches, the Museum is debuting two new never-before-seen exhibits, 20 Years of Kawaii & Chaos highlighting tokidoki, and Growing up Luann: 40 Years of Comics, opened Monday, June 30, in Balboa Park.
“We’re honored to be the home of two celebratory milestones: 40 years of the Luann comic strip and 20 years of the tokidoki brand,” said Comic-Con Museum’s Executive Director Rita Vandergaw. “We look forward to Comic-Con Museum visitors from around the globe, who will be the first to experience these nostalgic and inspirational exhibits.”
Global pop culture art and lifestyle brand tokidoki proudly announces its landmark retrospective exhibition, 20 Years of Kawaii & Chaos, opening at Comic-Con Museum.
It celebrates two decades of tokidoki’s bold fusion of Japanese-inspired “kawaii” (cute) aesthetics with edgy, streetwise design. Since its founding in 2005, tokidoki has become a worldwide phenomenon, captivating fans with its vibrant characters, fashion-forward collaborations, and a universe where sweetness meets rebellion.
“When I started drawing these characters, I never imagined they would travel the world and mean so much to so many people,” said tokidoki co-founder and artist Simone Legno. “This exhibit is a chance to look back at the art, the chaos, the fun, and the love that brought tokidoki to life—and to share it with the fans who made it all possible.”
This special exhibition invites visitors to journey through the evolution of tokidoki—from rare collectibles and original fine art, to large-scale statues.
“tokidoki was born from a shared dream to create something joyful, disruptive, and deeply personal,” said tokidoki co-founder and CEO Pooneh Mohajer. “Over the past 20 years, we’ve built a beloved brand with a global community of passionate fans who see themselves in our characters. This exhibition is a tribute to that journey—and a celebration of everything still to come.”
On March 17, 1985, a 13-year-old girl named Luann DeGroot first appeared in 79 newspapers in a comic strip called Luann, nervously navigating the universal trials of teenage life. Forty years later, Luann has become one of comics’ most enduring and beloved comic strips, connecting family and friends around the world.
“Luann was inspired by watching my five-year-old daughter Karen strut around in her mother’s heels and makeup,” said Luann cartoonist and creator Greg Evans. “Over the years, Luann became more than just a comic strip—it became a daily companion for anyone who ever felt uncertain about themselves, their appearance, or their place in the world.”
An award-winning and celebrated cartoonist, Evans was honored with Comic-Con International’s Inkpot Award in 2005, which is given to individuals for their contributions to the worlds of comics, science fiction/fantasy, film, television, animation, and fandom service.
For four decades, millions of readers have grown up alongside Luann, sharing her awkward moments, relationship dramas, and identity crises. The intimate showcase features original artwork, fan contributions, and the story behind the comic that continues to evolve today.
Comic-Con Museum tickets can be purchased at comic-con.org/museum or at the door and include admission to the entire Museum.
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