Popular Poptropican: MaryannTheConqueror

Howdy doodly Poptropicans, it’s LJ back with the another Popular Poptropican interview. This time I’ll be interviewing one of our newest authors, Maryann — the mastermind behind this year’s April Fools’ prank, resident Bard stan, and creator of the fan fiction “The Villain Saga”.

1. What do you enjoy about blogging with the PHB?

Besides having an incredible and friendly team, I just like being able to participate so much in this community! Many fans including myself have looked up to it as basically the center of the Pop Fandom, and I’m very honored to be a part of it now after years of reading it.

2. What advice would you give to aspiring bloggers or writers in general that you wish you had starting out?

This is definitely connected to my personal experience, but don’t be afraid of waiting a bit to achieve your goals — whether they be starting a fan blog, publishing a book, or anything of the sort. I really wanted to write Pop blogs during the time I was too young to be on social media, and it made me feel like a failure. If you start writing a series and it doesn’t get the attention you hoped it would, or life gets in the way of starting that really cool project, it’s okay to focus on smaller things to hone your craft until you’re ready.

3. What is your favorite island and villain?

Oh wow. This is a toughie. Hmmmm….HMMM…Okay, but in all seriousness I’m not exactly the most subtle about this on the PHC or even here! The answer is of course Astro Knights and Binary Bard! That part of Pop has continued to influence my interests and creative projects to this day, and I will fight for more Poptropica representation of Mordred because he is the most interesting and well-written and that is a hill I will die on.

4. What challenge in the game has been the hardest to complete in your opinion?

I’ve never been the best at puzzles. I had to rely on guides for basically every single island! That being said, Virus Hunter was probably the most grueling. While Skullduggery had the repetitive trading and Astro-Knights the notorious boss battles, Virus Hunter had something they didn’t–really horrible glitches. I’m not sure if it was just me, but the bugs in that island nearly made it impossible for me, and ten times more frustrating than the usual hard island!

5. What is your favorite feature (still here or gone) from the many years of Poptropica?

I just love the little additions in different islands, such as the flying in Super Power or that sweet elevator music in Night Watch. And of course being able to just fly around in your rocket in Astro Knights even after completing the island. I wouldn’t say I have a favorite, I just like anything that makes the world feel more interactive, even if it doesn’t add much story wise!

6. What is your favorite Poptropica item?

I really like the Capes N’ Cowls costume set. It’s cool to see animated costume pieces, and I even have one on my character! (Honorable mention to the Mordred-Princess outfit because it’s perty.)

7. What is your favorite Poptropica easter egg/secret/reference?

Okay, I’m just gonna say the Mocktropica trash bin characters (actually scrap that how about just ALL of Mocktropica) because it’s obvious, but another thing I really enjoyed finding during my digging through the Creator’s blog was all the extra bits of villain backstories you can find during the 2011 Villain Showdown. It’s almost a bit sad how some of those parts of their stories usually never got brought up again.

(LJ: You can friend her on Poptropica with the username mdp686!)

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🌟 Would you like to be the next Popular Poptropican? 🌟

To nominate yourself or someone you know, send me an email at [email protected] or a private message on Discord with the following:

• the name of your nominee (a Poptropica name or other screen name)
• a reason why your nominee should be the next Popular Poptropican

As always, thank you so much for reading and I’ll see you in the next one. Pop on!

– LJ 🍀