Cool Cats has evolved from a niche NFT collection into a dynamic entertainment brand with global reach. What began as a digital art project in 2021 has blossomed into an expanding universe of animations, manga, physical collectibles, and immersive fan experiences. In 2024, Cool Cats is no longer just about blockchain—it’s about storytelling, community, and cultural impact.
This comprehensive guide dives into the origins, evolution, and future of Cool Cats, offering insight into how one of web3’s most ambitious projects is bridging the gap between digital ownership and mainstream entertainment.
What Are Cool Cats?
Cool Cats is a collection of 9,999 unique cartoon-style NFT avatars built on the Ethereum blockchain. Each avatar features the iconic Blue Cat character, customized with a wide range of traits including clothing, hairstyles, accessories, and rare attributes. These digital collectibles are more than just profile pictures—they represent membership in a growing creative ecosystem.
The project was co-founded by four key individuals:
- Colin Egan (Clon) – Chief artist and original creator of the Blue Cat character.
- Evan Luza (Elu) – Creative director shaping the brand’s visual and narrative identity.
- Tom Williamson (xtremetom) – Former blockchain expert and technical lead.
- Rob Mehew (Lynqoid) – Former project manager overseeing day-to-day operations.
While Tom and Rob stepped away from the project in April 2023, Clon and Elu remain at the helm, driving Cool Cats toward its next phase of growth. The roots of Blue Cat trace back over a decade to Clon’s high school illustrations, refined through years of iteration into the beloved character known today.
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The Evolution of Cool Cats: From NFTs to Pop Culture
Launch and Early Success (2021)
Cool Cats officially minted on July 1, 2021, priced at 0.06 ETH per NFT (approximately $150 at the time). Initial sales were slow—only 300 mints—but the team quickly adjusted by lowering the price to 0.02 ETH, triggering a sellout within eight hours.
The project gained immediate traction when boxing legend Mike Tyson set a Cool Cat as his Twitter profile picture just eight days after launch. This celebrity endorsement was followed by support from figures like Reese Witherspoon, Alexis Ohanian, and Steve Aoki, catapulting Cool Cats into the spotlight.
By early 2022, Cool Cats ranked 11th in all-time NFT sales, with over $290 million** in transaction volume and an all-time high floor price of **$92,000.
Expanding the Universe: Cool Pets & $MILK Token
In early 2022, Cool Cats introduced Cool Pets, a companion NFT collection of 19,999 unique digital pets. Half were reserved for existing Cool Cats holders; the rest were available publicly. Each pet started as an egg and could hatch into one of four elemental types—Grass, Fire, Water, or Air—through interactions on the Cooltopia platform.
Alongside this came $MILK**, the ecosystem token that rewarded users for completing daily quests or holding Cool Cats NFTs. Although both **Cooltopia** and **$MILK were retired in July 2023 due to shifting strategic priorities, they laid important groundwork for community engagement and gamification.
Strategic Leadership and Brand Reinvention
In September 2022, Stephen Teglas, former SVP at Disney and Warner Bros., joined as CEO. Though his tenure was brief, he led a major rebranding effort that modernized Cool Cats’ visual identity and positioned it for broader cultural relevance.
That same year, Cool Cats launched real-world activations like Cooltopia NYC, a pop-up experience in New York City that brought fans together for immersive events—a clear signal that the brand aimed to transcend digital boundaries.
Major Partnerships and Media Expansion
Cool Cats continued building momentum through high-profile collaborations:
- Partnered with OneFootball to launch Cool Cats FC, a football-themed NFT experience.
- Introduced new companion collections: SideKX and Shadow Wolves.
- Announced a strategic alliance with Futureverse, though this partnership later faced criticism after the cancellation of its flagship game in summer 2023.
Despite setbacks, Cool Cats maintained forward motion. In November 2023, the brand made history by appearing in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, reaching an estimated 28.5 million viewers worldwide—a pivotal moment in mainstream recognition.
Cool Cats Enters Animation and Manga (2024)
2024 marks a transformative year for Cool Cats with two major content milestones:
"The Milk Chug" Animated Series
Produced in collaboration with acclaimed animation studio Titmouse, The Milk Chug is Cool Cats’ first official animated series. Premiering in September 2024, the show features a 13-episode debut season released weekly. Early episodes have drawn strong engagement—Episode 5 surpassed 100,000 views within 48 hours, signaling growing audience interest.
This venture into animation underscores Cool Cats’ ambition to become a household name beyond web3 circles.
Manga Series with Kodansha
In July 2024, Cool Cats announced a landmark partnership with Kodansha, the legendary Japanese publisher behind global hits like Attack on Titan and Akira. The collaboration will produce a serialized manga based on the Blue Cat character, introducing the franchise to anime and manga fans worldwide.
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Challenges and Community Trust
Despite its successes, Cool Cats has faced criticism. The Futureverse partnership fallout—particularly the abrupt cancellation of their first major game—sparked concerns about project direction and accountability. Several core team members departed around the same time, amplifying community skepticism.
However, Clon’s consistent presence and transparent communication have helped rebuild trust. His long-term vision—to make Blue Cat a globally recognized cartoon icon—resonates deeply with dedicated holders who believe in the project’s potential.
What’s Next for Cool Cats?
With momentum building across multiple entertainment verticals, Cool Cats is poised for further expansion. While official details remain under wraps, the team has hinted at several upcoming developments:
- New Interactive Experiences: Though Sapphire Town was canceled, plans for future digital playgrounds are in motion.
- Expanded Physical Merchandise: High-quality apparel, toys, and collectibles continue to be a priority.
- More Animated Content: If The Milk Chug performs well, additional seasons or spin-offs are likely.
- Live Events: Fans are eager for another large-scale Cooltopia event following the success of the 2022 NYC pop-up.
Even without matching the floor prices of top-tier NFT peers like Bored Ape Yacht Club or Azuki, Cool Cats stands out through content depth and cultural reach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What blockchain is Cool Cats built on?
Cool Cats NFTs are built on the Ethereum blockchain as ERC-721 tokens, ensuring secure ownership and interoperability across decentralized platforms.
How many Cool Cats NFTs exist?
There are exactly 9,999 unique Cool Cats in existence. No additional mints have been created since the original sale.
What happened to $MILK and Cooltopia?
Both the $MILK token and the Cooltopia platform were officially retired in July 2023. The team shifted focus toward content creation and partnerships rather than token-based gamification.
Who owns Cool Cats now?
The brand is currently led by co-founders Colin Egan (Clon) and Evan Luza (Elu). They oversee creative direction and long-term strategy.
Is Cool Cats still relevant in 2024?
Absolutely. With its animated series The Milk Chug, Kodansha manga deal, Macy’s parade appearance, and CAA representation, Cool Cats has cemented itself as one of the most culturally active NFT brands in 2024.
Can I use my Cool Cat NFT commercially?
Yes—Cool Cats grants full commercial rights to NFT holders. This allows owners to create merchandise, art, animations, and other revenue-generating projects using their specific cat design.
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Final Thoughts: Beyond the Hype
Cool Cats is no longer just an NFT project—it’s an evolving entertainment brand with real-world influence. From viral moments on social media to prime-time television exposure and international publishing deals, it has consistently pushed the boundaries of what a web3-native IP can achieve.
Its journey reflects both the volatility and potential of digital collectibles: early hype gave way to challenges, but through resilience and creative vision, Cool Cats has emerged stronger than ever.
As animation gains traction and manga expands its global footprint, Blue Cat may soon join the ranks of beloved cartoon icons—not because of blockchain trends, but because of compelling stories and passionate fans.
For collectors, creators, and pop culture enthusiasts alike, Cool Cats in 2024 represents the future of digital storytelling—where ownership meets imagination.
Core Keywords: Cool Cats, NFT collection, Blue Cat, Ethereum NFTs, The Milk Chug, Cool Pets, Kodansha manga, web3 entertainment