MaryannTheConqueror

Happy October! It’s finally that time again… doesn’t feel the slightest bit close to fall in my desert, but still the spooky season is near!

Autumn is a major source of inspiration for many creatives, thanks to its beautiful foliage and harvest seasons. Some of you may remember my Poptober drawing challenge from 2020. I’m here to announce an updated one for 2022, still with daily prompts to inspire your art.

Since I’m a little late on this one, we’ll go easy with the first prompt.

There are zero rules to this challenge. Any medium is totally fine, and you can interpret the prompts however you wish. If you’re swamped with projects or short on time, feel free to just do whichever days you’d like, or do a prompt for each week!

Speaking of drawings, maybe you can find some inspiration for your creative endeavors from the latest fan art features from Poptropica’s Instagram stories, at least for fall decorating… 🍁

Also, here’s a throwback to LJ’s Poptober 2020 gallery to inspire everyone in this month of drawing challenges!

Castori honorem ~ Maryann/Smart Bubbles

Fanfiction, The Villain Saga, Uncategorized

“The Villain Saga” – Episode 4, Part 3

September 14, 2022 MaryannTheConqueror

(Table of contents) (See previous)

CUT TO BARD standing alone in an elevator. A quick look at a camera shows he somehow bent it away from the corner he’s in.

As the elevator descends, time appears to slow a bit. BARD’S face turns more serious and contemplative, as he flexes his robotic hand a couple of times, studying how the joints move and react to his nerve signals. He’s gotten used to seeing it constantly for years, but sometimes he still has to notice the difference from what used to be there.

A plastic cup is spilled on the floor next to him, with soda and ice cubes leaking out. He picks up an ice cube in his left hand, his human hand, and holds it for a moment, feeling the cold. He switches it to his right, and keeps it pinched between his fingers with no discomfort.

BARD

(under his breath)

There are some things I’ve yet to learn to replicate.

Continue reading →

Fanfiction, The Villain Saga, Uncategorized

The Villain Saga – Episode 4, Part 2

August 30, 2022August 30, 2022 MaryannTheConqueror

(Table of contents) (See previous)

CUT TO HARE at the door of the lunchroom. The guards take off his handcuffs, release him, and quickly slam the door. HARE starts walking across cautiously, but quickly takes on his unbothered facade.

HARE

Morning El Mustachio. I see they haven’t got you to shave that off yet.

(Con’t)

Morning Gretchen. You seem as pleasant as ever, mind if I take that?

(He snatches one of GRETCHEN’S carrots before she can even start yelling)

Ugh, everything tastes like hand sanitizer here.

The door opens again, and in comes RINGMASTER RAVEN. He hides near the wall, ignoring the gazes of the other prisoners.

Continue reading →

Fanfiction, The Villain Saga

The Villain Saga – Episode 4, Part 1

August 9, 2022August 10, 2022 MaryannTheConqueror

(Table of contents) (See previous)

FADE IN.

INT. MOREAU AND D’S OFFICE

We open on the middle of a conversation between a GUARD and DIRECTOR D. and MOREAU, both of whom are at their desks.

GUARD

I’m going to be honest, it’s a really tricky situation…

(con’t)

I do think some of them can be helped, it’s just a matter of who.

Continue reading →

Poptropica Portfolio

Poptropica Portfolio: Lance Fry (Part 2!)

July 3, 2022June 29, 2022 MaryannTheConqueror

Hello Poptropicans! Welcome to a special addition to our Pop Portfolio series, in which we showcase the work of Pop Creators. This time, we’re featuring artist Lance Fry (whose portfolio we first saw in 2016)! 🍟

Mocktropica – Poptropica Worldwide Headquarters

Fun fact: Lance Pitcher, the designer from Mocktropica Island, is inspired by Lance Fry and Jonathan Pitcher, both Poptropica artists!

Anyway, like his Mocktropica counterpart, Lance left Poptropica for a while following staff cuts in 2018. However, he returned this May and is currently working remotely, according to his LinkedIn. Along with this, he’s also added new pieces to his design portfolio, so let’s jump in!

Lance appears to focus largely on background design, with only a few pieces featuring items and assets. He’s done the interiors for many areas, such as the cars in Mystery Train, Pop HQ in Mocktropica, and the Viking dining hall from Mystery of the Map.

While we often cover Poptropica’s storytelling or fun characters, we sometimes miss appreciating the stellar background art. Personally, I remember hanging out in different areas just to enjoy the environment. The color palettes are vibrant and synergize well, and everything fits the cartoony style while having impressive detail. Lance’s work certainly does not fall short in this! (Click to enlarge images!)

This updated portfolio is found on ArtStation, and most of the work comes from older islands. It’s nice to see familiar faces — er, names, I guess — among the Pop crew again!