The Bazooka Joe writer's strike Photo of Bazooka Joe joke writers striking outside of Bazooka Joe Corporate Offices in 1976. In 1975, the gag writers of gum wrappers across the country went on strike. Demanding greater creative control and more respect in the production process, these writers everywhere threw down their pens and took to the streets. It was a gumtastrophe. No gum manufacturer was harder hit by this strike than the Bazooka Joe Company. With the strike flag hoisted, 9,000 Bazooka Joe writers left their desks for the picket lines, taking Bazooka Joe's trademark zingers, one-liners and irreverent quips with them. Without writers, the CEO of Bazooka Joe, Tennessee Ned, was forced to write the comics himself. However, not being a particularly funny man, the comics lacked a certain something-- namely humor. Indeed, when asked in an interview what he thought was funny, Mr. Ned answered, "A goat kicking a baby." To make matters worse, Mr. Ned was going through a bitter divorce at the time, which--unfortunately-- influenced many of his comics. It wasn't until November of 1977, when the strike finally ended, that the writers came back and shortly thereafter Bazooka Joe reclaimed his rightful place atop the comedy throne. In remembering the anniversary of this event, the Produce Section has uncovered a few of these rare Tennessee Ned Bazooka Joe comics. They offer a small glimpse into the turbulent period known simply as "The Bubble Trouble Years." Enjoy.