Rob Reger

Rob Reger is the creator of Emily the Strange, a fictional character who has appeared in a wide range of media including comic books, graphic novels, and merchandise. Reger's company, Cosmic Debris Etc. Inc., based in San Francisco, developed the character. While Reger received permission to use the character design, the initial concept originated with Nathan Carrico in 1991 for Santa Cruz Skateboards. Emily the Strange has been published by various houses such as Chronicle Books, Dark Horse Comics, and HarperCollins, with significant comic book series and young adult novels bearing her image. The franchise also boasts extensive merchandising, including clothing and accessories, and has seen various adaptations and attempts at film and television projects. The character's distinctive appearance and cynical sayings have contributed to her enduring popularity.

Rob Reger is credited with creating Emily the Strange, a character who has become a significant cultural figure across various media. Reger's company, Cosmic Debris Etc. Inc., based in San Francisco, brought Emily to life. The character's visual design traces back to 1991, when Nathan Carrico initially conceived Emily for Santa Cruz Skateboards, appearing on professional skater Ross Goodman's skateboard graphics. Reger obtained the rights to use this design, building the Emily the Strange franchise around it. This collaboration and subsequent development have led to a diverse array of publications and products, establishing Emily as a distinct brand.

The character of Emily the Strange has been featured in numerous print publications from prominent publishers including Chronicle Books, Dark Horse Comics, and HarperCollins. Chronicle Books released a series of hardback graphic novellas, while Dark Horse Comics produced an extensive comic book series and collected editions between 2005 and 2013. HarperCollins also published a young adult novel series co-written by Reger and Jessica Gruner. Beyond print, Emily has appeared in various forms of media, including animations and has been the subject of several film development attempts by studios like Universal Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures Animation. Her image has also been integrated into album art and other creative projects.

The Emily the Strange franchise extends far beyond its literary and comic origins, encompassing a vast merchandising catalog. This includes a wide array of products such as clothing, stationery, stickers, and fashion accessories, all featuring Emily's signature look and often accompanied by her characteristic cynical sayings like "Get Lost" or "Be All You Can't Be." Cosmic Debris operated flagship stores for the brand, and partnerships with various companies like The Damned, Jones Soda, and Gibson Guitars have further expanded its reach. High-fashion designers have also drawn inspiration from the character, and celebrities have been seen wearing the brand, cementing Emily the Strange's status as a multifaceted cultural phenomenon.

The origins of Emily the Strange have been a subject of discussion, particularly concerning similarities to characters from earlier works. The character Rosamond from the children's book 'Nate the Great Goes Undercover' (1978) shares visual and thematic elements with Emily, including a similar dress, dark hair, and a retinue of black cats, along with descriptive text that mirrors early Emily the Strange taglines. This resemblance led to legal disputes between the creators of Emily the Strange and the estate of Rosamond's creators. Ultimately, a settlement was reached in 2009, with both parties acknowledging the uniqueness of their respective characters and agreeing to resolve all claims, allowing the Emily the Strange franchise to continue its trajectory.

“Emily did not look tired or happy. She looked like she always looks. Strange.”

“In the past, it's been us describing her. This is the first time anybody gets to hear how she talks to herself and her cats.”

“We recognize that Emily and Rosamond are both unique and original characters, and we are pleased that we were able to resolve this dispute.”

“We wish Rob, Cosmic Debris, Emily and her fans all the very best.”